Alamin kung anong pinagkaiba ng Rayuma at arthritis

While Filipinos commonly refer to joint pains as “rayuma,” there is a difference between rheumatism and arthritis, a doctor said Tuesday.

Speaking to radio DZMM, Dr. Jombi Lichauco said rheumatism is a more generic term for ailments on different body parts on or around the joint.

“‘Pag sinabi nating rayuma, mas malawakan siyang pangalan, at pag sinabi mong rayuma, pwedeng iba’t ibang parte ng joint o around the joint na structures ang affected. So, pwedeng litid, pwedeng muscle o laman, pwede rin yung kasu-kasuan, na tinatawag naating arthritis, o minsan kung ang nerve o yung ugat ang problema,” he explained.

“Sa ilalim ng rayuma, andoon yung kasu-kasuan o yung joint, ay kapag may problema sa kasu-kauan yun ang tintawag nating arthritis,” he added.

Lichauco said that the swelling of joints, presence of water in them, and crepitation—the cracking of joints–are indications of arthritis.

He also added that arthritic joints are hotter than non-arthritic ones.

Lichauco added that there are more than 100 kinds of arthritis. One of these is gouty arthritis, wherein joints swell because of uric acid crystals in them.

Gouty arthritis usually happens on the knee, ankle or big toe.

Lichauco advised patients not to diagnose themselves and see a doctor right away for any joint pains they may feel.

“The earlier diagnosis, mas maganda ang outcome,” he said.

He said a list of rheumatologists in the Philippines can be found on the website of the Philippine Rheumatology Association, http://www.philippinerheumatology.org/.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com