In China, a doctor spoke about the symptoms of connective tissue diseases

Connective tissue diseases can affect the entire body, accompanied by symptoms such as whiteness and numbness of the hands when freezing, and also have the ability to manifest themselves in other "minor problems" that do not relate to the underlying disease. This is reported by China Central Television (CCTV).

Earlier, Chinese blogger Zhang Ting shared that after a year of marriage, doctors diagnosed her with a disease of the immune system. According to the woman, she experienced symptoms such as whiteness and numbness of her hands when freezing. Subsequently, it turned out that this was due to a mixed type of connective tissue disease. Although the disease was detected at an early stage, it can either improve or worsen.

Liu Lin, Chief Physician and director of the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at the BenQ Hospital in Nanjing, clarified that most connective tissue diseases cannot be fully treated. She called the main goal of therapy to alleviate symptoms, control the progression of the disease, as well as achieve long-term stability and maintain the patient's quality of life.

Connective tissue disease can affect the entire body, including the skin, joints, muscles, kidneys, and the hematopoietic system. Zhang Ting shared that she developed a symptom known as Raynaud's syndrome, in which her fingers turn pale, blue or red when exposed to cold or stress. Liu Lin warned that some cases of Raynaud's syndrome are primary, benign, and often well-controlled through warmth or lifestyle changes.

"However, if the first attack occurs in adulthood (especially around the age of 30), asymmetrically affects both arms or legs, is accompanied by pain or other symptoms such as fever, rash and joint pain, this is probably a sign of the disease and requires immediate consultation with a rheumatologist. Secondary Raynaud's syndrome can also lead to the formation of ulcers on the fingertips and gangrene, so early detection of the disease is extremely important to prevent progression," the doctor emphasized.

Therapeutic defect: which diseases are dangerous to treat on your own

Doctors told me what's wrong with people who don't seek help from doctors.

Doctors say that the symptoms of the disease can also manifest themselves through a variety of "minor problems" that are not always related to the underlying disease. Liu Lin cited the example of unexplained extreme fatigue, fever, frequent attacks of ulcers in the mouth and nose, as well as a rash after exposure to the sun. It is especially important to pay attention to such internal symptoms as shortness of breath, dry cough, the appearance of bubbles in the urine and swelling on the legs, as this may indicate organ damage.

"Recurring 'minor ailments' should be taken seriously, especially in the presence of the aforementioned combination of symptoms. One should not be careless and seek medical help in a timely manner. The more detailed the medical history, the more useful it will be for making a diagnosis. Early standardized treatment can significantly control the progression of the disease and maintain organ function," the doctor said.

It is noted that diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis and mixed connective tissue disease are specific and require comprehensive treatment. According to Liu Lin, due to limited opportunities decades ago, there was a low survival rate for people with a disease such as lupus erythematosus.

She clarified that due to the widespread use of glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants and biologics, as well as progress in treatment strategies, the condition of most patients has been effectively controlled. Against this background, the likelihood of developing a severe form of lupus erythematosus has significantly decreased.

In particular, Liu Lin noted that thanks to early diagnosis and standardized treatment, most patients with connective tissue diseases can achieve remission, work and live as healthy people with a low risk of developing a serious disease during their lifetime. At the same time, patients should be regularly checked and monitored by specialists and timely adjust treatment plans.

Signals on the body: what diseases are indicated by skin problems

Doctors have told you what acne, dryness or stretch marks may indicate

Earlier, on March 3, Anastasia Vastistova, an endocrinologist at SM Clinic, spoke about diseases that can cause bruises on the body. The reason for the hematoma was the use of certain medications, as well as chronic diseases, age-related changes, connective tissue diseases or vitamin deficiency.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.