Rheumatology in focus: early detection saves the lives of many Austrians!

Rheumatology in focus: early detection saves the lives of many Austrians!

Vienna, October 10, 2025 – A quarter of people in Austria live with a rheumatic disease. The number is particularly impressive among those over 55, where 40 percent are already affected. These numbers underline the importance of better understanding the various clinical pictures of rheumatology and recognizing them at an early stage. The Vienna Health Association is actively committed to improving diagnostics and treatment, as gesundheitsverbund.at reports.

Rheumatology includes over 100 different diseases, all with different symptoms and courses. There is no uniform procedure for making a diagnosis; Rather, a variety of measures are necessary to identify specific forms of the disease. The most important include the anamnesis, physical examinations as well as laboratory and imaging procedures, as rheuma.org emphasizes.

Early diagnosis is very important

The prompt detection of rheumatic diseases is crucial in order to avoid impairments and to ensure the quality of life of those affected. Many people often wait years for a diagnosis, which can have a negative impact on their health. One example is Raphael M., who finally received a diagnosis of rheumatism at the age of 34 after living in uncertainty for a long time. Thanks to the support of the Rheumatism Nurses, he was able to change his lifestyle and now feels better, reports gesundheitsverbund.at.

A year ago, the Hietzing Clinic launched Rheumatism Nurses, who advise patients in special consultation hours. They adapt treatment plans, provide information about medication effects and provide support in matters of nutrition, exercise and mental health. This support is particularly valuable for patients who often struggle with the symptoms of rheumatic disease.

Interdisciplinary approaches to treatment

The Donaustadt Clinic also offers a special outpatient clinic for children, while the Ottakring Clinic has over 15 years of experience with a transition clinic that supports young adults as they move from pediatric to adult rheumatology. These differentiated approaches show how important individual care in rheumatology is to achieve the best treatment results.

Another aspect that should not be neglected is the collaboration between pneumology and rheumatology. Around 10% of patients with severe rheumatism develop serious lung problems. The Herz-Jesu Hospital has therefore set up a specialist outpatient clinic that deals with rheumatism and accompanying diseases such as interstitial lung diseases (ILD). This interdisciplinary treatment has shown that it can improve diagnostic reliability and therapy, as also dgrh.de notes.

The diagnosis of rheumatic diseases usually takes place in four steps and includes not only the anamnesis but also specific blood tests. The blood values ​​are often normal in the early stages, which makes diagnosis even more difficult. Therefore, if joint pain persists in more than two joints and lasts longer than six weeks, it is advisable to consider a referral to a rheumatologist.

This makes information all the more important for those affected. The “Klinikkosmos” podcast from the Vienna Health Association discusses the various clinical pictures and the need to take action at an early stage. He shows how important it is to collect information in a timely manner and to take the right steps in order to be able to lead a life that is as unrestricted as possible.

The future-oriented orientation of Viennese healthcare in rheumatology is a step in the right direction. The aim is to reach and support those affected in the best possible way on their way to a better life despite rheumatic illness.