Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology

Learn everything you need to know about rheumatology, its treatment protocols and other information.

Here is a list of some common types of conditions treated by Rheumatology (Rheumatoid Arthritis) Doctors. 

• Inflammatory joint disease: Inflammatory joint disease is a chronic condition also known as rheumatoid arthritis. It is a disease caused by an overactive immune system. This disease usually affects several joints throughout the body. In this condition, the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and joints causing pain and swelling. If not treated timely, this disease can cause bone deformity and erosion.
• Autoimmune disease: An autoimmune disease is a condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself. The immune system is responsible for safeguarding your body from bacteria, viruses and harmful external agents. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system begins to target and attack the body’s healthy cells. Common autoimmune diseases include lupus, coeliac disease and multiple sclerosis.
• Degenerative joint disease: Degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis occurs when the joints in your body wear down due to degenerative changes such as ageing leading the bones to rub against each other and cause painful symptoms.
• Soft tissue disorders: Soft tissue rheumatism is connective tissue disorders causing inflammation of the joints. In this condition, the symptoms such as pain and swelling are not caused by arthritis but repeated low-grade trauma on the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
• Metabolic bone disorders: Metabolic bone disorders are bone deformities caused as a result of insufficient bone strength or abnormalities in bone minerals. Common metabolic bone disorders include osteoporosis, rickets, fluorosis and primary hyperparathyroidism.
• Crystal arthropathies: It is a group of joint disorders developed as a result of the deposition of crystals in and around the joints and soft tissues. This condition can lead to joint destruction and soft tissue masses. Common types include gout and calcium pyrophosphate deposition.
• Musculoskeletal infections: Musculoskeletal infections are infections that can develop in the bones, joints or muscles. These infections can affect anyone at any age and usually spread quickly in children as compared to adults.

The common rheumatological & autoimmune diseases: (Must visit a Rheumatologist)

Common Symptoms of Rheumatological & Autoimmune diseases:

1. Joint pain
2. Stiffness in joints
3. Swelling in one or more joints
4. Chronic low back pain or chronic neck pain
5. Low grade persistent fever
6. Muscle pain or muscle weakness
7. Persistent tiredness or fatigue or deceased appetite
8. Weight loss
9. Nonscarring alopecia
10. Photosensitivity rash or multiple skin rash or ulcers
11. Dryness in eyes or mouth
12. Skin thickening or tightening
13. Deformities in hands
14. Blue or white discoloration of fingers in winter
15. Recurrent oral ulcer
16. Recurrent abortions
17. Recurrent ocular inflammation
18. Recurrent infections
19. Unexplained kidney failure
20. Persistent dry cough and shortness of breath

Your rheumatologist will evaluate your condition. You will be expected to discuss your medical history and symptoms in detail. Your doctor will order a range of tests to further reach a diagnosis for your problems. Common tests include X-rays, bone density tests, CT scans and more. Additional tests may be ordered if your doctor suspects the need for them. 

After a thorough evaluation of your condition, your rheumatologist and care team will offer your different treatment options best suited for your health. Common treatment protocols used to treat above given conditions include:

• Medication
• Exercise and physical workout 
• Dietary control
• Use of appliances, such as splints or braces
• Procedure done: (in Minor OT under anaesthesia)
  • Skin biopsy
  • Muscle biopsy
  • Nerve Biopsy
  • Sublingual gland biopsy
  • Intraarticular joint aspiration
  • local intralesional injection