Autoimmune diseases, which are diseases caused by the body’s own immune system attacking healthy parts of the body, can be treated by a variety of different doctors. Depending upon the specific autoimmune disease, a patient may need to visit multiple specialists in order to receive comprehensive care.
Primary care physicians, such as a family doctor, may provide initial care and act as the main point of contact for a patient. They may also be able to diagnose and treat some milder forms of autoimmune disorders.
Rheumatologists specialize in treating autoimmune diseases that primarily affect the joints, muscles, and bones. These autoimmunities may include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory myopathies.
Gastroenterologists specialize in treating autoimmune diseases that affect the digestive system, such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease.
Dermatologists specialize in treating autoimmune skin diseases, such as psoriasis or dermatomyositis.
Neurologists specialize in treating autoimmune neurological diseases or disorders that affect the brain, nerves or spinal cord, such as multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and myasthenia gravis.
Endocrinologists specialize in treating autoimmune diseases of the hormone-producing glands, such as type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Immunologists are specialists in the study of the immune system. They may provide guidance and treatments for autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, Crohn’s disease, and vasculitis.
It is important to consult with a doctor who has experience and expertise in treating the particular type of autoimmune disease a patient has. Working together, the patient, their primary care doctor, and the autoimmune specialist can develop a treatment plan to best manage the symptoms of the disorder.
Should I see an immunologist or a rheumatologist?
The best person to see depends on what symptoms you are experiencing and what type of condition you are dealing with. If you are having problems with your immune system, such as autoimmune diseases, allergies, and recurring infections, then it would be best to see an immunologist.
They specialize in diagnosing and managing conditions related to immunodeficiency and hypersensitivity.
Rheumatologists on the other hand specialize in diagnosing and managing conditions related to the body’s joints, muscles, and bones. These may include arthritis, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis. If you are experiencing problems with joint swelling, stiffness, and pain then it would be best to visit a rheumatologist.
In some cases, some joint and muscle pain can overlap and create a difficult diagnosis. In this situation, it would be best to visit both an immunologist and a rheumatologist as they will be able to evaluate and diagnose the condition more effectively.
It is important to speak with your general medical practitioner and discuss your symptoms so that you can decide who is the right medical professional to see. They can help you to determine if an immunologist or a rheumatologist is the best choice for your needs.
Do endocrinologists treat autoimmune diseases?
Yes, endocrinologists often treat autoimmune diseases. Endocrinologists are medical specialists that focus on the endocrine system, which consists of glands and hormones that control various processes in the body, including metabolism, growth and development, and sexual development and function.
Autoimmune diseases involve an immune system malfunction that causes the body to attack its own cells and tissues, mistakenly believing them to be a threat. Because many autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, affect the endocrine system, endocrinologists may be called upon to diagnose and treat them.
Endocrinologists use physical exams, laboratory tests, and imaging studies to diagnose the underlying autoimmune condition and the affected endocrine organs and glands. They may then prescribe medications like anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants to control the symptoms and reduce further damage.
They may also recommend lifestyle changes and therapies to manage the condition.
What are 5 common symptoms of an autoimmune disorder?
The 5 most common symptoms of an autoimmune disorder are fatigue, weakness, joint and muscle pain, skin rashes and changes in mood.
Fatigue is a common symptom of an autoimmune disorder. People may feel exhausted more often than usual and have difficulty obtaining enough energy throughout the day to complete tasks.
Weakness is also a symptom that people with autoimmune disorders often encounter. Weakness not only affects physical functioning, but can also affect mental processes.
Joint and muscle pain are hallmarks of autoimmune disorders. Joint and muscle pain can hinder one’s ability to perform normal activities.
Skin rashes and changes are also common symptoms of autoimmune disorders. Rashes appear due to inflammation caused by the immune system attacking the body’s own cells.
Finally, changes in mood can also result from autoimmune disorders. Anxiety, depression, or irritability are all potential mood changes that potentially result from autoimmune disorders.
What are signs of immune system problems?
Signs of immune system problems can vary, but some common symptoms include frequent infections like colds and flu, fatigue, bruising or bleeding easily, slow healing from cuts or wounds, inflammation and rashes, chronic sinus or respiratory problems, and food allergies.
Other signs which are not as common may include muscle pain, swollen glands, rapid or unexplained weight loss or gain, joint stiffness and swelling, hair loss, anemia, and changes in hormone levels. Additionally, those with weakened immune systems may experience digestive issues, such as nausea, bloating, and abdominal pain.
If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to consult with a medical professional as soon as possible to have them properly diagnosed and to receive proper treatment.
What foods calm the immune system?
These can include natural plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Eating a diet packed with these foods can be beneficial in helping to regulate and reduce inflammation.
Additionally, increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids have been found to have immune-modulating activities, helping to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and enhance anti-inflammatory cytokines that can combat inflammation in the body.
Eating foods such as fatty-fish, chia seeds, flaxseed, and walnuts are great options for increasing your omega-3s.
In addition, many spices and herbs can be beneficial for calming the immune system. These can include turmeric, ginger, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, and cayenne. All of these contain a plethora of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful in fighting off inflammation in the body.
Including a probiotic-rich food such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and fermented vegetables into your diet can also have a powerful effect on the immune system due to the beneficial microbes they contain.
These beneficial bacteria can help to boost immunity and potentially reduce inflammation.
Finally, adding adaptogenic herbs to your diet can be helpful as well. Adaptogenic herbs are herb species used to help the body “adapt” to challenging situations. Examples of these include ashwagandha, reishi mushrooms, astragalus, and holy basil, all of which can help to modulate the immune response.
By incorporating all of these foods into your diet, you can help to decrease inflammation in your body, calm your immune system, and promote optimal health.
When should I see a rheumatologist vs immunologist?
The decision of whether to see a rheumatologist or an immunologist will depend on a person’s individual medical needs. Generally speaking, if a person is experiencing joint pain, a rheumatologist is the better choice.
Rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis and auto-immune conditions.
On the other hand, if a patient is suffering from an allergic reaction or a chronic infection, an immunologist could be more appropriate. Immunologists specialize in diseases and problems related to the immune system, such as allergies, asthma, eczema and HIV/Aids.
It is always a good idea to consult with your primary care doctor first to determine the best specialist to address your particular issue. They will be able to provide guidance in relation to your individual needs and make a referral as necessary.
What diseases do immunologists treat?
Immunologists are medical professionals who specialize in the immune system and disorders related to it. They treat a vast array of diseases and conditions, including autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes; infections that affect the immune system, such as HIV and mononucleosis; and allergic reactions, such as asthma and eczema.
They may also be involved in treating certain forms of cancer, such as lymphoma and leukemia. Immunologists may focus on diagnosing and managing the underlying cause of a patient’s condition or focus on symptom management and providing treatments to alleviate a patient’s condition.
Additionally, they may provide education on preventive measures and lifestyle changes that may help manage a patient’s symptoms.
What tests can an immunologist do?
An immunologist is a medical professional specializing in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the immune system. An immunologist will typically use a variety of tests to identify and assess the causes, symptoms, and severity of disease.
Common tests that immunologists use include:
1. Blood tests: Immunologists may use a range of blood tests to check for antibodies and other markers that can indicate inflammation, infection or autoimmunity. They may also take a sample of your blood to test for a specific disease, such as HIV or lupus.
2. Skin tests: Skin tests are used to measure the body’s reaction to substances that may cause an allergic response. This can help to diagnose allergic diseases, such as hay fever and eczema.
3. Imaging tests: X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI are used to view the internal organs and detect any abnormalities that could indicate an immune-related disorder.
4. Lymphocyte testing: A lymphocyte test may be used to measure the number and activity of different types of white blood cells, known as lymphocytes. Abnormal numbers oractivity can indicate a wide range of autoimmune and infectious diseases.
5. T-cell tests: T-cell tests measure the activity of special cells that act as the body’s primary defence against viruses and bacteria, allowing an immunologist to assess the efficacy of a patient’s immune system.
If you are experiencing symptoms that could indicate a problem with your immune system, it is important to consult with an experienced immunologist. They will be able to diagnose the cause and design an individualized treatment plan to help you get back on track.
Why would you be referred to immunology?
You may be referred to an immunology specialist if you have symptoms of an immune system disorder, such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, or a weakened immune system from diseases, infections, or medications.
Other reasons for referral to an immunologist include recurrent infections, skin rashes, or an unexplained fever that does not respond to treatment. You may also be referred for testing of specific immune cells or antibodies, evaluation of your body’s ability to fight infections, or genetic testing.
An immunologist may also perform tests to diagnose inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Immunology specialists are also trained to provide treatment, such as medications to help prevent infections, medications to reduce inflammation, or treatments to help your body fight off infections more effectively.