Autoimmune diseases can cause ongoing inflammation, pain, fatigue, skin changes, and symptoms affecting multiple parts of the body. Because these conditions often overlap, getting the right diagnosis may require a detailed evaluation from a rheumatology specialist.
PACT Rheumatology provides autoimmune disease treatment in Connecticut for newly diagnosed patients, people with unexplained symptoms, and those seeking a second opinion.
Accepting New Patients
An autoimmune disease develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells or tissue. Depending on the condition, this immune response may affect the joints, skin, muscles, blood vessels, connective tissue, or internal organs.
An estimated 8% of the U.S. population lives with an autoimmune disease. Because more than 100 conditions fall within this category, diagnosis often depends on symptoms, medical history, testing, and specialist evaluation.
Symptoms of autoimmune disorders can vary widely depending on the condition and the areas of the body involved. Common symptoms may include:
These symptoms do not always mean you have an autoimmune disease. If they continue or affect more than one area of health, a rheumatology evaluation may help determine the cause.
The exact cause of most autoimmune diseases is not fully understood. Researchers believe these conditions may develop through a combination of:
Having one or more risk factors does not confirm an autoimmune disease. A medical evaluation is needed to determine what may be causing ongoing symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes the immune system to attack the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and pain.
Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that may affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood, lungs, heart, or nervous system.
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition that may affect the joints, spine, tendons, and areas where ligaments connect to bone.
Mixed connective tissue disease has features of several autoimmune conditions and may affect the joints, muscles, skin, lungs, or other organs.
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that commonly affects the spine and may cause ongoing back pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
PACT also evaluates related conditions, including fibromyalgia, that may cause chronic pain or fatigue but are not classified as autoimmune diseases.
Not sure which condition may be causing your symptoms?
A rheumatologist may be appropriate when symptoms continue, affect several parts of the body, or do not improve with initial care.
Consider requesting an evaluation if you have:
A rheumatologist can review how your symptoms, medical history, examination findings, and test results fit together.
Autoimmune symptoms often overlap with other health concerns, so evaluation begins with a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, and previous test results.
Your provider may review:
Testing may include bloodwork, urinalysis, X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, or other imaging, depending on the suspected condition.
No single test can diagnose every autoimmune disease. Your provider considers symptoms, examination findings, test results, and changes over time before recommending treatment.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDs, may be used to control inflammation and slow disease progression.
Biologic medications target specific parts of the immune response. Some are given by injection, while others may be administered through a specialist-supervised infusion.
Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids may be used to manage pain, swelling, or disease flares when appropriate.
Treatment may address joint pain, stiffness, fatigue, dry eyes or mouth, skin changes, and other symptoms associated with the condition.
PACT can coordinate related care through the broader Physicians Alliance of Connecticut network when needed.
Autoimmune symptoms may overlap or change over time. PACT reviews the full pattern of symptoms, health history, and clinical findings.
PACT works with patients who are beginning an autoimmune evaluation, transferring care, or seeking another review of an existing diagnosis or treatment plan.
Eligible patients can receive specialist-guided biologic treatment and infusion services as part of their ongoing rheumatology care.
Connect with PACT Rheumatology to review your symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment options for autoimmune disease. PACT can work with your primary care provider and insurance plan to support the referral process.
An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells or tissue. Different conditions may affect the joints, skin, muscles, connective tissue, blood vessels, or internal organs.
Most autoimmune diseases do not have one known cause. Genetics, infections, hormones, smoking, environmental exposure, and other triggers may contribute in people who are susceptible.
Rheumatologists commonly treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, mixed connective tissue disease, ankylosing spondylitis, Sjögren’s disease, and other inflammatory or connective tissue disorders.
Most autoimmune diseases do not currently have a cure, but treatment may control inflammation, reduce symptoms, prevent tissue or joint damage, and improve daily function.
The appropriate treatment depends on the specific diagnosis, disease activity, symptoms, and organs involved. Options may include DMARDs, biologic medications, infusion therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, symptom management, and continued monitoring.
Consider seeing a rheumatologist when joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, rashes, dry eyes or mouth, unexplained fevers, or abnormal autoimmune test results persist or affect multiple parts of the body.
Your first visit usually includes a review of symptoms, medical history, medications, previous test results, and family history. The rheumatologist may perform an exam and recommend bloodwork, urine testing, or imaging based on the suspected condition.
Yes. PACT Rheumatology evaluates and treats autoimmune and inflammatory diseases at offices in Hamden, Guilford, and Orange, Connecticut.
PACT, LLC & PACT MSO, LLC
322 East Main Street, Suite 1B
Branford, CT 06405
PACT, LLC & PACT MSO, LLC
322 East Main Street, Suite 1B
Branford, CT 06405
