How Rheumatologists Monitor Disease Progression?

Different diseases require help from different healthcare experts. A cardiologist will help you navigate through heart problems, whereas a neurologist will deal with brain disease. Besides having a cardiologist and a neurologist, there are also other specialists like a urologist, pathologist, endocrinologist, dermatologist, and many others. Just like these specialists, there are also rheumatologists who deal with infectious conditions that target the joints and muscles.

Rheumatologists offer a wide range of services. From your joints to other musculoskeletal parts, all issues are treated by rheumatologists. In this blog, we will learn how rheumatologists monitor disease progression. So, let’s begin!

What is Rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a medical field that focuses on the treatment of diseases and infections that affect the joints and muscles. The conditions are autoimmune in nature, and the patient may experience swelling, inflammation, and reduced mobility in the affected area.

Conditions Treated by Rheumatologists

The following are the specific conditions treated by a rheumatologist:

• Gout
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Lupus
• Osteoarthritis
• Scleroderma
• Fibromyalgia
• Myositis
• Sarcoidosis
• Vasculitis
• Bursitis
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Tendinitis

How a Rheumatologist Diagnoses Diseases?

Here is how a rheumatologist diagnoses a disease:

1. Medical History: The rheumatologist will review the family history and see if any of the family members also have a rheumatic disease.
2. Symptoms: All the symptoms work as clues for diagnosing the disease.
3. Physical Examination: The doctor will examine your joints and other bodily systems before moving forward.
4. Blood Tests: Blood tests can help in detecting inflammation associated with the disease.
5. Classification: Rheumatologists will combine all their findings and the patient’s history to classify the disease accurately.

Steps Taken by Rheumatologists to Monitor the Disease

Rheumatologists utilize the following techniques to monitor a disease:

Regular Examinations

Rheumatologists will regularly check your joints and overall health to look for any signs of inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Imaging

With the help of imaging studies like X-rays, ultrasound, MRIs, PET scans, CT scans, and other techniques, rheumatologists can look for any underlying damage.

Medication Response

The medicines provided earlier, whether or not they are working effectively, will be recorded. The regular checkups will help rheumatologists know the progression rate.

Activity Scores

Rheumatologists will use disease activity scores to learn more about the progression of the disease. This score will be based on clinical findings, lab tests, and the overall health of the patient.

Final Thoughts

A rheumatologist can help you diagnose rheumatic diseases early. With the help of early prevention and constant monitoring, you can save yourself from major complications. It is always important for you to regularly visit your rheumatologist to make sure everything is alright.

At Zohair Abbas, MD: Rheumatology Care of North Houston, you will get a personalized treatment plan, one that is right for you. Our expert staff provides the best care for different rheumatic diseases. Schedule your appointment now by calling us at (832) 532-9779 and get early treatment for the best results!