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Rheumatologist Shares 4 Signs of Autoimmune Disease That Are ‘Easy To Miss’
Newsweek • • health
Key Points:
- Rheumatologist Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann highlights four early, often overlooked signs of scleroderma—Raynaud’s phenomenon, fatigue, reflux or heartburn, and gastrointestinal issues—that could aid in earlier diagnosis of this rare autoimmune disease.
- Scleroderma causes hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues, affecting about 300,000 Americans, with one-third experiencing its more severe systemic form.
- Early symptoms are commonly misdiagnosed due to their overlap with more prevalent conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and general fatigue, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
- While no cure currently exists, treatments can manage symptoms and slow disease progression, and a holistic approach including diet, stress management, and self-care can improve patients' quality of life.
- Ongoing research into new therapies, including cellular treatments, offers hope for future advances that may lead to sustained remission or potential cures.
