Profession of rheumatologist: duties and methods of treatment
Rheumatologist is a doctor who studies, diagnoses and treats systemic diseases of connective tissue and joints. This specialist deals with the diagnosis and therapy of vasculopathies, pathological processes of connective tissue, systemic vasculitis and autoimmune processes.
In addition, the rheumatologist takes care of rheumatoid immunologic tests, immunohistochemical studies, initiation of autoimmune processes, deciphering the immunogram.
He tests the patient for oncomarkers, antibodies of different types, LE-cells (indicator of collagenosis). He refers patients to therapeutic exercise, physical therapy, sanatorium treatment.
What symptoms should be referred to a specialist with:
pain, stiffness and cracking in the joints;
inflammation, swelling of the joint area, the skin is hot;
increased pain in the limbs with exertion;
skin itching;
increased body temperature;
frequent nosebleeds
shortness of breath and chest pain;
heart pain, arrhythmia;
swelling.
At the first consultation, the doctor will listen to all complaints and examine the affected area of the body. Will appoint a method of investigation of the injury and after will be able to determine the method of treatment. In addition to drug therapy, the rheumatologist can prescribe additional methods:
physiotherapy;
therapeutic massage;;
physical therapy;
manual therapy.
The main diseases that are treated by a rheumatologist:
Idiopathic forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis (psoriasis, rheumatism).
Acute rheumatic fever.
Joint diseases of infectious nature (gonorrhea, syphilis, tuberculosis).
Systemic collagenosis (lupus erythematosus, scleroderma).
Autoimmune damage to exocrine glands - Sjögren's disease.
Myopathies of unspecified etiology.
Systemic vasculitis, including Behçet's syndrome.
Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
Myalgia of connective tissue.
Rheumatism with target organ damage: heart, kidneys, lungs.
Dermatomyositis.