[아시아경제 이관주 기자] Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the representative autoimmune diseases, is also called a ‘mother’s disease’ because it affects more women than men and patients after middle age. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients treated for rheumatoid arthritis in 2021 is three times that of women (195,326) than men (63,391).
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which lymphocytes responsible for the immune system attack the synovial membrane surrounding the joint, causing inflammation. When the inflammation begins, the synovial membrane swells, and the cartilage and bone of the surrounding tissues are melted, and the joint is destroyed, resulting in joint dysfunction. In addition to pain, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss, fatigue and depression symptoms appear, and the quality of life is seriously lowered.
Usually, patients complain that the pain gets worse in the winter. There is no direct causal relationship between weather and changes in rheumatoid arthritis pain. However, there is a hypothesis that changes in temperature, air pressure, and amount of sunlight in winter can exacerbate or make pain worse. Changes in atmospheric pressure can affect tissues such as tendons and muscles to expand, which can aggravate pain, and reduced sunlight in winter can increase feelings of depression.
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by early symptoms similar to fever, depression, and systemic pain that appear during menopause. Because of this, it is often overlooked simply as a symptom of menopause. Song Ran, a professor of rheumatology at Kyung Hee University Hospital in Gangdong, explained, “We need to look more closely at changes in hormones and bone density during menopause.”
Song Ran, a professor of rheumatology at Kyung Hee University Hospital in Gangdong, treats a patient.[사진제공=강동경희대병원]
The main symptoms that can be suspected of rheumatoid arthritis are ▲ ‘Jojo rigidity’, in which the fingers become stiff in the morning and do not move well and do not move well, lasting for more than 1 hour ▲ Joints such as fingers, toes, wrists, elbows, and shoulders Swelling and pain on both sides ▲ Swelling around the painful joint and a feeling of warmth. If you experience any of these symptoms or if they worsen, you should seek medical attention right away.
There is another homework for middle-aged patients with rheumatoid arthritis. That’s osteoporosis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a risk factor for osteoporosis. If a postmenopausal woman has rheumatoid arthritis, regular osteoporosis screening is essential. The risk of osteoporosis and fractures should be evaluated annually, and follow-up should be continued every 1 to 3 years depending on the degree of bone mineral density.
After menopause, not only rheumatoid arthritis but also osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) and various muscle pains are accompanied. Along with psychological atrophy, muscle loss or osteoporosis can progress more quickly if the amount of outdoor activity is reduced due to sub-zero temperatures. Therefore, efforts should be made to prevent the worsening of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and complications through regular life, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Emotional support from those around you is just as important as your will. Professor Song emphasized, “It is more advantageous to manage rheumatoid arthritis in winter if it is accompanied by emotional support from family, friends, and acquaintances.” Meticulously taking care of underwear, gloves, scarves, hats, etc. that can maintain body temperature when going out, or taking care of people around you, is a great help in overcoming depression for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
– Keep your home or working environment warm, and when you go out, pay attention to maintaining body temperature, such as underwear, gloves, and hats.
– However, care must be taken that wearing too thick clothes increases the risk of falling or falling.
– Even if it is cold, regular exercise is necessary. You need to stretch in the morning and evening to keep your muscles and tendons from getting stiff.
– Weight may increase as activity decreases and movement decreases during winter. Care must be taken to avoid gaining weight.
(Advice: Professor Song Ran, Department of Rheumatology, Gangdong Kyunghee University Hospital)
Reporter Lee Gwan-ju [email protected]
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