Rheumatic Diseases Overview

Rheumatic diseases encompass a broad category of illnesses, including infectious, immune-mediated, and metabolic disorders. Among them, infectious rheumatic diseases primarily include tuberculous arthritis and syphilitic arthritis; immune-mediated rheumatic diseases encompass systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, among others; while metabolic diseases notably feature gout.

I. Infectious Rheumatic Diseases

1. Tuberculous Arthritis: Manifests with symptoms such as low-grade fever in the afternoon, fatigue, weight loss, accompanied by joint and muscle pain. In severe cases, joint deformities may occur.

2. Syphilitic Arthritis: Typically caused by infection with Treponema pallidum. Early stages involve skin and mucous membrane damage, potentially leading to bone injury, osteoporosis, and spinal stiffness.

II. Immune-Mediated Rheumatic Diseases

1. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease potentially linked to genetic factors or environmental triggers. Symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, and may progress to affect kidney function.

2. Sjögren's Syndrome: A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease primarily affecting exocrine glands like lacrimal and salivary glands, causing diffuse connective tissue disease. It can also damage lungs, kidneys, liver, central nervous system, and blood system.

3. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease characterized by erosive arthritis affecting various joints, including wrists, metacarpophalangeal, metatarsophalangeal, knees, elbows, shoulders, ankles, Achilles tendons, and toes. It typically presents as symmetrical small joint swelling, pain, and morning stiffness in both hands.

III. Metabolic Diseases

1. Gout: A heterogeneous group of diseases caused by purine metabolism disorders, excessive uric acid production, or reduced excretion, leading to elevated serum uric acid levels. Clinical manifestations include hyperuricemia, recurrent acute arthritis, tophus formation, gouty nephropathy, and joint deformities.

It is recommended that individuals suspecting rheumatic diseases promptly consult a physician, undergo relevant examinations, and receive targeted treatment under medical guidance to avoid disease progression. Daily precautions include staying warm, avoiding cold exposure, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables like apples and cucumbers.