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According to estimates have over 5 and a half million Italianswith an often very heavy impact on the quality of life. Let’s talk about the Rheumatological diseasesa very vast set of different hostage pathologies Often of common places and false myths.
Behind the stereotyped image of the “Rheumatism” typical of the elderly or caused by cold and humidityà, in fact a much more complex reality is hidden, made of sometimes disabling diseases, who can also concern people young. Patients who, especially in the case of diseases such as fibromyalgia, struggle to find diagnosis and understanding, So much to be often labeled “imaginary” patients.
Rheumatological diseases: what it is
But What is really meant for rheumatological diseases? «Today more than more than 200 different pathologies which on the basis of a recent classification of 2019 have been divided into 13 groups – explains Professor Andrea Doria, President of the Italian Society of Rheumatology (Sir). – For issues of simplicity, however we can distinguish them in two large groups.
The first is made up of those diseases that affect the locomotor system and can extend to other organs, such as i kidneys, heart and lungs, and that I am of inflammatory nature and induced by a immune system disorder. That is, I am autoimmune. These are these who the Giovani are most often affectedie in particular the women». Among these, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis But also the systemic lupus erythematosus (Les)a rare autoimmune disease that can affect any organ and body equipment and affects more frequently women, especially between 15 and 40 years old.
When the origin is inflammatory
«The other large group includes instead Rheumatological diseases of type tendentially non -inflammatorywhich usually strike in more advanced age – explains Prof Doria. – Among these, degenerative diseases such as arthrosis and osteoporosis, and again the fibromyalgia». In summary, although rheumatological diseases mainly affect muscles, bones and joints, many are systemicthat is, they can involve other organs with a significant impact on the entire body. The common denominator? Often the pain, even if the symptoms vary according to the affected location.
The importance of timely diagnosis
Know these diseases and above all their debut signals, makes the difference. «Even in the case of rheumatological diseases Early diagnosis is fundamental – explains Professor Doria. – If they are not recognized in time, these pathologies can in fact progress to the point where it becomes more difficult to control them. Instead, it was observed that, in most cases, If you intervene early, you can change its course». Especially since today there are resources that can facilitate early diagnosis. «In the case of Autoimmune rheumatological diseases, Today we know how to identify i biomarkers involved. These are autoantibodies that they appear before the clinical manifestations real. If the general practitioner recognizes what the ‘red flag’ can be, or the very first signs of the diseasethe patient can immediately undergo specific laboratory analyzes and be so addressed to the specialist for a therapy».
Smoking between risk factors
Not only that. Also Knowing the risk factors is fundamental. «Today we also have a greater knowledge of the development mechanisms of these diseases and we candentifying individuals at risk. For example, ifamigliari of patients with autoimmune rheumatological diseases, oi subjects who are positive for certain autoantibodies Even without symptoms – explains President Sir. -.
And above all We know the risk factors to which it is important to pay attention». Among these, the smoke. «Everyone knows that it is a risk factor associated with a heart attack or lung cancer, very few know that it is also the risk factor most often associated with autoimmune rheumatological diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or sclerodermia. Another risk factor is given by mechanical stress to which the articulations undergoi who, in predisposed subjects, can induce an inflammation that then amplifies and leads to the development of the disease. And certainly has an important role also the diet: Foods rich in animal fats In fact, they predispose to inflammation, which is why subjects at risk should avoid them. “
Rheumatological diseases: often ‘invisible’
Despite the many steps forward, the Weight that rheumatological diseases bring with them often remains invisible. «These are invisible diseases in different aspects. We think, for example, of those patients whose symptoms are not evident in the eyes of others, Because perhaps the rheumatological disease they suffer from interests internal organs – explains Professor Doria. – But the invisibility is also that of which the weights affected by diseases such as fibromyalgia bring weight, disabled pathology, characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pains, for which there are no diagnostic tests».
And it is precisely with the aim of telling and making visible some stories of disability, linked not only to rheumatic ones but also to many other chronic pathologies, the Italian company of rheumatology together withInstitute of Rumatologists Historytorecently promoted a film competition, The Short Med_Cine.
The film competition
«The goal of the competition was that of bring to the public, through one of the most accessible and immediate communication means such as cinema, stories of illness that remain hidden, silent and misunderstood – explains Prof Doria, among the jurors of the prize. – Although they do not always manifest themselves visible, many pathologies deeply influence the life of the sick and those who assist them, modeling their daily lives, emotions and social interactions. Rheumatological diseases, in this regard, are emblematic. Starting from these, to then widen your gaze to many other pathologies, Short Med_Cine welcomed nominations from all over the world: over 2,000 films that have dealt with the most disparate conditions of physical and psychological suffering, bringing out the strength and resilience of the protagonists».
The winning short film
To be proclaimed winner in the Ca ‘Foscari Short Film Festival, was the short film “Painting” of the French filmmaker Adam Lauriol who brought to light the experience of patients struggling with chronic disabled pathologies and caregivers. In alternative Renaissance, a famous painter very similar to Leonardo da Vinci, is suffering from one pathology in the hand that prevents him from painting like once. The painter trains his assistant, a robot with artificial intelligence, to the practice of art. And when it seems that the latter wants to replace him, here the humanoid supports his hand. Finally allowing him to complete his biggest work.
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