Dr. Abdulaziz Al-aylyawi, the internal medicine and rheumatism consultant pointed out that a rheumatic patient can perform the Hajj rites providing that their health condition is stable, and a disease is not active, along with taking the necessary precautions and using medications.
They also should consult a physician before travelling; especially that some rheumatic diseases reduce the body's resistance for epidemics, as well as what some medications used in treating such diseases bring about in terms of immunodeficiency.
Thus, Allah forbids, these factors combined may render a patient prone to get injured with epidemiological diseases due to immunodeficiency.
This was when the MOH Information Media and Health Awareness Center played host to Dr. Abdulaziz Al-aylyawi, the internal medicine and rheumatism consultant on the "Hajj performers Is our Façade" service. It is provided by the Ministry of Health (MOH) via the toll-free telephone line: 8002494444 and the MOH Twitter account saudimoh@.
They are to host a constellation of prominent physicians and consultants of a wide range of medical specialties; in order to educate Hajj performers and help them in performing the Hajj rites away from any health problems, Allah willing.
He further made clear that there are more than 120-140 types of rheumatic diseases, and each type has its own clinical feature; given that some rheumatic diseases may afflict a human all over their body.
Thus, some could injure skin or the nerve system; brain, chest, and heart, as well as joints. Symptoms could manifest in any of the various body organs, and complications occur according to the type of the disease and the affected organ.
Meanwhile, he urged rheumatic patients set to perform the Hajj rites to be keen on bringing a medical report including the diagnosis and the used medication, and names of medications must be scientific ones not commercial.
He also advised them to carry along two packs of all medications, in anticipation of any get lost; and put each pack in a different place from the other, together with paying attention to storing them properly.
He went on to recommend that a rheumatic patient choose the proper pair of shoes before travelling; in order to guarantee the smoothness of movement, protection of foot, and use of wheelchairs.
He also stressed on being cautious when moving to protect joints as bumping whatever its simplicity may result in fractures for those suffering from osteoporosis, or experiencing severe setback in relation to a gout patient.
Within the same vein, he urged to avoid strain, get a great deal of rest and sleep, not expose to sun beams during peak hours, and apply the preventive cream prescribed by a physician as sun beams could activate some diseases such as Systemic lupus erythematosus.
He also advised them to follow a balanced diet, drink compensatory and sufficient amounts of water, and not have certain items of food to excess such as having too much of protein-rich food that may lead to dire consequences for gout patients, severe pains, and temporary hindering.
He all the more put stress on avoiding smoking as being in this spiritual atmosphere could entice a Hajj performer to smoke.
Furthermore, it has negative effects on all the organs of the body that renders a smoker more prone to develop some rheumatic diseases.
He went on adding that the Hajj is a holy journey where Muslims with diverse cultures gather from the world over.
As such, He painstakingly warned them on using others' medications, or trying ostensible herbal mixtures that are greatly promoted during the Hajj season.
They are, in actual fact, contaminated herbs unscientifically mixed with traditional medications that could result in complications or causing the death of a patient, Allah forbids.
He also emphasized that there is a link between rheumatism and cardiac diseases, for instance; rheumatic fever afflicting children and toddlers could lead to valve ailment.
Moreover, some rheumatic diseases could directly affect the heart and its films such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid; mind you that chronic rheumatic medications and their medications hasten developing arteriosclerotic heart disease.