Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have warned that when suspended particulate matter (SPM) 2.5 increases in the atmosphere, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis aggravate in a patient.
This was found in a study conducted by the Institute on 500 patients who have been residing in Delhi for more than 10 years. It found that symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis got aggravated during November and December. The report was released ahead of the World Arthritis Day on October 12.
“We collected data on air quality from the Indian Meteorological Department in New Delhi for the past few years and then tracked patients undergoing treatment for rheumatoid arthritis here at AIIMS. It was found that when the particulate matter in air was high, more disease activity was found in the patients,’’ said Professor Uma Kumar, Head of Department and Professor of Rheumatology Medicine at AIIMS.
The study — funded by the Department of Science and Technology — noted that symptoms in patients worsened in November and December when suspended particulate matter (SPM) 2.5 increases in the atmosphere. Patients showed worsening of symptoms like joint pain and swelling.
The study, conducted as part of a project on climate change, was jointly conducted by the Rheumatology Department at AIIMS and the Meteorological Department between 2008 and 2013.
Arthritis remains the most common cause of disability in the community. Approximately 12-18 per cent (18 million) of population in India suffers from some or the other form of rheumatic disease. Despite this, it is not given its due recognition.
Changing lifestyle and urbanisation is significantly contributing to increasing prevalence of arthritis. Lack of awareness of these medical illnesses among people contributes to significant delay in diagnosis and treatment, which ultimately results in joint deformities, multiple-organ failure and early death.
Medical experts say rheumatologic disorders are the most disabling and deforming diseases, and in India people are less aware of the disease. Delay in the treatment can lead to the joint deformity and irreversible organ damage. Swollen, tender joints and increased duration of early morning stiffness is some of the symptoms of the disease.
