ASK DR KEERTHI VARDHAN
Every week in my clinic, I hear the same worries voiced in different ways. A young woman asks if her rheumatoid arthritis means she can never have children.…
Plain-language explanations of complex immune conditions — written for patients, families, and clinicians by Dr. Keerthi Vardhan Yerram, MD DM.
Every week in my clinic, I hear the same worries voiced in different ways. A young woman asks if her rheumatoid arthritis means she can never have children.…
A young professional visits me after suffering mouth ulcers every month for three years. She has tried mouthwashes, vitamin supplements, and diet changes. Nothing helps. Then, during one…
“Doctor, if my immune system is so smart, why is it attacking my own joints?” A patient with rheumatoid arthritis asked me this last week, and it is…
A young software engineer sits in my clinic, her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis still fresh. She asks the question I hear almost weekly: “Doctor, when will I be completely…
“Doctor, I feel completely fine now. Do I really need these tests again?” I hear this in clinic almost every week, and I understand it deeply. When you…
“Doctor, my RF test came back positive. Does that mean I definitely have rheumatoid arthritis?” This is one of the most common questions I hear in clinic, usually…
“Doctor, I have lupus, so I should stay away from all vaccines, right?” This is one of the most common questions I hear in clinic, and it points…
A young mother sat across from me recently, eyes red, asking a question I hear almost every week. “Doctor, my daughter is only six. Will she get lupus…
“Doctor, my joints are swollen and painful, and you have given me an old tablet, not an injection. Will it even work?” This is one of the most…
A young software engineer sits across from me in clinic, her lupus well controlled on hydroxychloroquine, her blood work stable. But when I ask how she’s managing, tears…
Every April, as temperatures climb past 40 degrees in many Indian cities, my clinic fills with worried patients. They ask the same question in different ways: why do…
A young woman sits across from me, her blood work perfect, her joints quiet, her skin clear. She should be celebrating. Instead, she twists her dupatta and asks,…
“Doctor, will these tablets ruin my sugar and my bones?” I hear some version of this question almost every week, usually from someone who has just been told…
A young woman walks into my clinic looking perfectly healthy. Her hair is neatly tied, her clothes are fresh, and she smiles politely. Then she sits down and…
A young software professional in Bengaluru visits three doctors in four months. She describes pain everywhere, exhaustion that sleep does not fix, and a mind that feels wrapped…
“Doctor, should I be taking immunity boosters? My friend says I have autoimmune disease because my immune system is weak.” I hear this question almost every week in…
Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis: How to Tell Wear-and-Tear from Autoimmune Joint Pain A woman in her early fifties walks into clinic holding her right knee. “Doctor, is this…
A young woman sits in my clinic, worried. Her mother won’t let her step outside before sunset. Her friends are planning a morning wedding, and she has been…
“Doctor, my cousin sent me a video saying my arthritis will vanish if I heal my gut. Is that true?” I hear some version of this almost every…
Every year, as the temperature drops across north India or the cool monsoon winds arrive in the south, my clinic fills with a predictable question. Patients walk in,…
A young woman sits across from me, newly diagnosed with lupus. Her reports are spread on the desk, her mother clutches a notebook, and the first question she…
Last week, a young woman sat in my clinic, visibly anxious. She had been waiting three months for this appointment. Her hands trembled slightly as she opened a…
Last week, a young woman sat across from me, fingers twisting the edge of her dupatta. She had rheumatoid arthritis, diagnosed six months earlier. Her joints were still…
“Doctor, my CRP is high. Am I in danger?” I hear this almost every day in my clinic. Someone gets a routine blood test, sees the word inflammation…
A young woman with lupus sits in my clinic, eyes downcast. She has just told me her disease is well controlled. Her labs look good. But when I…
“Doctor, my tablets are not working anymore. Is there an injection that can settle this once and for all?” I hear some version of this almost every week…
“Doctor, I went to bed fine, and one morning I simply could not lift my arms to comb my hair.” I hear some version of this almost every…
“Doctor, I slept for ten hours but I still feel like I’ve run a marathon. My family thinks I’m being lazy. Is this all in my head?” I…
“Doctor, my joints haven’t hurt in six months. Can I stop the tablets now?” I hear this almost every clinic day. Sometimes the patient has already stopped, three…
“Doctor, the steroids stopped my joint pain, but now I am scared they are eating my bones.” A 52-year-old teacher with rheumatoid arthritis said this to me in…
Last week, a 28-year-old woman sat across from me, lab reports in her trembling hands. “Rheumatoid arthritis,” she repeated slowly. “But I’m so young. I have a toddler.…
A 32-year-old software engineer sits in my clinic, fingers interlaced, looking guilty. “Doctor, my mother-in-law says I gave myself arthritis by cracking my knuckles since college. Is that…
“Doctor, my urine test showed protein, and now you want me to take a medicine that lowers my immunity. Is this really safe?” I hear some version of…
Every year around mid-June, my clinic sees a predictable surge. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune conditions walk in with swollen joints, fatigue that feels heavier…
A 28 year old software engineer from Hyderabad came to my clinic carrying a plastic folder thick with reports. For six weeks she had run a high fever…
Frequently Asked Questions My ANA came back positive at 1:160. Do I have lupus? Not necessarily. ANA at 1:160 is a weak positive that occurs in many healthy…
Frequently Asked Questions Old advice was that women with lupus shouldn’t get pregnant. Is that still true? No. This advice, which was common until the 1990s, has been…
Frequently Asked Questions If I live in a sunny city like Hyderabad, why am I deficient? Most urban professionals spend the bulk of their day indoors and use…
Frequently Asked Questions Can drug allergies develop after years of safe use? Yes. Drug allergy requires prior sensitisation — the immune system must have previously encountered the drug…
Frequently Asked Questions Do vaccines cause autoimmune disease flares? This concern is common but not well-supported by evidence for inactivated vaccines. Inactivated influenza, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines do…
Frequently Asked Questions Is rheumatoid arthritis the same as osteoarthritis? No. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear, predominantly in older adults, affecting cartilage.…
Frequently Asked Questions Can lupus be cured? There is no cure for lupus currently, but most patients achieve remission — a state of low or absent disease activity…
Combination 1: Methotrexate + Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (Septran / Co-trimoxazole) Risk level: High. This combination can be life-threatening. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole — sold in India as Septran, Bactrim, Cotrim, and various generics…
If two of these three apply to you — lasting more than two weeks, clear watery discharge, and itching — allergic rhinitis is the most likely explanation. What…
Frequently Asked Questions Will methotrexate cause cancer? There is no evidence that low-dose weekly methotrexate used for rheumatoid arthritis causes cancer. The high doses used in oncology have…
Presentations in Adults PIDs are not exclusively childhood diseases. Several common PIDs — including Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), the most frequent symptomatic antibody deficiency — often present in…
Frequently Asked Questions Is it possible to have an immune system that is too strong? Yes. Autoimmune diseases are exactly this — the immune system is overactive and…
Frequently Asked Questions Is anaphylaxis the same as a severe allergy? Not exactly. Anaphylaxis is a specific, systemic allergic reaction involving multiple organ systems that can be life-threatening.…
Frequently Asked Questions Can autoimmune diseases be cured? Most autoimmune diseases cannot currently be cured but can be controlled. Many patients achieve remission — a state where the…
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Expert DiGeorge syndrome India guide covering symptoms, treatment costs & care. Evidence-based advice from Dr. Keerthivardhan, DM Rheumatology, NIMS Hyderabad.
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Anti-CCP positive meaning explained by NIMS rheumatologist. Learn what this blood test means for joint pain, RA diagnosis & next steps in India.
Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma in India. Learn about triggers, inhalers, biologics, asthma action plans, and managing asthma in India's environment from a specialist immunologist.
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) affects millions of Indians. Learn about dust mite allergy, nasal sprays, antihistamines, immunotherapy, and managing allergic rhinitis in India's environment from an immunologist.
Gout is India's most common crystal arthritis caused by high uric acid. Learn about acute gout attacks, tophi, allopurinol treatment, diet changes and managing gout in India from a rheumatologist.
Vasculitis is inflammation of blood vessels causing damage to organs. Learn about Takayasu arteritis, ANCA vasculitis, Kawasaki disease, and other types common in India from a clinical immunologist.
Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma) is a rare autoimmune disease causing skin hardening and internal organ fibrosis. Learn about Raynaud's phenomenon, ILD, treatment and living with scleroderma in India.
Psoriatic Arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis linked to psoriasis. Learn about nail changes, asymmetrical joint pain, dactylitis, treatment with DMARDs and biologics in India from a specialist rheumatologist.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE/Lupus) is a complex autoimmune disease affecting women in India. Learn about the butterfly rash, diagnosis, treatment with hydroxychloroquine and steroids, and living with lupus from a rheumatologist.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is India's most common autoimmune joint disease. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options including biologics and biosimilars, diet, and living well with RA from a leading rheumatologist.
Complete guide on X-linked agammaglobulinemia XLA symptoms, diagnosis & treatment in India. Expert insights from NIMS Hospital rheumatology team.
Expert lupus and pregnancy India guide from NIMS Hospital. FAQs on safe conception, medications, delivery & baby care for Indian lupus patients.
Use this rheumatology appointment checklist to know what to tell your doctor. Expert guide from NIMS Hyderabad for Indian autoimmune patients.
Complete guide to Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in Indian children. Expert insights from NIMS Hospital on symptoms, treatment costs & care tips.
Learn about X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) symptoms, diagnosis & treatment in India. Expert guide by Dr. Keerthivardhan, DM Rheumatology, NIMS Hyderabad.
Complete guide to allergies in India — types, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment. Expert advice from NIMS Hospital rheumatologist. Learn to manage allergies safely
Learn about selective IgA deficiency symptoms and treatment options in India. Expert guide by Dr. Keerthivardhan, DM Rheumatology, NIMS Hyderabad.
Learn how your immune system works in this NIMS-approved India guide. Understand immunity, autoimmune conditions, and immune health tips from Dr. Keerthivardhan
Complete hydroxychloroquine Plaquenil patients guide by NIMS rheumatologist. Dosing, eye care, costs in India & safety tips for lupus and RA treatment.
Complete immunodeficiency diseases India guide by NIMS expert Dr. Keerthivardhan. Learn about weak immunity causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
Expert guide on chronic urticaria hives treatment in India. Dr. Keerthivardhan, NIMS rheumatologist, explains causes, costs, and latest therapies.
Learn about dermatomyositis & polymyositis symptoms like muscle weakness. Expert guide by Dr. Keerthivardhan, NIMS Hyderabad. Diagnosis & treatment in India.
Complete guide to autoimmune diseases in India. Expert insights from NIMS Hyderabad on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment costs & when to see a rheumatologist.
Know which live vaccines are contraindicated for immunosuppressed patients. NIMS rheumatologist-approved checklist to discuss safe vaccination with your doctor.
NIMS rheumatologist busts 5 common myths about vitamin D, immunity & autoimmune disease in India. Evidence-based facts on deficiency, supplements & sun exposure
Learn the key difference between autoimmune disease and immunodeficiency. Expert FAQ guide by NIMS rheumatologist for Indian patients and caregivers.
Expert guide on biologics infections risk & TB screening in India. NIMS rheumatologist answers FAQs on safe immunosuppressant use for Indian patients.
Learn about CVID symptoms, diagnosis & treatment in India. Expert guide by Dr. Keerthivardhan, DM Rheumatology, NIMS Hyderabad. Know costs & where to get help.
Sjögren's syndrome causes dry eyes & mouth. Learn symptoms, diagnosis & treatment from NIMS rheumatologist. India-specific care guide for patients.
Learn about steroid prednisone side effects and safe tapering. Expert guide by NIMS rheumatologist for RA, lupus, and autoimmune patients in India.
Learn about antiphospholipid syndrome, its link to blood clots & miscarriage. Expert guide by Dr. Keerthivardhan, DM Rheumatology, NIMS Hyderabad.
Young men with chronic back pain? Learn about ankylosing spondylitis symptoms, diagnosis & treatment in India. Expert guide by NIMS rheumatologist.
Are vaccines safe on biologics or methotrexate? NIMS rheumatologist answers FAQs on vaccine safety, timing & precautions for immunosuppressed patients in India.
Learn how your immune system works simply explained by a rheumatologist from NIMS. Essential guide for patients on immunosuppressants & autoimmune conditions.
IVIG immunoglobulin treatment for immunodeficiency in India - costs, brands, side effects explained by NIMS rheumatologist. Your complete 2026 guide.
Use this recurrent infections checklist to spot immunodeficiency warning signs in children & adults. Created by NIMS rheumatologist for Indian patients.
Discover the best anti-inflammatory Indian foods for RA diet. NIMS rheumatologist shares evidence-based meal plans for Indian patients with joint pain.
Takayasu arteritis affects young Indian women disproportionately. Learn symptoms, diagnosis & treatment from NIMS rheumatologist Dr. Keerthivardhan.
Download your anaphylaxis action plan India guide. Know what to do in allergic emergencies. Expert tool by Dr. Keerthivardhan, NIMS Hyderabad.
Is methotrexate safe? NIMS rheumatologist busts the myth that methotrexate is a cancer drug. Learn the truth about this essential autoimmune medication.
Learn how to stay safe on immunosuppressants in India with this expert guide by Dr. Keerthivardhan, NIMS. Includes checklists, infection prevention tips & more.
ANA positive what does it mean? Expert rheumatologist from NIMS explains ANA test results, when to worry, and next steps for Indian patients.
Introduction For over one billion people worldwide, everyday substances—pollen, peanuts, pollen, shellfish, dust mites—trigger uncomfortable, sometimes life-threatening immune reactions. These individuals live with allergies, a condition where the…
What Is Immunodeficiency? Immunodeficiency means: 👉 Your immune system is not able to fight infections properly This can affect: Or both Immediate defenses (innate immunity) Long-term protection (adaptive…
Introduction Imagine your body’s defense system—the very mechanism designed to protect you—becoming your enemy. This is the reality for nearly 1 in 10 people worldwide living with autoimmune…
A Simple Thought to Begin Every day, your body is exposed to hundreds of microorganisms — bacteria, viruses, and other potential threats. Yet, most of the time, you…
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