Rheumatology
Rheumatology can be defined as a subspecialty of internal medicine and pediatrics that deals with diseases such as soft tissues, joints, hereditary connective tissue, and autoimmune diseases.
Some of the conditions treated by rheumatologists include:
- Lupus
- Gout
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Sjögren’s syndrome
Rheumatology
The Rheumatology Department provides services for the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. All diagnoses and treatments are successfully carried out by specialists in their field, in line with the latest developments. Rheumatic diseases are not limited to the skeletal and muscular systems, but can affect the body in many different ways. For this reason, support from other departments is sought when necessary for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Physical therapy, orthopedics, neurology, pain clinic, and endocrinology are among the leading specialties. Since the diagnosis and treatment processes are carried out meticulously by a multidisciplinary team, a multifaceted approach to treatment increases the success rate.
Some Conditions Treated:
- Lupus
- Gout
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Vasculitis
- Scleroderma
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Familial Mediterranean
- Fever
- Infectious Arthritis
- Behçet’s Disease
- Spondyloarthropathies
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as inflammatory rheumatism, is a type of joint inflammation that causes stiffness in small joints such as the wrists and ankles. This disease, which causes pain and swelling in the affected joint and can lead to disability, can also cause damage to organs such as the lungs and kidneys, as well as the skin and digestive system. Although there is no definitive cure for the disease, it is possible to eliminate symptoms and prevent progression, especially in patients who receive early diagnosis and treatment.
Osteoarthritis
Commonly known as osteoarthritis, this degenerative joint disease primarily affects older individuals and is very common. Although it is commonly seen in joints such as the hips, hands and wrists, knees, and spine, it can occur in any joint in the body. Early diagnosis has a significant impact on treatment success. Treatment may include medication, dietary measures, regular exercise, physical therapy, and, if necessary, intra-articular injections or surgical procedures.
Sjögren’s Syndrome
Sjögren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease characterized by dryness in the eyes and mouth, has two different types. Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome is only related to the specified dryness syndrome and does not cause any problems affecting different parts of the body. Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome, on the other hand, occurs in conjunction with rheumatic joint diseases such as Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Treatment involves immunosuppressive corticosteroids and similar medications, as well as preventive measures for dryness in the mouth and eyes. In cases where rheumatic joint diseases are also present, treatment for these conditions is also necessary.
Acute Rheumatic Fever
Acute rheumatic fever, which can occur in individuals of any age but is more common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, is a type of rheumatic disease that can affect the joints, nervous system, skin, and heart. It usually occurs after streptococcal throat infections. Treatment involves antibiotics and medications that help prevent joint inflammation, and in some cases, corticosteroid applications.
Fibromyalgia
Rheumatic pain that occurs in soft tissues is called fibromyalgia. This disease, which is more common in middle-aged individuals and women, causes many negative effects such as fatigue, muscle pain, and sleep disorders. Treatment involves medication to eliminate symptoms and restore sleep patterns, as well as physical therapy.
What are the causes of rheumatic diseases?
The cause of this group of diseases is not fully understood. It is thought that they arise due to the influence of environmental factors on a genetic predisposition. For example, some rheumatic diseases have a high incidence rate among members of the same family. However, while one twin may develop the disease, the other may not. This shows that the condition cannot be explained entirely by genetics. Here, an agent (usually viruses are held responsible) causes the body to produce certain substances that damage its own joints and tissues.
What are the most common rheumatic diseases?
Two main diseases are predominant in this group: rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. These two diseases account for more than 80% of rheumatology practice. Psoriatic arthritis and Sjögren’s syndrome, as well as gout, are other relatively common inflammatory rheumatic conditions. In addition to these, other spondylopathies (inflammatory spinal rheumatic conditions); spondylopathies associated with inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriatic spondylopathies are also seen, though less frequently. Juvenile arthritis is not common in childhood. Systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and vasculitis (Behçet’s disease), which can involve internal organs, are rarer types of inflammatory rheumatism.
Colposcopy and biopsy are essentially very simple and safe procedures. However, mild cramps may occur during the biopsy, and mild bleeding may persist for a few days following the procedure. In very rare cases, bleeding may be excessive and require a second intervention. Infection may also develop after the procedure, but this is also very rare.
