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Rheumatology in the Philippines – This article is a comprehensive guide for Filipino students, patients, and healthcare professionals. If you are experiencing any symptoms, please consult your doctors.
Rheumatology in the Philippines is a specialty of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating disorders that affect the joints and other tissues.
The Philippines has a population of over 100 million people, making it one of the most populated countries in Asia. Consequently, rheumatology in the Philippines is an important specialty within the internal medicine specialty.
There are only a few clinics, hospitals, medical centers, and doctors specializing in rheumatology in the Philippines, but most healthcare facilities in the country are well-equipped with experienced healthcare professionals and internal medicine specialists. Most patients who require rheumatology care are from Metro Manila and other highly urbanized cities.
What is Rheumatology?
Rheumatology is the study of diseases that affect the joints, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disorder. These diseases can cause pain, inflammation, and damage to the surrounding tissue. Other conditions that may be treated with rheumatology services include psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and Crohn’s disease.
What is a Rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases.
These diseases are conditions that affect the joints, including arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis.
A rheumatologist may also be called a rheumatologist specialist or a rheumatology doctor.
Rheumatology in the Philippines is a thriving subspecialty of internal medicine and currently, a growing number of medical students is on the rise.
When Should I See a Rheumatologist?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to when people should see a doctor of rheumatology in the Philippines, as the best time for someone to see a specialist will vary depending on their individual health history and current symptoms.
However, if someone is experiencing significant pain or swelling in joints, difficulty breathing, or other serious symptoms that haven’t improved after trying standard treatments such as rest and ice packs, they should seek professional help.
Rheumatologists can help diagnose and treat rheumatic diseases.
Different Types of Rheumatic Diseases
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the spine and sacroiliac joints. AS is characterized by the development of pain and stiffness in the spine, as well as in the sacroiliac joints. The symptoms can be severe and significantly limit a person’s ability to function. AS is a relatively rare disease, affecting about 1 in 25,000 people worldwide. It most commonly affects young adults, but it can also occur in older adults. There is currently no cure for AS, but treatments are available that can help manage the disease.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a condition that results from inflammation of the bursa, a sac-like structure located between the skin and muscles. The bursa is responsible for distributing pressure and cushioning during movement and can become inflamed when the surrounding tissues are damaged. In most cases, bursitis rheumatic disease is an underlying disorder such as arthritis, but it can also occur spontaneously. Symptoms of bursitis rheumatic disease may include pain and swelling in the area around the bursa, as well as stiffness in the affected muscle. Treatment typically involves medication and physical therapy.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the small and large intestines. The cause is in several studies show that it is a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Symptoms can vary but typically include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Crohn’s disease can be challenging to diagnose and treat, but with early diagnosis and treatment, most people manage to live relatively normal lives.
Gout
Gout is a type of rheumatic disease in which the body produces too much uric acid. Uric acid is a natural substance produced by the body when it breaks down protein. Gout occurs when the body’s cells can’t break down uric acid quickly enough, and it builds up in the blood and joints. The most common joints affected by gout are the feet, hands, and knees.
Infectious Arthritis
Infectious arthritis is a type of arthritis brought by a number of infections, including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. In most cases, the infection causes inflammation in the joints and can lead to joint damage and even disability. Treatment for infectious arthritis typically involves antibiotics to treat the infection and pain relief medications to help relieve symptoms.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common form of arthritis in children and adolescents. It is a type of autoimmune disease, meaning that the body attacks its own tissues. The most common symptoms include inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints. Treatment typically involves medication and rest. JIA can be serious but can administer treatment by internal medicine doctors.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, age-related condition that affects the joints. The cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears away and becomes inflamed, causing pain and limited movement. OA affects the part of a person’s knee, hip, or shoulder. Treatment typically includes medication and exercise.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone density and fragility, which can lead to fractures. It affects both men and women and can develop at any age. The cause of osteoporosis is unknown, but it may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Treatment includes medication and/or surgery to improve bone density.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a disorder that causes widespread pain and inflammation in the muscles and joints. It can be very debilitating and often leads to reduced mobility and even disability. Polymyalgia rheumatica is typically caused by an autoimmune response, in which the body attacks its own tissues. There is currently no cure for polymyalgia rheumatica, but treatments can help to relieve symptoms.
Polymyositis
Polymyositis is a rare, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that affects the muscles and tissues. The most common symptoms are muscle weakness, fatigue, and fever. Polymyositis can lead to difficulty breathing and can be life-threatening if not treated properly. There is no cure for polymyositis, but treatments include medications, physiotherapy, and surgery.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PA) is a type of arthritis that affects the skin and joints. The cause of PA is psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that can cause redness, thickness, and scaling. PA often affects the joints near the scalp, spine, elbows, knees, and feet. The disease can be challenging to treat and can lead to long-term pain and disability.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. It can be harrowing and debilitating.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a rare, chronic, autoimmune disease that affects the skin and underlying tissues. The disease results in thickening (sclerosing) of the skin and underlying tissues, which can lead to serious health problems. Scleroderma can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving joints. Typical treatment for Scleroderma is medications and surgery.
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Sjogren’s syndrome is a condition that affects the moisture and lymphatic systems. The syndrome causes inflammation of the mucous membranes, joints, and skin. It can lead to a number of complications, including organ failure and death.
Spondyloarthropathies
Spondyloarthropathies are a group of diseases that affect the spine. These diseases include ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, joints, and other organs.
It can cause serious health problems, including kidney failure and death.
There is no known cure for SLE, but treatments can help improve symptoms.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is a condition that affects the tendons, which are connective tissues that attach muscles to bone.
The tendons can become inflamed, which can cause pain and swelling.
Tendinitis rheumatic can occur in any part of the body but is most common in the shoulder, elbow, and wrist.
Vasculitis
Vasculitis is a group of diseases that affect vasculature.
A variety of factors can lead to rheumatic vasculitis disease, including infection, autoimmune disease, and cancer. Vasculitis rheumatic can lead to inflammation and damage to the blood vessels.
This can cause pain, difficulty breathing, and even death. Vasculitis rheumatic is a serious condition that requires treatment.
What are the Common Symptoms of Arthritis
Symptoms of arthritis can vary, but the most common symptoms of arthritis are pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. The pain may be localized, or it may be felt throughout the body. Other symptoms may include: difficulty moving your joints, swelling, redness, and heat in the joints.
Arthritis can also cause difficulty moving the joints, reduced range of motion, and fatigue.
Arthritis can be acute or chronic, and the causes vary, including genetics and lifestyle choices.
What are the Common Treatments for Arthritis?
There are many treatments for arthritis, depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some common treatments include medications, surgery, physical therapy, and complementary therapies.
Medications are the most common treatment for arthritis. They can help to reduce inflammation and pain and can be prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist. Some common medications used to treat arthritis include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), etodolac (Lodine), rofecoxib (Vioxx), and diclofenac (Voltaren).
Surgical procedures are also often used to treat arthritis. These include arthroipsilateral knee replacement (AIKR), arthroplasty of the ankle, and total hip replacement. Surgery can be successful in relieving pain and improving mobility. Physical therapy is another common treatment for arthritis. Physical therapy can help to improve the range of motion and strength in the affected joints, as well as reduce inflammation and pain. Physical therapy may also include exercises to target the areas of the body affected by arthritis. Complementary therapies are also often used to treat arthritis.
What Causes Arthritis?
There is no definitive answer to this question. However, a number of factors might contribute to the development of arthritis. These factors include genetics, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices. Some people develop arthritis as a result of an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks its own tissues. Other people develop arthritis as the result of trauma or infection that damages the joints.
Some of the most common causes of arthritis include:
- Injury or damage to the joints: This can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including accidents, inflammation, and tumors.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This condition is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks your own joints.
- Gout: Gout is a condition in which high levels of uric acid build up in your blood and cause inflammation and pain in the joints.
- Scleroderma: Scleroderma is a rare disease that causes skin thickening and hardening.
Rheumatology in the Philippines: What to Expect When You Visit?
When you visit a rheumatologist’s clinic, you will likely experience several different types of tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. You may be asked to take a history and provide a physical exam. Your rheumatologist may also order tests such as blood work or x-rays. If you have symptoms that suggest you may have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), your rheumatologist may recommend treatment with medications or surgery.
Hospitals, Clinics, and Doctors of Rheumatology in the Philippines
- Philippine Rheumatology Association’s Complete List of Rheumatologists
- Philippine General Hospital
- St. Luke’s Medical Center
- Cardinal Santos Medical Center
- Makati Medical Center
- Asian Hospital and Medical Center
- The Medical City
- Philippine Orthopedic Institute
- Rheumatology Center
- Chong Hua Hospital
- De La Salle University Medical Center
- De Los Santos Medical Center
- The Premiere Medical Center
Organizations: Rheumatology in the Philippines
Rheumatologist’s Journey in the Philippines
Becoming a rheumatologist is a long and arduous journey, but the rewards are immense. As one of the few specialists in this field, rheumatologists have the opportunity to help countless patients suffering from debilitating conditions like arthritis and lupus. To become a successful rheumatologist, you’ll need to have a strong background in medicine and experience in treating complex patients. Additionally, you’ll need to be highly skilled in diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases, as well as possess excellent communication skills. If you’re interested in becoming a rheumatologist, read our ultimate guide to becoming one!
Being a physician of rheumatology in the Philippines can be rewarding and challenging. To be successful, you will need to have a strong interest in the field, excellent clinical skills, and a passion for helping patients. You will also need to be able to handle complex cases and be well-versed in current rheumatology treatments.
Conclusion: Rheumatology in the Philippines
The Philippines is a promising and thriving medical field for rheumatology. The country has a population of over 100 million people, which means there is a large potential patient population for rheumatology treatments. Additionally, the country has a rich history and culture, which makes it an ideal place to practice rheumatology. There are also many talented and experienced rheumatologists in the Philippines, which means patients can be confident that they will receive high-quality care.
Sources: BMJ Journals, National Library of Medicine, Acta Medica Philippina, The Open Rheumatology Journal, American College of Rheumatology, The Journal of Rheumatology
