69% of patients in India receive incorrect treatment and diagnosis before consulting a rheumatologist, says study

69% of patients in India receive incorrect treatment and diagnosis before consulting a rheumatologist, says study

Ankylosing Spondylitis, an auto-immune condition, can cause severe mobility problems, making early diagnosis and treatment extremely important. It is becoming a common condition among young Indians today and manifests itself as severe back or thigh pain. Often ignored or managed in the early stages with temporary solutions such as balms and painkillers, this discomfort could eventually lead to Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).

A type of arthritis, AS causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae), resulting in severe chronic pain and discomfort, and even risking complete mobility in the long run. Since it develops slowly, early intervention is extremely important by staying in touch with your rheumatologist with regular follow-ups.

Dr. B. G. Dharmanand, Consultant Rheumatologist, Vikram Hospitals, Bangalore said, “Sometimes patients and even general doctors find it difficult to distinguish the most common initial symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) which is back pain from other common causes for back pain. This usually leads to a delay in diagnosis. Lot of youngsters suffer from AS and it is an important cause of disability in this population.  So, it is very important that treatment for this condition is taken seriously. Around 10 patients are diagnosed with AS each week in a rheumatology clinic, with a male to female ratio of about three to one.”

It is estimated that close to 69% of patients in India receive incorrect treatment and diagnosis before consulting a rheumatologist. An early diagnosis is vital to minimize chronic pain in patients and to ensure better control over the further progression of the condition.[1]According to Global Data’s ‘Pharmaceutical Intelligence Centre’, the diagnosed prevalence of AS in India is currently around 1.65 million and is estimated to grow at an annual growth rate of 2.95 percent to reach 2.0 million in 2028.[2]

Early signs & Symptoms

AS presents itself through the most common symptoms of pain and stiffness, and sometimes muscle spasms. The stiffness and pain in the lower back tend to appear early in the morning and could last for 30 minutes or more. Patients could also experience numbness, tingling, and pain that radiates down the arm or leg.[3]

Lately, the incidence of AS amongst young Indians has been increasing drastically especially since the advent of the work-from-home lifestyle has started. Many modern-day professions that require long hours of sitting, and unhealthy lifestyle habits have contributed to this trend.

 

Managing & Treating AS this Holiday Season

During this festive season, as disciplined living takes a further hit, it is crucial that young professionals take it easy and take sufficient care of their back. Regular adherence to treatment and timely follow-ups with the doctor will help in managing the condition aptly, and not let the holiday spirit die down for those affected by AS. Though irreversible, AS can be better managed through treatment and lifestyle modifications. Recently advanced treatment such as biologics are available in India. These provide significant relief, help slow down the progression of AS, thereby helping improve patients’ quality of life.

“To address Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) it is important to stop smoking, focus on weight loss along with an anti-inflammatory diet. Additionally, with several comorbidities linked with AS, one must actively visit their doctor at least once every 6-12 months to manage them. Furthermore, this holiday season, warm clothing, regular exercises and adherence to medications to control the disease is of utmost important to help overcome winter related increased symptoms.”, added Dr. B. G. Dharmanand, Consultant Rheumatologist, Vikram Hospitals, Bangalore.

Given the nature of the condition and its onset, early diagnosis, correct referrals, good understanding and awareness of the condition and treatment adherence is the best approach to address AS. To make this happen, India needs to facilitate better access to rehabilitation support for patients who are already suffering from AS. This must be backed by building higher awareness about AS and the primary medical POC: rheumatologists, which can help significantly cut down the delays in timely referrals and interventions, thus helping in reducing the rising burden of AS amidst Indians.