What are the Symptoms of a Systemic Disease?

Treatment Options for Systemic Diseases

A systemic disease is a health condition that generally affects the whole body, not just one organ or area. It can impact several body systems at the same time and even cause wide-ranging symptoms. These diseases may arise from genetic, autoimmune, metabolic, or infectious causes, disrupting multiple body systems.

Hence, it's essential to treat the root cause of this disease. Managing this disease usually requires examining the body and using a complete care plan that supports all body systems functioning together. Keep reading to learn how to spot the symptoms and take action early.

What are the Common Symptoms of Systemic Disease?

Systemic diseases can generally occur across the body due to several reasons. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Feeling tired all the time, even after resting.
• Losing weight without making changes to your eating habits.
• Having a fever that keeps coming back or lasts a long time.
• Aching or swelling in multiple joints, often due to inflammation.
• Rashes, unusual spots, or ulcers on the skin.
• Difficulty breathing without much effort.
• Puffiness or swelling in different parts of the body, like hands or feet.

Tip: Consult a doctor for proper testing and care if you notice these symptoms.

What are the Types of Systemic Diseases?

Systemic diseases can generally affect several body parts and are grouped into different types. These include autoimmune disorders, metabolic problems, inherited conditions, infections, and widespread inflammation. Below are some common examples:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): It’s a complicated autoimmune condition that can impact the kidneys, skin, joints, and nervous system, leading to many different symptoms.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is an autoimmune disorder that mainly causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It can also affect the heart, lungs, and skin.
• Type 2 Diabetes: It is a metabolic disorder where the body doesn’t use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar. Over time, it can also harm the nerves, heart, and kidneys.

What are the Common Systemic Diseases?

Some of the most common systemic disorders include:

• Lupus
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
• Asthma
• Fibromyalgia
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Heart Disease
• Crohn’s Disease
• Sickle Cell Anaemia
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

These conditions usually affect more than one part of the body and can even lead to a wide variety of symptoms.

How are Systemic Diseases Diagnosed?

Your doctor will check your symptoms to find out if you have a systemic disease. Some of the main tests and examinations that your doctor may ask for include:

1. Physical Exam and Medical History: Your doctor will check your symptoms and health background for signs of a systemic disease.
2. Blood Tests: These help spot problems with blood cells and can reveal issues like anaemia, leukaemia, or other disorders.
3. Imaging Scans: Tests like CT (computed tomography) scans, MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), X-rays, or ultrasounds show changes in your organs or tissues, helping find diseases such as cancer or organ damage.
4. Biopsy: A tiny piece of tissue is examined under a microscope to help diagnose conditions like autoimmune diseases or lymphoma.
5. Follow-Up Testing: If required, your doctor may refer you to a specialist or perform more tests to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment.

Based on the results, more tests or visits to a specialist might be needed to confirm the diagnosis and create the right treatment plan for you.

How are systemic diseases treated?

Systemic diseases are treated based on the symptoms and how the condition affects your body. Working with your healthcare team is important to finding the right care for your condition. Your doctor may suggest:

• Medications: Doctors may prescribe drugs like immunosuppressants, steroids, or biologics to reduce symptoms and slow down disease progression.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises and therapy can help improve movement, strength, and flexibility, especially for muscle- and joint-related diseases.
• Lifestyle Changes: Eating healthy, quitting smoking, staying active, and managing stress can help control conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
• Surgery: If the disease causes severe damage, such as worn-out joints, surgery, such as joint replacement, may be needed.

Systemic diseases can impact multiple parts of the body and usually appear with symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, weight loss, or skin changes. Early diagnosis and the right treatment plan can help manage these conditions and improve your quality of life.

Also Read:

→ Symptoms of Inflammatory Myopathies

→ 5 Signs of Acute Inflammation

→ Symptoms of High Altitude Cerebral Edema

→ Symptoms of Lupus Erythematosus

→ Top 5 Signs of Lupus