What kind of doctor do you see for a connective tissue disorder?
Whenever possible, a rheumatologist experienced in diagnosis and treatment of the disease should co-manage all patients with mixed connective-tissue disease (MCTD).
Is UCTD life threatening?
Common symptoms associated with UCTD Problems with the kidneys, liver, lungs or brain are extremely rare. The problems seen with UCTD usually are not life-threatening and, typically, they do not worsen over time.
Is Fibromyalgia a connective tissue disease?
Fibromyalgia is one of a group of chronic pain disorders that affect connective tissues, including the muscles, ligaments (the tough bands of tissue that bind together the ends of bones), and tendons (which attach muscles to bones).
Is there a cure for connective tissue disease?
There is currently no cure for any of the connective tissue diseases.
Does UCTD weaken your immune system?
Instead of serving to fight infections such as bacteria and viruses, the body’s own immune system attacks itself. In UCTD, autoimmunity may cause the immune system to attack specific parts of the body, resulting in a variety of problems.
What does connective tissue disease feel like?
Mixed connective tissue disease has features of 3 other connective tissue diseases: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): An inflammatory disease that can affect many different organs. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, joint pains, weakness, and skin rashes on the face, neck, and upper body.
What does connective tissue disease do to your body?
Collagen is found in the tendons, ligaments, skin, cartilage, bone and blood vessels. Elastin is found in the ligaments and skin. When these connective tissues become inflamed, this can harm the proteins and surrounding areas of the body. This is known as a connective tissue disorder.
Does a rheumatologist treat connective tissue disease?
The Dermatology-Rheumatology Connective Tissue Disease Program provides comprehensive care for patients with autoimmune skin and joint disease such as dermatomyositis, lupus and scleroderma. X Patients see both a dermatologist and a rheumatologist in the same visit.