Connective Tissue Disease
Some patients come to me with positive autoimmune tests or overlapping symptoms and are unsure what connective tissue disease actually means. My aim is to work out whether your symptoms fit a defined condition, an overlap syndrome, or a picture that needs monitoring over time.
What connective tissue disease is
Connective tissue disease is a broad term for autoimmune conditions that affect tissues supporting the joints, skin, blood vessels and internal organs. It can include lupus, Sjogren's disease, systemic sclerosis, inflammatory myositis, mixed connective tissue disease and overlap syndromes.
Symptoms to look out for
Joint pain, swelling or morning stiffness
Raynaud's phenomenon in the fingers or toes
Rashes, mouth ulcers or hair loss
Dry eyes or dry mouth
Breathlessness, reflux, muscle weakness or fatigue depending on the condition
Why this matters to a rheumatologist
The rheumatology task is to identify whether symptoms fit a defined condition, an overlap syndrome, or an undifferentiated connective tissue disease that needs monitoring. Blood tests always need to be read alongside the clinical picture.
Signs I would like you to seek care for
For emergency symptoms please seek urgent or emergency care first rather than waiting for a WhatsApp reply.
Positive ANA or autoimmune blood tests with symptoms
Raynaud's with ulcers, swelling or skin thickening
Unexplained joint swelling, rash, fever or fatigue
Breathlessness, chest pain or kidney abnormalities in an autoimmune context
What a specialist review looks like
I review the symptom pattern, examine joints, skin, nails and circulation, and interpret blood tests in context. Some patients need monitoring over time because connective tissue diseases can evolve gradually, and early organ involvement can be subtle.
Questions my patients often ask me
Speak with me
If you are worried about connective tissue disease symptoms, or your autoimmune tests are positive with new symptoms, WhatsApp my clinic and we can help you decide whether a rheumatology assessment is the right next step.
Other conditions I treat
This page is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.