Raising awareness about rheumatology Disease In Children, communities around the world are coming together to shed light on the challenges faced by young patients with arthritis and their families. The 2024 theme, “Unlocking Hope”, emphasizes the importance of early detection, proper diagnosis and continued support for children suffering from rheumatic diseases.
Impact of rheumatic diseases on children
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Himanshi Chaudhary, Consultant Clinical Immunology and Pediatric Rheumatology at Alpha Superspeciality Clinic, shared, “Children suffering from arthritis often experience pain, swelling and stiffness in their joints. This may affect their mobility and daily activities. Joint involvement may result in reduced mobility, which may affect the child’s ability to participate in physical activities, sports, and other age-appropriate activities.
She revealed, “Simple tasks like dressing, grooming and writing can be challenging for children with arthritis. Flare-ups and medical appointments can result in missed school days, affecting a child’s academic performance. Chronic conditions can have a psychological impact on children, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also affect their self-esteem and social relationships. Managing a chronic illness in a child can be emotionally challenging for families. Parents and caregivers may need to invest significant time and effort in coordinating care, attending appointments, and providing emotional support.
Early testing: the key to better results
Medical experts emphasize the importance of early detection in effectively managing pediatric arthritis diseases. Dr Himanshi Chaudhary said, “Unfortunately, these conditions are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leading to delays in intervention and leaving young patients suffering for a long time. It is important for children with rheumatological diseases to receive comprehensive and multidisciplinary care involving pediatric rheumatologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, nutritionists, and other health care professionals. A supportive and understanding environment at home and school can also play an important role in managing the impact of these diseases on the child’s life.
It is our collective responsibility to raise awareness, break down barriers, and provide support to children facing arthritis challenges. Dr. Himanshi Choudhary stressed, “By unlocking hope through education, early detection and community involvement, we can create a world where every child will have the opportunity to thrive regardless of their health conditions. “Let us together pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all young warriors battling arthritis.”
Busting myths and dispelling misconceptions
Many people associate arthritis and related conditions with the elderly, ignoring the fact that children can also be affected. Dr. Himanshi Chaudhary said, “Educating the public about the early signs and symptoms of pediatric rheumatological diseases is paramount. These conditions often manifest differently in children than in adults, making it important for parents, caregivers, and teachers to be aware of potential indicators. These conditions affect the joints, connective tissues, and sometimes other organs, causing a variety of symptoms and potential complications.
According to him, some of the signs and symptoms associated with rheumatological diseases in children are as follows:
1. Pain in joints, swelling in joints, stiffness in the body in the morning.
2. Chronic back pain, especially in the morning
3. Eye swelling
4. Frequent mouth ulcers
5. Muscle weakness
6. Skin tightening
7. Skin turning blue
8. Prolonged, recurring, or unexplained fever
9. Long lasting, recurring and unexplained rashes
10. Unexplained low platelets, low blood cells, low hemoglobin
11. Unexplained kidney disease, heart disease