Connective Tissue Disease Treatment in Panama City, FL

(Lupus, Sjögren’s, Scleroderma, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease)

Connective tissue diseases are a group of autoimmune disorders. They mostly affect women between ages 20 and 50. In these diseases, the body makes antibodies that attack its own organs. Without care, they can cause damage that can’t be undone. So early diagnosis and treatment are key.

Lupus is the most common of these diseases. Being female or African American raises your risk. Lupus is often found through blood work. Your primary care provider may order it based on your symptoms. Right after diagnosis, you should see a rheumatologist. This step is vital to control the disease.

Common Symptoms

• Fever
• Feeling very tired
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Painful, swollen joints
• Rashes, often after time in the sun
• Sores in the mouth
• Chest pain that is worse with a deep breath
• Blood in the urine
• Muscle aches
• Memory loss
• Blood clots
• Miscarriages

Other Connective Tissue Diseases

Sjögren’s syndrome can come with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. It inflames the glands that make spit and tears. This causes very dry eyes and a very dry mouth.

Scleroderma is less common. It inflames the skin and blood vessels. Over time, the skin on the hands and face gets thick and tight. It is closely linked to Raynaud’s syndrome. In Raynaud’s, the blood vessels in the fingertips tighten in the cold. As a result, the fingers turn blue or purple.

Mixed connective tissue disease is the rarest form. It mixes lupus, scleroderma and a muscle disorder. The muscle disorder causes swelling and weakness in the muscles.

Connective Tissue Disease Treatment

• Steroid pills to lower swelling
• Medicines that calm an overactive immune system
• Regular blood tests, including blood counts and kidney and liver checks
• Staying out of the sun, or wearing sunscreen at all times

A rheumatologist should start and track your treatment. This helps prevent more damage and other problems.