Rheumatology and Immunology is the clinical department for the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases, primarily involving inflammatory and immune abnormalities of the joints, bones, muscles, blood vessels and systemic connective tissue. Rheumatic and autoimmune diseases often affect multiple organ systems and follow a prolonged, relapsing course; the department emphasizes a comprehensive management model combining early diagnosis, standardized medication and long-term follow-up. Scope of Services and Common Conditions The department's main clinical scope includes: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout and hyperuricemia; spondyloarthropathies such as ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis; diffuse connective tissue diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma and dermatomyositis; vasculitis; and difficult rheumatic conditions such as adult-onset Still's disease. For symptoms including joint swelling and pain, morning stiffness, back pain, rash, dry mouth and dry eyes, and unexplained fever, the department provides systematic diagnosis and treatment. Specialized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques The department routinely performs autoantibody panels, antinuclear antibody testing, rheumatoid factor testing, joint ultrasound and joint imaging, enabling precise classification and activity assessment of rheumatic diseases. The department emphasizes individualized treatment, selecting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologic agents according to the condition, controlling inflammation while maximally protecting joint function and reducing adverse drug reactions. Who Should Visit and Clinic Guide Individuals with swelling and pain in multiple joints, morning stiffness lasting more than one hour, unexplained rash, recurrent oral ulcers, or dry mouth and dry eyes are advised to visit Rheumatology and Immunology. Rheumatic diseases mostly require long-term medication management; patients should strictly follow medical advice and attend regular follow-up visits, and must not stop medication on their own because symptoms ease, which may cause relapse and worsening. Joint protection and appropriate functional exercise are equally important in delaying disease progression. Clinic Notes Diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus can involve vital organs including the kidneys, blood and nervous system; seek medical attention promptly when marked edema, hematuria, fever or psychiatric abnormalities occur. Women of childbearing age with rheumatic diseases should consult a specialist before pregnancy to plan disease control and medication adjustment. Department Features and Advantages. Rheumatology and Immunology excels in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of difficult rheumatic diseases. Through autoantibody testing and imaging assessment, disease type and activity are clarified and individualized treatment plans are developed. The department controls inflammation while emphasizing the protection of joint function and reduction of adverse reactions to glucocorticoids and other drugs, and implements multidisciplinary collaborative management for diseases involving multiple organs such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Daily Prevention and Health Advice. Rheumatic and autoimmune diseases require long-term standardized management. Seek medical attention as early as possible when symptoms such as swelling and pain in multiple joints, morning stiffness or rash appear; after diagnosis, strictly adhere to prescribed medications and regular follow-up, and never stop medication on your own. Maintain appropriate joint activity and muscle exercise, keep warm, and avoid fatigue and infection. Maintain a positive mindset and regular routine, which help keep the condition stable. Appointments and Friendly Reminders. Patients can book appointments for the corresponding specialty outpatient clinics through the hospital website, by phone or on this platform. Please bring your ID, previous medical records and recent examination reports when visiting, and truthfully inform the physician of your current medications, allergies and past medical history so that an individualized plan can be developed. For special examinations requiring fasting, bladder filling or bowel preparation, please prepare strictly according to the physician's instructions in advance to ensure accurate results. The department implements a first-visit responsibility system, establishing health management records for you and providing continuous services from outpatient care, examination and treatment to follow-up. If you have any questions, please feel free to consult the hospital's in-house guidance desk or online customer service. We will wholeheartedly provide you with attentive, professional medical services, and we wish you a speedy recovery. |
