Rheumatology and clinical immunology focus on diagnosing and managing autoimmune and inflammatory diseases affecting joints, muscles, connective tissues and internal organs. Specialist assessment helps identify the underlying condition, determine disease activity and develop an appropriate treatment and monitoring plan.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that can cause joint swelling, pain and prolonged morning stiffness. Management may involve disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, symptom control and regular monitoring to reduce inflammation, preserve joint function and minimise the risk of long-term joint damage.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that may affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood and other organs. Treatment depends on the organs involved and the severity of disease activity. Regular clinical reviews and laboratory monitoring help guide medication and assess possible complications.
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition associated with psoriasis in many patients. It may cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness and inflammation around tendons. Specialist care aims to control inflammation, maintain mobility and manage associated symptoms through an individualised treatment plan.
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis associated with urate crystal deposits in joints. Episodes can cause sudden pain, redness and swelling. Assessment may include reviewing symptoms, blood tests and, where appropriate, joint fluid analysis. Treatment aims to control acute inflammation and reduce the risk of recurrent attacks.
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. Symptoms may include persistent back stiffness, pain and reduced mobility. Management can involve appropriate medication, regular exercise, physiotherapy and monitoring for disease-related complications.
Vasculitis refers to a group of conditions involving inflammation of blood vessels. Symptoms and complications depend on the vessels and organs affected. Diagnosis may require blood tests, imaging and other targeted investigations. Treatment is tailored to the specific condition, severity and potential organ involvement.
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that can cause skin thickening, circulation problems and involvement of internal organs. Specialist management includes assessing disease extent, monitoring organ function and selecting appropriate treatment according to the symptoms and complications present.
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition commonly associated with dry eyes and dry mouth, although fatigue, joint symptoms and systemic complications may also occur. Assessment and management depend on symptom severity and organ involvement, with supportive measures and medical treatment selected according to individual needs.
Biologic and targeted therapies may be considered for selected inflammatory and autoimmune diseases when clinically appropriate. These medicines act on specific components of the immune response. Treatment selection requires specialist assessment, infection screening where indicated and ongoing monitoring for effectiveness and potential adverse effects.
Intra-articular injections deliver medication directly into a joint for selected inflammatory or painful joint conditions. The procedure may be considered after clinical assessment and when appropriate to the diagnosis. The expected benefits, potential risks and alternative management options should be discussed with the treating specialist.
Inflammatory myositis describes conditions involving inflammation of muscles, which may cause muscle weakness and difficulty with everyday activities. Assessment can include muscle examination, blood investigations and additional tests where necessary. Management depends on the specific diagnosis, severity and any associated systemic autoimmune disease.
