Rheumatoid arthritis, an auto-immune and chronic inflammatory disorder, is not only observed in adults, but children are also its victims.
According to paediatric rheumatologist Dr Suma Balan, rheumatology is not easily understood by general adults and it’s even difficult to identify among children, as they cannot express clearly. Stiffness in the hands and legs, long duration of fever and decreased eyesight are some of the symptoms. And the best way is by diagnosis.
Senior rheumatologist Dr. Rajkiran Dudam said, the disorder also affects other parts of the body such as eyes, skin, lungs and heart, while starting off as common arthritis, and timely diagnosis is crucial to prevent other organs from getting damaged. This disease starts slowly, but worsens over time, he added.
