A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the joints, muscles and bones, known as rheumatic diseases. Some of the most common autoimmune diseases they treat include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, vasculitis, inflammatory myopathies, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and others.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and swelling. It causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, especially those in the hands, feet and knees.
Lupus is another autoimmune disease characterized by flare-ups that affect the skin, joints, and internal organs. Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling, rash, fever, fatigue, hair loss, and photosensitivity.
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and connective tissues, causing hardening and tightening of the skin, as well as internal organ damage. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include tightness of the skin, difficulty eating, breathing and talking, muscle weakness, fatigue, and joint pain and swelling.
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes dryness of the eyes and mouth due to lack of certain glands that produce tears and saliva. Other symptoms include joint pain and swelling, chronic fatigue, and dryness of the skin and other mucous membranes.
Vasculitis is a group of disorders in which the immune system attacks the blood vessel walls and can cause inflammation, swelling, and damage to organs, including the kidneys, lungs, heart and skin. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, rash, muscle ache and swollen joints.
Inflammatory myopathies, such as dermatomyositis and polymyositis, are autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation of the muscles, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue.
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), also known as Hughes’ syndrome, is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system produces antibodies that attack phospholipids in the body. It can cause miscarriages, strokes, and other health conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis and heart valve disease.
Rheumatologists are skilled in managing all of these conditions, although a rheumatologist may specialize in one or two conditions and refer the patient to other specialists. Treatment may include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications or surgery.
Table of Contents
What are the 7 autoimmune diseases?
The seven autoimmune diseases that are most common are:
1. Rheumatoid Arthritis: This autoimmune disorder causes chronic inflammation of the joints, resulting in pain and stiffness.
2. Type 1 Diabetes: This autoimmune disorder causes the immune system to destroy cells of the pancreas responsible for producing insulin.
3. Lupus: Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, and other organs. Symptoms can vary depending on which organs are affected, but some of the common signs include fatigue, joint pain, rashes, and fever.
4. Multiple Sclerosis: This autoimmune disorder affects the central nervous system by damaging the myelin, the protective sheath that covers nerve cells. Common signs and symptoms include muscle weakness, balance problems, fatigue, vision loss and tingling or pain.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: This is a group of autoimmune disorders that affects the digestive system. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and weight loss.
6. Graves’ Disease: This autoimmune disorder affects the thyroid gland and can cause an overproduction of the hormone thyroxine. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, bulging eyes, and heat sensitivity.
7. Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin, causing inflammation, redness, scaling and thick patches of dry, itchy skin.
What are 5 common symptoms of an autoimmune disorder?
The five most common symptoms of an autoimmune disorder include:
1. Fatigue: People with autoimmune diseases often experience chronic, unrelenting fatigue that is not easily relieved with rest or sleep.
2. Muscle or joint pain: Many autoimmune diseases cause pain and stiffness within the joints, as well as muscle aches and weakness.
3. Fever: Fevers are also a common symptom of autoimmunity, and can fluctuate in severity.
4. Skin rashes: Skin rashes or other changes in skin color, texture or consistency can be a symptom of an autoimmune disorder.
5. Weight loss: People with autoimmune illnesses may experience sudden and unexpected weight loss, which can be a sign of other complications.
How do you check your autoimmune system?
To check your autoimmune system, it’s important to visit your doctor for a comprehensive exam. Your doctor will likely conduct a physical examination, as well as ordering blood tests that can help diagnose conditions associated with autoimmune disorders.
Some of the tests your doctor may order include a complete blood count (CBC), antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test, c-reactive protein (CRP) test, antiphospholipid antibody (APA) test, and a thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) test.
Further testing may include imaging scans, dermatologic evaluations, muscle and joint testing, and/or gastrointestinal assessments, depending on the suspected disorder. Additionally, your doctor may refer you to a specialist to help diagnose your condition as well as to rule out other potential causes.
Treatment for autoimmune disorders can vary, so a diagnosis is key to receiving appropriate care.
How do autoimmune attacks start?
Autoimmune attacks start when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and organs in the body. These attacks are caused when the immune system can no longer distinguish between a foreign invader and the body’s own tissue.
This is known as an autoimmune response. During this response, the body produces chemicals called antibodies to fight the foreign particles, but in the process, the immune system also mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy cells and organs.
This process can affect any system of the body and can lead to serious symptoms and conditions associated with different autoimmune diseases.
What happens to the body when a person suffers from an autoimmune illness?
When a person suffers from an autoimmune illness, their body is essentially attacking itself. These illnesses occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies its own cells as foreign, and then begins to mount an attack against them.
This can lead to inflammation and damage to different parts of a person’s body. Depending on the specific autoimmune illness a person might experience, tissue and organs may be affected. Common symptoms of autoimmune illnesses could include extreme fatigue, joint swelling, organ failure, and skin irritation.
Treatments for autoimmune illnesses vary depending on the severity of symptoms, and can include lifestyle changes, medications, and in more severe cases, surgery. It is important for anyone who is potentially suffering from an autoimmune illness to consult with their doctor and discuss potential treatments and lifestyle changes.
What does an autoimmune flare up feel like?
An autoimmune flare up can vary from person to person and from one type of autoimmune disorder to another, but in general, it can include a host of uncomfortable physical symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of an autoimmune flare up are feeling fatigued and having low energy, dealing with joint pain and stiffness, brain fog and difficulty concentrating, experiencing headaches and an overall decrease in your sense of wellbeing.
Other possible signs and symptoms include digestive issues like nausea and abdominal pain, having difficulty sleeping, experiencing hot flashes or feeling colder than usual, difficulty breathing, and skin issues like rashes, hives, or eczema.
To ease the severity of an autoimmune flare up, it’s important to reduce your stress levels and get plenty of rest. In addition, eating a healthy and balanced diet can be beneficial in both preventing flare-ups, and mitigating their severity.
What conditions do you see a rheumatologist for?
A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Common conditions a rheumatologist might diagnose and manage include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, bursitis, inflammatory joint diseases, and osteoporosis.
Additionally, a rheumatologist might be consulted for certain autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, sarcoidosis, and vasculitis, as well as for tendon and muscle problems or conditions, such as tendonitis and bursitis.
They may also provide management and treatment of pain, which can range from mild discomfort to severe and chronic debilitating pain. A rheumatologist may use a variety of treatments for managing joint pain and inflammation, such as medications and physical therapy, and may also intervene with surgery if necessary.
What does a rheumatologist do on first visit?
A rheumatologist typically conducts a careful evaluation of a patient’s medical history, physical exam, and laboratory results to diagnose and treat the patient’s individual condition. During the first visit, the rheumatologist will review the patient’s past medical records, including any lab tests or imaging studies.
The rheumatologist may also perform a physical examination and order additional laboratory tests or imaging studies. After the review, the rheumatologist will spend time discussing the treatment plan with the patient and answering questions to help them understand what their condition is, the treatment options and what the possible outcomes may be.
Based on the medical evaluation, the rheumatologist might prescribe medications to aid in the treatment of the patient’s condition. The rheumatologist may also suggest lifestyle modifications and other non-medicinal therapies for pain relief and to improve overall joint health.
How do you know if you have rheumatic disease?
If you are experiencing joint pain, inflammation, or stiffness lasting more than a few days, it may be a sign of a rheumatic disease. Other common signs include fatigue, loss of range of motion or problems completing everyday tasks.
If you are having these symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor as it could signal an underlying rheumatic disease. Your doctor will likely conduct physical exams, and potentially review your lab and imaging test results to diagnose or rule out a rheumatic condition.
He or she may also send you for additional assessments with a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, depending on your symptoms. By speaking with a doctor and receiving an accurate diagnosis, you can start the proper treatment and find relief from your symptoms.
Is Rheumatology serious?
Yes, rheumatology is a serious field of medicine, as it deals with diseases that can have a major impact on quality of life. Rheumatology diseases can affect the joints, bones, muscles and other body organs.
They can be both chronic and acute and can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain and fatigue.
These diseases can cause serious long-term disabilities, so early detection and treatment can be essential for successful outcomes. Treatment for rheumatologic diseases may include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery.
It is important to consult with a qualified medical specialist to determine the best treatment options for each individual case.
Rheumatologic disorders can have a range of serious consequences, such as functional limitation, disability, and even death. Therefore, rheumatology is an important area of specialty medicine, and it is essential to consult with a qualified rheumatologist in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
Should I see an immunologist or a rheumatologist?
It is difficult to say which specialist you should see, as both immunologists and rheumatologists can help with a number of conditions. An immunologist is a specialist in the body’s immune system and specializes in diagnosing and treating immunological conditions, such as allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases and other disorders.
A rheumatologist specializes in understanding and treating musculoskeletal conditions and other conditions that affect the joints, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues. Depending on your symptoms, you may benefit from seeing both types of specialists.
Your primary care physician may recommend you see a specialist to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. If your primary care physician refers you to an immunologist and you have joint pain, ask to be referred to a rheumatologist as well.
Many conditions require the combined treatment of both specialists. Your physician can make a recommendation based on their assessment of your medical history and evaluation.
If you are unsure of what type of specialist to see, consulting with your primary care physician is a great place to start. They will be able to help you decide what type of specialist is the best fit for your symptoms.
What test is ordered for autoimmune?
Autoimmune testing is a broad term that encompasses a variety of tests to help diagnose autoimmune disorders. Specific tests will vary depending on the suspected autoimmune condition, but some of the most common tests that may be ordered by a health care provider include a complete blood count (CBC), thyroid panel, antinuclear antibodies (ANA) test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP) test, anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) test, and an antiphospholipid antibody test.
A CBC is a blood test that screens for problems with red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A thyroid panel checks for problems with the thyroid gland, which can occur in autoimmune disorders.
An ANA test checks for autoantibodies in the blood that can be a sign of certain autoimmune conditions. An ESR measures levels of inflammation in the body, as some autoimmune conditions are known to cause inflammation or a heightened inflammatory response.
The RF test looks for autoantibodies present in the blood that are associated with rheumatoid arthritis, while the CRP test is similar but measures levels of C-reactive protein in the blood, an indication of inflammation.
An anti-dsDNA test is used to check for autoantibodies in people with suspected systemic lupus erythematosus, and an antiphospholipid antibody test detects antiphospholipid antibodies in people at risk for developing blood clots.
How can I find out if I have an autoimmune disease?
If you suspect you may have an autoimmune disease, the first and most important step is to visit your doctor and explain your symptoms and concerns. Your doctor will then be able to provide you with the right tests and screenings to properly diagnose your condition.
Common tests to help diagnose an autoimmune disease include:
• Blood tests – to measure levels of certain substances in your blood that may be increased with autoimmune diseases
• Imaging scans – such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, which can help show damage caused by certain autoimmune diseases
• Biopsies – of tissues or fluids to look for signs of inflammation and other changes that may indicate an autoimmune condition
• Skin tests – such as a skin prick test, which involves putting a small amount of a possible allergen on the skin to observe for signs of an allergic reaction
• Tests for specific autoimmune diseases – such as ANA, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, and double-stranded DNA tests, which are used to diagnose specific autoimmune diseases
Your doctor may also suggest lifestyle changes or medications that may help manage symptoms and improve your overall health while you wait for your diagnosis.
What is a full autoimmune panel?
A full autoimmune panel is a comprehensive series of tests that can help detect autoimmune disorders, which are caused by an overactive immune response. Specifically, these tests measure levels of antibodies in the blood that typically indicate an autoimmune disorder.
The full autoimmune panel often includes tests for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) as well as antibodies for specific things like dsDNA, cardiolipin, histones, and Ro/SSA. With the full panel, you can help determine if someone has an autoimmune condition and which specific one they may have.
This can help direct your doctor to initiate the most effective treatment plan for the patient and can help provide clues as to the cause. Additionally, this test can be used for diagnosis and follow-up, as well as for monitoring disease progression and the effectiveness of treatment.
