Spotlight Of Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness And Its Impact
22 January 2025
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Many people mistakenly assume joint pain is simply a natural part of ageing, often overlooking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a potential cause. RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect individuals at any age, not just older adults. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated in 2019 that over 18 million people worldwide live with RA, highlighting its global prevalence.
In Malaysia, RA is a significant condition, with studies showing it affects five in every 1,000 people nationwide. Despite this, Dr Cheah Chee Ken, Consultant Rheumatologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC), shares that awareness remains low. He notes, “Only 20% of the general population seek help from primary care providers when they experience chronic musculoskeletal diseases, and just 50% of RA patients pursue treatment one year after symptom onset.”
Causes and Contributing Factors
RA is commonly described as an autoimmune inflammatory condition where the body’s immune system attacks the joints. Dr Cheah explains, “Individuals with a genetic predisposition or those who experience physical trauma, such as car accidents, may be more susceptible to abnormal immune activity, leading to inflammation in the joint lining, known as the synovium. This inflammation triggers symptoms ranging from joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness.”
He adds that women are two to three times more likely than men to develop RA. Risk factors can be divided into two categories:
- Direct factors: Epigenetic, hormonal, reproductive, and neuroendocrine conditions.
- Environmental or lifestyle-related factors: Smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, poor oral hygiene, gum infections, and chronic periodontitis.
“RA can occur in individuals at any age, but it most commonly develops between ages 30 and 50. Smokers and individuals with obesity have a higher risk and tend to respond less effectively to treatment,” Dr Cheah elaborates.
Emotional and Physical Impact
Living with RA requires lifelong management, as there is no cure for the condition. “Managing RA may include medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgeries to replace knees or hips. These treatments can lead to significant medical expenses, placing financial strain on families, especially if the patient or caregiver must reduce their working hours or stop altogether,” Dr Cheah notes.
The unpredictability of RA, including flare-ups and potential long-term disability, can take a psychological toll on patients and their families. “Mental health challenges like anxiety or depression are common. Patients need emotional support and education to better understand and manage RA,” he adds. Support groups like the Arthritis Foundation Malaysia (AFM) provide networks for sharing experiences and advice.
Addressing Myths and Misconceptions
RA is surrounded by myths that can delay diagnosis and treatment. “A common misconception is that exposure to cold weather or water can worsen RA, but there’s no direct evidence to support this,” says Dr Cheah.
Patients sometimes turn to alternative medicine out of fear of conventional treatments’ side effects. Dr Cheah explains, “This delay in seeking proper medical advice, especially during the critical window period of three to six months after symptom onset, can worsen the condition. While RA can be managed effectively and some patients may achieve drug-free remission, there is currently no definitive cure for the disease.”
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosing RA is challenging due to the lack of a specific test and its resemblance to other diseases in early stages. Dr Cheah explains, “The process involves a detailed patient history, a physical examination to detect hallmark symptoms like joint tenderness, and musculoskeletal ultrasound to identify inflammation and joint damage.”
Treatment typically begins with anti-inflammatory medications, including non-steroidal painkillers or steroids, to suppress inflammation. “Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), both conventional synthetic and biologic, are essential for altering RA’s progression,” says Dr Cheah. Advanced therapies like oral small molecules provide improved efficacy and fewer side effects for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Sunway Medical Centre: A Leader in Healthcare
Established in 1999, Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) is Malaysia’s largest private quaternary hospital. With 28 Centres of Excellence and over 60 medical specialities, SMC provides world-class healthcare services. The hospital is equipped with 724 licensed beds, with capacity to expand to 1,100 beds by 2025 upon completing its Tower F block.
SMC holds accreditations from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS), Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH), and Joint Commission International (JCI). Recognised with the 2024 Malaysian Hospital Market Leadership Award and listed among Newsweek World’s Best Hospitals 2024, SMC continues to lead in healthcare innovation.
Source: Business Today
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