Autoimmune Disease Care in St. Petersburg
Evaluation of joint pain, rashes, fatigue, and other signs of autoimmune disease, with the right tests, a clear plan, and close coordination with rheumatology and other specialists.
Call (727) 820-7800When the Immune System Turns on the Body
In an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. There are more than 80 kinds, from rheumatoid arthritis and lupus to Hashimoto's thyroiditis and celiac disease, and many are more common in women.
Early symptoms are often vague and come and go, such as tiredness, aching joints, a rash, or dry eyes, so they are easy to dismiss. An internist who knows your whole history is often the one who first puts the pattern together.
Putting the Pattern Together
A careful history and exam to separate autoimmune disease from look-alikes such as osteoarthritis, gout, thyroid problems, and vitamin deficiencies.
The Right Tests, Read in Context
Targeted antibody and inflammation tests, interpreted together with your symptoms, since a single positive result can be misleading.
Coordinated Specialist Care
Timely referral to rheumatology and other specialists, plus help with vaccines, lab monitoring, and bone health during treatment.
How We Evaluate Possible Autoimmune Disease
Step 1
History and examination
We map out your symptoms over time, including joint pain and morning stiffness, rashes, mouth or eye dryness, color changes in the fingers, fevers, and weight loss, and examine your joints, skin, and other organs.
Step 2
Targeted testing
Blood and urine tests are chosen for your specific symptoms and drawn in our office. See in-office lab work.
Step 3
Diagnosis and early referral
When the picture points to inflammatory arthritis, lupus, or vasculitis, we refer you to a rheumatologist promptly, because early disease-modifying treatment helps prevent lasting damage. Learn the early warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis.
Step 4
Ongoing support
Medications such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and prednisone need regular monitoring. We help with the lab checks, keep your vaccines current, and protect your bones during long-term steroid treatment.
Over 50 with a new headache or jaw pain?
A new headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing, or any change in vision can be signs of giant cell arteritis, which can cause permanent vision loss. Call us the same day, or go to the emergency room if you have sudden vision changes.
Autoimmune Care Questions
What kind of doctor treats autoimmune disease?
It depends on the organ involved. Rheumatologists treat autoimmune joint and connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, while endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, and dermatologists treat autoimmune thyroid, bowel, and skin disease. An internist is often the first to evaluate the symptoms, order the initial tests, and coordinate the specialists involved.
Do I need to see a rheumatologist?
Often, yes. Inflammatory arthritis, lupus, and vasculitis usually need a rheumatologist, and early referral matters because starting disease-modifying treatment early helps prevent joint damage. Some autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, are commonly managed in primary care.
What does a positive ANA test mean?
A positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test alone does not mean you have an autoimmune disease. Many healthy people have a positive ANA, especially at low levels and as they get older. The result only has meaning together with your symptoms, examination, and other tests.
Is there one blood test for autoimmune disease?
No. Diagnosis combines your symptoms and examination with a group of tests chosen for your situation, which may include ANA, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, inflammation markers such as ESR and CRP, a blood count, kidney and liver tests, a urinalysis, and thyroid or celiac antibodies.
What are the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis?
Pain, swelling, and warmth in the small joints of the hands or feet, often on both sides of the body, along with morning stiffness that lasts longer than about 30 minutes, and fatigue. If this sounds familiar, see us soon, because early treatment protects the joints.
Which vaccines should I get if I take immune-suppressing medication?
Ideally, vaccines are updated before immune-suppressing treatment starts. Non-live vaccines such as the flu shot, pneumococcal vaccines, and the recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix) are generally recommended, and the CDC recommends Shingrix for immunocompromised adults 19 and older. Live vaccines are usually avoided while on these medications, so check with us first.
Get Answers About Autoimmune Symptoms
If you have joint pain, stiffness, rashes, or fatigue that will not go away, call to schedule an evaluation with our internal medicine team in St. Petersburg.
Call (727) 820-7800References
Trusted Resources for Autoimmune & Rheumatic Disease
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