Rheumatology
Rheumatology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory joint rheumatism. Inflammatory joint rheumatism is usually a lifelong chronic disease, although it can sometimes begin acutely. The inflammation is non-microbial and is produced by the body itself. During the course of the disease, joint damage as well as organ involvement and damage may occur. For this reason, early diagnosis and treatment are important.
The aim of treatment is both to preserve the patient’s joint functions and to prevent organ involvement. The most commonly affected organs are the eyes, skin, lungs, and kidneys. Rarely, vital organs such as the heart and brain may also be involved. The best preventive measure against rheumatic diseases is to avoid smoking.
Common rheumatic diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Gout, Behçet’s Disease, Familial Mediterranean Fever, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Although the frequency varies, rheumatic diseases can be seen at any age. In some rheumatic diseases, genetic factors play a major role (e.g., Familial Mediterranean Fever, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Behçet’s Disease). Treatment involves anti-inflammatory painkillers, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive drugs.
Arthralgia means joint pain; Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joint. When arthritis occurs, in addition to joint pain there may be swelling, tenderness, increased warmth, redness, and restricted movement.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), known among the public as “inflammatory rheumatism,” is one of the most common rheumatic diseases. It typically starts with pain and swelling in the small joints of the hands and feet, accompanied by morning stiffness, and may gradually spread to other joints. It is a chronic arthritis that usually requires lifelong treatment. If untreated, joint deformities and loss of function may develop in later years. Eye and lung involvement may also occur.
Connective tissue diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Sjögren’s Syndrome, and Scleroderma may also present with chronic arthritis, skin involvement, and organ involvement, and generally require lifelong treatment.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a rheumatic disease that causes chronic back pain and primarily affects the spine. Heel pain, as well as pain and swelling in the knees and ankles, may also occur. It can cause eye inflammation known as uveitis. AS is more common in individuals with a genetic predisposition, particularly those carrying the HLA-B27 gene.
Behçet’s Disease is common in our country. It is characterized by recurrent mouth ulcers (aphthae), genital ulcers, acne-like lesions and nodules on the skin, joint swelling, and eye inflammation (uveitis). Symptoms usually begin at a young age. Eye involvement is important as it can cause vision loss.
Gout Disease develops due to high uric acid levels in the blood caused by a metabolic disorder. It can cause acute arthritis attacks, particularly in the first toe of the foot. With recurrent attacks, the disease may become chronic.
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is characterized by recurrent fever, abdominal pain, joint pain, and swelling. It is a common genetic disease in our country. Symptoms usually start in childhood. If diagnosed late or inadequately treated, it may lead to amyloidosis and kidney failure. Those with a family history of FMF should be evaluated by a rheumatologist.
