Rheumatic disorders, conditions caused by a dysregulated immune system, are prevalent among neonates and children. Speaking exclusively to Akashvani News today, Professor and Head of the Department of Paediatrics at AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr Pankaj Hari said that rheumatic disorders are a broad group of diseases that cause pain, inflammation, and sometimes damage to the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other parts of the musculoskeletal system. He emphasised that timely diagnosis and the initiation of appropriate therapy are crucial for effective treatment of these disorders. Dr. Hari also underlined that delayed diagnosis could lead to permanent organ damage, affecting joints and other internal organs such as the kidneys.

Associate Professor of Paediatrics and Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr Narendra Bagri said that rheumatic disorders can affect children of any age, depending on the type of disease. He noted that conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Kawasaki disease, and juvenile dermatomyositis are among the rheumatic diseases that can affect neonates and children. Dr Bagri explained that the broad principles of treatment include medications such as steroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). He added that common symptoms of rheumatic disorders include prolonged fever, joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, rashes, and redness. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to help prevent such diseases.