IRIS: UNDERSTANDING RHEUMATIC DISEASES

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases are a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues. This can lead to joint pain, swelling, and long-term damage. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to manage symptoms effectively and prevent significant damage or complications, improving overall quality of life.

  • Chronic joint pain and stiffness.

  • Autoimmune harms healthy tissues.

  • Early care boosts life quality.

  • Includes rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Symptoms: joint pain, swelling, fatigue.

  • Management: medication, therapy, lifestyle.

  • Regular monitoring ensures effective care.

  • Research advances improve treatment outcomes.

Types of Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and damage to joints, skin, and organs. While each condition presents distinct symptoms—rheumatoid arthritis typically affects the joints, while lupus can impact multiple organs—both require specialized treatment plans. Management strategies often include medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, alongside physical therapy and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and personalized care are crucial to effectively manage these chronic conditions.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation, pain, and potential joint damage and deformity.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects children, causing joint inflammation and pain.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the spine and large joints.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissue in the body.

Reactive Arthritis

Reactive Arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection elsewhere in the body.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis is a form of arthritis linked with psoriasis, causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks moisture-producing glands.

Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic Sclerosis is a rare autoimmune disease that causes skin and connective tissue to harden and tighten.

Mixed Connective Tissue Diseases

Mixed Connective Tissue Diseases combine symptoms of multiple connective tissue disorders, affecting joints and organs.

Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory condition causing muscle weakness and a distinctive rash on the skin.

Polymyositis

Polymyositis is a rare disease causing inflammation and weakness in the muscles, particularly those closest to the trunk.

Takayasu's Arteritis

Takayasu's Arteritis is a type of vasculitis that affects the aorta and its branches, leading to inflammation and narrowing.

Giant Cell Arteritis & Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica are related inflammatory conditions that cause pain and swelling in the arteries and muscles.

Gout & CPPD Arthropathy

Gout and CPPD Arthropathy are types of arthritis caused by crystal deposits in the joints, leading to pain and inflammation.

Wegener's Granulomatosis & Microscopic Polyangitis

Wegener's Granulomatosis and Microscopic Polyangitis are forms of vasculitis affecting small and medium-sized blood vessels, leading to inflammation.

Polyarteritis Nodosa

Polyarteritis Nodosa is a serious blood vessel disease that causes inflammation and damage to medium-sized arteries.

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura is a small-vessel vasculitis characterized by a rash, joint pain, and abdominal pain.

Hemophilic Arthropathy

Hemophilic Arthropathy is a condition where joint damage occurs due to recurrent bleeding in hemophilia patients.

Metabolic Arthropathies

Metabolic Arthropathies involve joint diseases caused by metabolic disorders, including conditions like gout and pseudogout.

 IRIS Centre for Rheumatology Kollam