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Submitted by Sjogren's India on 24 September 2017

Dr. Sapan C. Pandya, MD DM Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology answers this and many other questions in this exhaustive talk with Kirtida Oza, Co-founder of Sjögren’s India. This online Webinar on “Rheumatic Diseases: Challenges and Hope” is aimed at enhancing awareness about lesser understood diseases.  

#Rheumatic Diseases Awareness Month

Dr. Sapan C. Pandya starts with a quick recap of lesser known Rheumatic Diseases including Scleroderma, Lupus, Inflammatory Myositis and Sjögren’s syndrome; and the symptoms of these conditions from dry mouth, dry skin to hardened skin conditions, shortness of breath, etc.

He highlights the need for early diagnosis to prevent complications since the window period of effective treatment is small  While these conditions are not curable, they are controllable. Treatment adherence is important for managing these conditions. Treatment options like Biologics, Palliation, NSAIDS, Immunosuppressants and Cortico-steroids are discussed.

The question-answer session covered a wide range of topics. Some of the questions covered were:

  • Do symptoms of rheumatic diseases aggravate during menopause? Are they likely to get early menopause?
  •  Women with rheumatic diseases and Pregnancy
  • Skin pigmentation due to hydroxychoroquine
  • What is Brain Fog and what can be done about it?
  • Why are mornings so difficult?
  • Calcium and Vitamin D supplements
  • How to handle fatigue and the role of exercise and Vitamin D?
  • How to manage drug interactions since various drugs are prescribed by different specialists?
  • State of Stem Cell Transplant for these conditions

Check out the video link below if you want to understand about Rheumatic Diseases and Connective Tissue Conditions. And let us know if you are keen on knowing more about any of these conditions.

Condition

Stories

  • Rheumatic Diseases: Why Are Mornings so Difficult?
    Dr. Sapan C. Pandya, MD DM Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology answers this and many other questions in this exhaustive talk with Kirtida Oza, Co-founder of Sjögren’s India. This online Webinar on “Rheumatic Diseases: Challenges and Hope” is aimed at enhancing awareness about lesser understood diseases.   #Rheumatic Diseases Awareness Month Dr. Sapan C. Pandya starts with a quick recap of lesser known Rheumatic Diseases including Scleroderma, Lupus, Inflammatory Myositis and…
  • Extraordinary Stories of Yoga Complementing Healing and Management of Chronic Conditions
    Does Yoga help people manage chronic conditions and the various symptoms? On International Yoga Day, we speak to a cross section of people who believe strongly that yoga has contributed greatly in their journey of recovery1.  Mr Purushotaman - Parkinsons Mr. Purushotaman is 77-years-old and has had Parkinson's for 4 years. An unassuming gentleman, Mr. Purushotaman is extremely regular for all meetings and yoga sessions conducted by Parivarthan for Parkinson’s. Parivarthan is a…
  • Stem cell transplant is feasible for leukemia and more
    Texan Chuck Dandridge became the first adult in the U.S. to receive a newly modified stem cell transplant that uses genetically engineered blood cells from a family member. This was announced by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center where the procedure was performed. PatientsEngage interviewed Dr. Madhuri Vusirikala, Director of UT Southwestern’s National Marrow Donor Program, part of the stem cell transplant program.    1.…
  • Prevention of Lupus
    There is no known way to prevent Lupus since there is no known cause as yet. You can help manage flare-ups though: Avoid known triggers such as sunlight, stress, and lack of sleep Manage your diet Get adequate exercise  
  • Management of Lupus
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  • Lupus Treatment
    There is no cure for lupus. However, treatment options to control symptoms are available. Most people with lupus can lead active, healthy lives. Treatment plans should meet the individual patient's needs and may change over time. To develop a treatment plan, the doctor tries to: Prevent flares Treat flares when they do occur Minimise complications Mild forms of the disease may be treated with:  NSAIDs for joint symptoms, after talking with your doctor  Corticosteroid creams for…
  • Lupus Tests and Diagnosis
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  • Forms of Lupus
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  • Lupus Symptoms and Signs
    Each person with lupus has slightly different symptoms that can range from mild to severe and may come and go over time. Usually the joint and muscle pain, rashes on skin are seen all the time but the intensity of the symptoms decrease with treatment. Painful or swollen joints and muscle pain Unexplained fever Red rashes, most commonly on the face Chest pain upon deep breathing Unusual loss of hair Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress (Raynaud's phenomenon) Sensitivity to the sun…
  • Lupus Causes and Risks
    Although the exact cause of lupus and other autoimmune diseases is unknown, most believe that lupus results from both genetic and environmental stimuli. Since lupus is known to occur within families, doctors believe that it is possible to inherit a genetic predisposition to lupus. It is probable that having an inherited predisposition for lupus makes the disease more likely only after coming into contact with some environmental trigger. The higher number of lupus cases in females than in males…