CAUSES OF RHEUMATISM

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1062, 28 August 1930, Page 16

CAUSES OF RHEUMATISM

INJECTION THROUGH THROAT PREVENTION OF DISEASE

Rheumatism in its various forms is one of the most insidious, disabling and mortal of all diseases. It is widespread throughout the world and in New Zealand we are by no means exempt from it. As one of the causes of heart disease its importance cannot be overestimated (says a paper contributed by the Department of Health). It is a comparatively common disease in all climates within the temperate zone, occurring chiefly during the winter and spring. Heredity has been long recognised as a factor, and an imperfect dietary has been held to be associated with it. Poverty and overcrowding aggravate the disease, and exposure to a cold damp atmosphere is a frequent exciting cause in predisposed persons. The infection falls mainly on children. Much remains to be learned regarding the causation of rheumatism; but investigations point to the existence of a micro-organism. The disease is particularly one of school years, the onset as a rule being between five and 15 years. There is evidence to show that infection generally occurs through the throat. Unhealthy throats caused by diseased tonsils, adenoids and decayed teeth are common in childhood, and provide an entry through which the micro-organism of rheumatism enters the body. In adults the typical acute rheumatic attack is accompanied by painful joints, fever, profuse perspiration, and is liable to be associated with various complications, especially in connection with the heart. In children in fully half of the cases there is little or no joint affection and fever may be comparatively slight. In many cases the only symptoms noticed during the onset of a serious rheumatic attack in a child are languor, pallor, and wasting, although extensive changes in the heart may already have occurred. The popularly named “growing pains’* are rheumatic in origin and indicate the necessity for care. Though muscular and ligamentous structures are most readily attacked, rheumatism in children often affects the nervous system, producing symptoms of chorea, the disease commonly known at St. Vitus Dance.

Every child who suffers from “growing pains,’’ should medically examined and a careful supervision of all slight ailments is advisable. Defective teeth, discharging ears, enlarged tonsils, frequent sore throat, and any form of catarrh snould be carefully treated. Children, especially in winter, should wear woollen garments next to the skin, care being taken to cover the extremities; warm stockings are essential. It is inviting trouble for women to go out in winter wearing thin shoes and silk stockings, or to clothe their children with short inadequate socks and shoes.

The importance of rest and fresh air for all children cannot be exaggerated, and for the rheumatic child they are doubly necessary if the weakened heart and nervous system are to become strong. The details of such a child’s life should be regulated by medical advice. The need for the after care of the rheumatic child is as yet imperfectly realised. In many large cities abroad means are provided for the institutional treatment of rheumatic children, in the course of w’hich they receive controlled rest with plentiful sunlight and fresh air, concurring with education, over periods of months. Early recognition of this disease and appropriate treatment hold out great prospect of definite amelioration and even of absolute cure.