Main Cause of Systemic Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. The main cause of lupus is unknown, and the common symptoms that include fatigue, skin rashes, fevers, and pain or swelling in the joints.

Organs that can affected by Lupus

Certain cells and processes of the immune system have been identified as playing a role in lupus. Kidneys About one half of people with lupus experience kidney involvement, and the kidney has become the most extensively studied organ affected by lupus. 

Dr Vishad Viswanath's IRIS Centre is a dedicated institute for advanced treatment of all kinds of rheumatic problems. We aim to provide state of the art care in rheumatic diseases with at most sincerity and compassion. 

IRIS Centre for Arthritis & Rheumatology

Malayil Centre

Chenthi

Pongumoodu

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011

Contact Number: +91 471 2412573; +91 8281445394

Website: https://www.irisclinics.com

What Problems does a Rheumatologist Treat?

Rheumatology refers to arthritis and several other musculoskeletal conditions including inflammatory and non-inflammatory disorders, which can affect people's bones, joints, muscles and soft tissues.

 What Problems does a Rheumatologist Treat?

A rheumatologist is a medical specialist who is typically consulted for various conditions related to the musculoskeletal system and autoimmune disorders. These conditions may include:

1. Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. A rheumatologist can help diagnose and manage this condition, often through the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic therapies.

2. Psoriatic arthritis: This is a type of arthritis that occurs in some individuals with psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches. Rheumatologists can provide treatment options to alleviate joint pain and inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis.

3. Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis, typically caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. Rheumatologists can offer treatment plans to manage pain, improve joint function, and slow down the progression of osteoarthritis.

4. Sjogren's syndrome: This is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the salivary and tear glands, leading to dry eyes and mouth. Rheumatologists can help manage the symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome, which may include joint pain, fatigue, and dryness.

5. Lupus: Also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and systems in the body. Rheumatologists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating lupus, often using immunosuppressive medications to control inflammation and manage symptoms.

6. Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness. Rheumatologists can help diagnose fibromyalgia and develop personalized treatment plans that may include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

7. Gout: Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, redness, and swelling. Rheumatologists can provide treatment options to manage acute gout attacks and prevent future episodes.

8. Vasculitis: Vasculitis refers to a group of disorders characterized by inflammation of blood vessels. Rheumatologists can diagnose and treat various types of vasculitis, which can affect different organs and systems, including the skin, kidneys, and lungs.

In addition to these conditions, rheumatologists may also be consulted for other autoimmune disorders, such as ankylosing.

Dr Vishad Viswanath's IRIS Centre is a dedicated institute for advanced treatment of all kinds of rheumatic problems. We aim to provide state of the art care in rheumatic diseases with at most sincerity and compassion. 

IRIS Centre for Arthritis & Rheumatology

Malayil Centre

Chenthi

Pongumoodu

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011

Contact Number: +91 471 2412573; +91 8281445394

Website: https://www.irisclinics.com

What Does a Rheumatologist Do?

A Rheumatologists are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide array of conditions. These conditions encompass inflammatory disorders that impact muscles, joints, and bones, as well as connective tissue diseases that affect supporting structures such as ligaments and tendons. Additionally, these diseases may also involve the skin and other organs.

What does a Rheumatologist Do?

A rheumatologist is an specialist who received further training in the diagnosis (detection) and treatment of musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions commonly referred to as rheumatic diseases. These diseases can affect the joints, muscles, and bones, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and potentially cause joint deformities.

Dr Vishad Viswanath's IRIS Centre is one of the best Rheumatoid Arthritis Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Hospital where they provide complete dedication and unparalleled patient care. 

IRIS Centre for Arthritis & Rheumatology

Malayil Centre

Chenthi

Pongumoodu

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011

Contact Number: +91 471 2412573; +91 8281445394

Website: https://www.irisclinics.com

Rheumatoid Arthritis Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. Autoimmune diseases are made up of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, spondyloarthritis and osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA, is a condition characterized by autoimmune and inflammatory responses. This implies that the immune system mistakenly targets and damages healthy cells, resulting in painful swelling and inflammation in the affected areas of the body. The primary targets of RA are typically multiple joints, often affected simultaneously.

Rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system of the body mistakenly targets its own tissue, particularly the joints. In more severe instances, it may even attack internal organs. This autoimmune disease leads to painful swelling in the joint linings. Over time, the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can result in bone erosion and deformity of the joints. Although there is no known cure for this condition, the progression of the disease can be slowed down with the help of physiotherapy and medication. The majority of cases can be effectively managed using a class of medications known as anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics.

Dr Vishad Viswanath's IRIS Centre is one of the best Rheumatoid Arthritis Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Hospital where they provide complete dedication and unparalleled patient care. 

IRIS Centre for Arthritis & Rheumatology

Malayil Centre

Chenthi

Pongumoodu

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011

Contact Number: +91 471 2412573; +91 8281445394

Website: https://www.irisclinics.com

What are the causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs when our immune system attacks our own body organs like joints, lungs, eyes etc. It thus causes inflammation of lining membrane of the joint – which then produces chemicals (like TNFα, interleukins) which damage the joints. Also around 70-80% patients have antibodies in their blood (Rheumatoid factor- RF and anti-CCP) that accumulate in joint and increase the inflammation.

Diagnosis - Rheumatoid Arthritis:

The diagnosis is primarily clinical, where a doctor can examine and confirm the diagnosis in classic case of Rheumatoid arthritis. However, in some cases of early disease or when the symptoms and examination findings are atypical for RA , some laboratory tests are done that assist in confirming the diagnosis.

• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)/C - reactive protein (CRP) (markers of inflammation)
• Rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP
• X ray chest, hand and feet
• Other tests are done before starting medications- to monitor for their side effects and baseline functions of liver and kidney ant to rule out any occult infections

Where to get more information on Rheumatoid Arthritis: 

American College of Rheumatology (www.rheumatology.org)
The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org)
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Arthritis/default.asp)

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis 

A chronic inflammatory disease of the joints is known as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). It is a long term condition which mainly usually affects the hands, feet and wrists leading to swelling, pain and stiffness. When untreated, it can lead to permanent joint damage and deformities. In some cases, the disease can affect other parts of the body which may include the eyes, heart, lungs, skin and also blood vessels.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include swelling, pain, stiffness, warmth and redness of the joints. Being a systemic disease, it can also cause other additional symptoms which may include:

Fever.
Poor appetite
Weight loss
Tiredness and energy loss
Anemia
Eye redness (due to inflammation of cornea, sclera, rarely uveal tract)
Breathing difficulties due to lung involvement (airway, pleura or parenchymal involvement)
Chest pain (due to inflammation of covering of lung/heart) or due to myocardial infarction
Skin problems (ulcers, nodules)
Increased risk of Atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, stroke
Dryness of eyes and mouth causing difficulty in swallowing and recurrent fungal infections of oral cavity
Inflammation of blood vessels causing gangrene (blackening of finger, ulcers ,tingling , numbness and burning pains).

Treatment

Early treatment is necessary for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. IRIS Centre for Arthritis is a dedicated institute for advanced treatment of all kinds of rheumatic problems. Visit