Health Information

Sjögren's (pronounced Show-grin's) syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. The body’s immune system attacks glands that secrete fluid, such as the tear and saliva glands. The effects of Sjögren's syndrome can be widespread. Certain glands become inflamed, which reduces the production of tears and saliva, causing the main symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome, which are dry eyes and dry mouth.

Rheumatic fever is a serious complication that can develop following an untreated throat infection (by a type of bacteria called group A streptococcus). Rheumatic fever is uncommon in the UK.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and inflammation in the muscles around the shoulders, neck and hips. The main symptom is muscle stiffness in the morning that lasts longer than 45 minutes. It may also cause other symptoms, including:

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare and serious condition that causes painful blisters to develop on the skin as well as inside the mouth, nose, throat, anus and genitals. The blisters are fragile and can easily burst open, leaving painful areas of raw unhealed skin.

Lichen planus is a non-infectious, itchy rash that can affect many areas of the body. Affected areas can include the: arms, legs and trunk mouth (oral lichen planus)

Myositis is a general term that means "inflammation of the muscles". The symptoms are muscle weakness, tripping or falling, and fatigue (tiredness) after walking or standing. It can feel like permanently having the flu.

Bullous pemphigoid is a blistering skin disease that tends to affect the elderly. It's caused by a problem with the immune system, but usually goes away on its own within a few years. In the meantime, blisters can be controlled with medication.

Behçet's disease is a rare and poorly understood condition in which blood vessels and tissues may become inflamed (swollen). It is sometimes referred to as an autoinflammatory disease, as certain cells of the immune system may begin this inflammation when triggered.

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a rare inherited childhood condition where the development of the kidneys and liver is abnormal. Over time, either one of these organs may fail.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited condition that causes small, fluid-filled sacs called cysts to develop in the kidneys.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. The hands, feet and wrists are commonly affected, but it can also cause problems in other parts of the body

Gout is a type of arthritis where crystals of sodium urate form inside and around joints. The most common symptom is sudden and severe pain in the joint, along with swelling and redness.