Seasonal changes can increase rheumatological diseases!

Dr. Soner Şenel, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine Rheumatology Department, stated that diseases commonly known as inflammatory rheumatism increase in these seasons and during rain.

Şenel stated that some of those showing symptoms of the disease realize that they need to see a rheumatologist or are referred by a physician, and said , "Since these are specific diseases, it means that we can work more effectively if an internal medicine or physical therapy specialist evaluates the patient first and refers them with a preliminary diagnosis if a rheumatological disease is really suspected."

Şenel, who explained that rheumatic diseases are not just joint diseases; they can negatively affect many organs including the heart, brain, eyes, skin, cartilage, internal organs, intestines, kidneys, liver, blood cells and bone marrow, said, "Rheumatism is actually a reaction like the body's allergic reaction. Sometimes smoking, sometimes viral infection, sometimes seasonal changes trigger this. It is related to the immune system giving a rheumatic reaction and this reaction becoming chronic."

"During these periods, our existing patients' complaints increase"

Şenel, who pointed out that patients' complaints increase during seasonal transitions and rainy weather, said:

"Especially during these periods, our current patients' complaints increase. For example, their current treatments are insufficient or some people who can manage their pains but cannot manage them anymore. These pains bring the patient to the doctor. If you ask why seasonal changes increase rheumatological diseases, there are several different theories. Some of them are related to vitamin D. We do not receive light, vitamin D cannot be synthesized sufficiently in closed environments and in rain. Therefore, our muscles and bones are affected through calcium and phosphorus elements in muscle and joint metabolism. This is why complaints can increase. Again, during periods when the weather is cloudy, another reason is that the hormone called basal cortisone, which enters the eye with sunlight and releases cortisone from the pituitary gland in the brain, decreases, but other than this, inflammatory rheumatism group diseases increase for reasons we do not know. Diseases known as inflammatory rheumatism among the public increase in these seasons and in rain."

"Rheumatism can be seen from childhood"

Şenel stated that new rheumatic diseases are added every day and that there are over 300 rheumatic diseases.

Şenel stated that there is a cure for many rheumatic diseases and noted the following:

"Some of it is genetic, some of it is acquired. Autoimmune (immune system) diseases usually occur later, but they still have a genetic basis. Rheumatism can be seen starting in childhood. The disease known as rheumatism among the public, also known as osteoarthritis, is a result of aging, and is seen in women especially after menopause, and is related to the effects of hormone withdrawal on bones and cartilage. Inflammatory rheumatism mostly affects middle-aged women and younger ages."