Rheumatology Singapore
A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in musculoskeletal health. They specialize in diseases that affect joints, muscles, and bones.
For example, if you’re grappling with arthritis, autoimmune disorders, or mysterious aches, a rheumatologist is the specialist you may be referred to. Thanks to their understanding of the body’s complex signals, a specialist in rheumatology in Singapore cannot only help you diagnose but also treat conditions that are often not easy to detect.
Follow this link to see more: https://aarc.sg/. Now, on this page, we explain what symptoms your doctor of rheumatology in Singapore will look for on your visit to the facility. We will also explain what to expect on the first visit. Keep reading!
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What Symptoms Does A Rheumatologist Look For?
The specialized training of rheumatologists allows them to be able to diagnose, treat and manage diverse conditions like inflammatory disorders of the joints, muscles and bones. They can also address connective tissue diseases that affect ligaments tendons and sometimes the skin and organs.
What’s more, a qualified specialist in rheumatology in Singapore can also help with autoimmune diseases where the immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissues. Now that you understand the conditions that your doctor of rheumatology in Singapore can help manage, it is natural to wonder, what symptoms does a rheumatologist look for? Here’s a quick summary that answers that question:
- Dry Mouth: Dry mouth is also known as Xerostomia. It can signal an underlying autoimmune condition like Sjögren’s syndrome. This disorder mistakenly attacks moisture-producing glands which may lead to dryness in the mouth and eyes.
- Inflammation in the Lining of the Lungs: Inflammation in the lining of the lungs is known as pleuritis. It is a red flag for various rheumatologic disorders, including lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Some of the other symptoms that may come with it and warrant an appointment with a specialist of rheumatology in Singapore include chest pain and breathing difficulties.
- Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness may indicate myositis. This is an inflammatory condition that affects the muscles. This symptom can be a result of the immune system mistakenly attacking muscle fibers. To prevent complications that may come with myositis, it is imperative that it is identified early and proper measures taken to contain it.
- Swelling: Swelling is one of the most obvious symptoms in rheumatology. It often affects the joints with persistent joint swelling often an indicator of inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. It is one of the visible clues that rheumatologists use to get an idea of the nature of the underlying condition.
- Dermatitis: Dermatitis, or skin inflammation, may also be indicative of certain autoimmune rheumatologic diseases like lupus. Skin involvement can manifest in various forms. This can range from rashes to skin lesions which demands not just for timely assessment but also careful assessment for a tailored treatment plan.
- Hair Loss (Alopecia): Hair loss, or alopecia, can be linked to autoimmune disorders like lupus or certain types of inflammatory arthritis. It is another common symptom that your doctor of rheumatology in Singapore may want to look for if you’re been referred to them for a potential rheumatologic condition.
- Dry Eyes: Dry eyes, just like dry mouth, can also be indicative of Sjögren’s syndrome. As earlier explained, this condition is characterized by the immune system attacking the glands that produce tears. This cannot only cause discomfort but also, potential damage to the eyes.
- Itching: Itching, or pruritus, is a less specific symptom. However, it is still a noteworthy symptom in rheumatology. This is important because while it may result from various causes, persistent itching can be associated with certain autoimmune diseases. To conduct thorough examinations and determine the root cause especially if the itching is suspected to be linked to rheumatology, your rheumatologist will want to assess your history and also conduct thorough examinations before recommending any medication or therapy.
- Stiffness: Stiffness, particularly morning stiffness lasting more than an hour, is a classic sign of inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatologists pay close attention to the duration and patterns of stiffness to distinguish between different types of arthritis. This can help with both precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plans to ensure the best outcomes.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is a pervasive symptom across many rheumatologic diseases. It goes beyond general tiredness and can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. If referred to a rheumatologist for persistent fatigue, they will consider the level and persistence of the fatigue when assessing overall disease activity and its impact on daily functioning.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swollen lymph nodes can be a key indicator of an immune system response. It is another key indicator that may prompt your rheumatologists to explore potential underlying causes, as lymph node enlargement can be linked to various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
What Will A Rheumatologist Do On Your First Visit?
As is the case with other doctor visits, your first visit to a specialist in rheumatology in Singapore may be tinged with a bit of anxiety. While this is normal, it is one of the reasons why you may wonder: what will a rheumatologist do on your first visit? It is simple:
On your first visit to a rheumatologist, they will do a thorough review of your medical history. That said, it may help to bring with you a record of your symptoms. This information will help the rheumatologist understand the nature, location, and timeline of your pain.
During the assessment, you can expect a wide range of questions that dig into the specifics of your discomfort. Following a review of your medical history, your rheumatologist may proceed with a physical examination.
During this examination, you can expect the rheumatologist to assess your joints and muscles. They will need your feedback to truly understand what is ailing you so, be sure to give your most honest feedback on pain levels.
Depending on the pain itself or how the doctors ask for the feedback, you can express it in words or rate it on a scale of 1 to 10. This step is key as it helps in gauging inflammation and tenderness accurately.
You may also be recommended an X-ray as part of the assessment. The X-rays here are used to get an internal view of the reported painful areas. They help in the detection of joint damage and inflammation for monitoring the progression of the condition over time.
In certain cases, an ultrasound may also be ordered for a more in-depth analysis. Blood tests may also from part of this assessment to examine the rheumatoid factor, synovial fluid, C-reactive protein, and other indicators for the rheumatologist to gain insights into inflammation and potential causes.
In Closing
There are a lot of things that go on at the rheumatologist clinic on the first visit. The most important thing is to cooperate with the specialist to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Also, answer the questions accurately to help with the diagnosis.
Do you plan to visit a specialist in rheumatology in Singapore but are unsure where to find a qualified provider? We got your back. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment with an experienced specialist in rheumatology. You can visit us or call at:
Asia Arthritis & Rheumatology Centre – Dr Annie Law | Senior Rheumatologist | Lupus Treatment Singapore
3 Mt Elizabeth #05-03
Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
(65) 6235 3909.
