A rheumatologic condition is one of many systemic (whole body) inflammatory diseases that may affect the skin, joints, muscles and internal organs. While the underlying causes of rheumatologic conditions are not entirely understood, we do know that rheumatologic diseases are typically autoimmune in nature. This means that the body's immune system attacks itself. As a result of the immune system dysfunction, widespread inflammation can result. Treatment of these systemic autoimmune diseases often relies on immune-suppressing medications.
Rheumatologic conditions include:
There are many things you can do to reduce the severity of your symptoms. Learn how you can live well with arthritis and other rheumatologic conditions.
More information: When is arthritis not just a joint disease?
