As many as 10 million Poles suffer from it, increasingly young women. "It's a social challenge."

• The rheumatologist explains that the essence of rheumatic diseases is an abnormal response of the immune system
• - Under certain conditions, the body's defense mechanisms begin to act against its own tissues - explains Prof. Przemysław Kotyla
• Rheumatic disease in young women often means the need to postpone maternity plans.
• Early diagnosis of the disease and rapid implementation of effective therapy are crucial.

"There's still a myth that rheumatology is a degenerative disease of the elderly, treated with physical therapy or in a sanatorium. Meanwhile, the real problem is young and very young patients – often women of reproductive age," emphasized Prof. Przemysław Kotyla, head of the Clinical Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at the St. Barbara Provincial Specialist Hospital in Sosnowiec.

The rheumatologist explained that the essence of rheumatic diseases is an abnormal response of the immune system.

"Under certain conditions, the body's defense mechanisms begin to act against its own tissues. It's no longer a fight against a virus or bacteria, but against its own body," the specialist explained.

He added that in many countries there is already talk of "rheumatoimmunology" - a new field of research combining rheumatology and immunology, which allows for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of these diseases.

"We've made enormous progress over the past 25 years. We have modern biologic drugs that allow us to effectively treat juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic complications such as interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension," noted Professor Kotyla.

He added that early diagnosis and prompt initiation of therapy are crucial.

- We are fighting to ensure that 18- and 20-year-olds can be full participants in social and professional life, and not have to retire early - he noted.

Rapid diagnosis and access to modern therapies are needed

Rheumatic disease in young women often means postponing childbirth. As the doctor pointed out, he may have to advise the patient to wait until the disease stabilizes before getting pregnant.

"These are very difficult conversations," the specialist admitted, emphasizing that effective treatment offers hope. "Sometimes, things work out so well that the patient becomes pregnant and becomes a mother. Every photo of the child we receive from our patients is the greatest reward for us," added Professor Kotyla.

The expert appeals to society not to associate rheumatic diseases exclusively with seniors.

"These are serious, chronic autoimmune diseases that can affect people just entering adulthood. That's why awareness, rapid diagnosis , and access to modern therapies are so important," concluded Professor Kotyla.

In Poland, rheumatic diseases affect approximately 10 million people. Inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system also affect young people. Initial symptoms are often confused with injuries or overuse related to physical activity – back pain, in particular, is often considered a result of overexertion.

The course of rheumatic diseases can be difficult to understand because symptoms can be subtle, and clinical and laboratory test results do not always appear simultaneously. Therefore, diagnostic vigilance and close collaboration between family physicians and specialists with a rheumatologist are crucial.