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Autoimmunity FAQS - What Types of Doctors Treat Autoimmune Diseases?

Treatments for autoimmune diseases vary. So do the types of doctors who provide them.

For some people, one doctor will be enough to manage their disease. Others may require a team approach with several specialists treating various aspects of an autoimmune disease. One doctor might coordinate and give care, and others would treat specific organ problems. For example, a person with lupus might be seen by a rheumatologist. But that person might also see a nephrologist for related kidney problems and a dermatologist for skin problems.

Specialists you may need to see include:

• A rheumatologist, who treats arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. These include scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus or SLE).
  
  
• An endocrinologist, who treats gland and hormone problems. These include diabetes and thyroid disease.
  
  
• A neurologist, who treats nerve problems. These include multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis.
  
  
• A hematologist, who treats diseases that affect the blood. These include pernicious anemia and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
  
  
• A gastroenterologist, who treats problems with the digestive system. These include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
  
  
• A dermatologist, who treats problems of the skin, hair, and nails. These include psoriasis, pemphigus/pemphigoid, and alopecia areata.
  
  
• A nephrologist, who treats kidney problems. These include glomerulonephritis, inflamed kidneys associated with lupus.

Autoimmunity FAQS

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Suggested Reading:

Living Well With Autoimmune Disease: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You... That You Need To Know by Mary J. Shomon

Adapted from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
and Skin Diseases NIAMS/National Institutes of Health (NIH)
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675

NIH Publication No. 02-4858

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