What are the symptoms of a connective tissue disease?

Symptoms may include:

A butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
Sensitivity to sunlight.
Mouth ulcers.
Hair loss.
Fluid around the heart and/or lungs.
Kidney problems.
Anemia or other blood cell problems.
Problems with memory and concentration or other nervous system disorders.

Is there a blood test for connective tissue disease?

During the physical exam, your doctor may check you for swollen hands and painful, swollen joints. You might also need a blood test to check for a certain antibody that is associated with mixed connective tissue disease.

How long can you live with connective tissue disease?

According to the National Institutes of Health, the 10-year survival rate for people with MCTD is about 80 percent. That means 80 percent of people with MCTD are still alive 10 years after being diagnosed.

What doctor treats connective tissue disorders?

Doctors who treat patients with mixed connective tissue disease include primary-care providers such as general practitioners, internists, and family medicine doctors. Other specialists who can be involved in the care for these patients include neurologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, and nephrologists.

What autoimmune diseases are associated with connective tissue disease?

systemic lupus erythematosus,
rheumatoid arthritis,
scleroderma,
polymyositis, and.
dermatomyositis.

How do you treat connective tissue disease naturally?

Certain lifestyle changes can help ease the symptoms of mixed connective tissue disease:

Physical activity.
No smoking.
Nutrition.
Over-the-counter medication.
Stress management.
Protection from cold temperatures.
Joining a support network.

How does connective tissue disease affect the eyes?

Inflammation can affect any part of the eye starting from the cornea anteriorly to the retina, uveal tract and sclera posteriorly. In some conditions, uveitis or scleritis is the heralding presentation and in others it determines the need for more aggressive immunosuppressive therapy.

How do you strengthen connective tissue?

You must strengthen muscles that directly affect the tissues (often smaller muscles overlooked in traditional strength-training routines) and use stretching and massage to reduce tissue tension. Most of all, training connective tissue requires patience.

Can connective tissue disease affect the brain?

The abnormal immune reaction causes inflammation of and damage to various body parts and can affect joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and the brain. SLE and MCTD often affect young women, especially black and Hispanic women, and there is no known cure.

Is connective tissue disease a disability?

Undifferentiated, or mixed connective tissue disease can be the basis for a Social Security Disability application. Mixed connective tissue disease has signs and symptoms of a combination of disorders — primarily lupus, scleroderma and polymyositis.