On Tuesday 12 October, World Rheumatism Day, the RA League draws attention to RA, one of the most important forms of rheumatism. Rheumatoid arthritis is still too often diagnosed too late. “The sooner someone gets a diagnosis, the less chance of permanent damage and loss of function,” says Jeannine Engelen, president of the organization and a RA patient herself.
RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. It often affects the wrists, hands and feet, but in principle the disease can also affect the heart, lungs, skin, eyes and blood vessels. “The stereotype of the 50-year-old woman with painful joints still too often dominates our image of RA. Young and old, male and female, the autoimmune disease can appear in any of us,” says Engelen. “Even children don’t escape the dance.”
Medication can counteract permanent damage from the disease, provided patients receive a timely diagnosis. However, GPs or even specialists don’t always immediately think of RA, says the association.
Rapid diagnosis is important
He wants to create more awareness about the disease with a campaign. Symbol is an ‘orange button’. “For many RA patients, tying a simple knot is sometimes an almost impossible task. The sooner someone gets a diagnosis, the less chance of permanent damage and loss of function,” says Engelen.
“As soon as the first symptoms appear, the clock is ticking,” Engelen adds. “It is sometimes said ‘hurry and urgency is rarely good’, but in this case the rule is: the sooner the diagnosis, the better.”
RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. It often affects the wrists, hands and feet, but in principle the disease can also affect the heart, lungs, skin, eyes and blood vessels. “The stereotype of the 50-year-old woman with painful joints still too often dominates our image of RA. Young and old, male and female, the autoimmune disease can appear in any of us,” says Engelen. “Even children don’t escape the dance.” Medication can counteract permanent damage from the disease, but only if patients are diagnosed in time. However, GPs or even specialists don’t always immediately think of RA, says the association. He wants to create more awareness about the disease with a campaign. Symbol is an ‘orange button’. “For many RA patients, tying a simple knot is sometimes an almost impossible task. The sooner someone gets a diagnosis, the less chance of permanent damage and loss of function,” says Engelen. “As soon as the first symptoms appear, the clock is ticking,” Engelen adds. “It is sometimes said ‘hurry and urgency is rarely good’, but in this case the rule is: the sooner the diagnosis, the better.”
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