Autoimmune and Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases/Connective Tissue Diseases (AIRDs/CTDs)
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- Presentation: Chronic inflammatory disease affecting various organs.
- Age Group: Most often diagnosed in women aged 15–44.
- Common Symptoms: Fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, fever, hair loss, and organ involvement.
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- Presentation: Affects moisture-producing glands, leading to dryness in eyes and mouth.
- Age Group: Common in women over 40.
- Common Symptoms: Dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, and joint pain.
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- Presentation: Causes thickening and hardening of the skin and internal organs.
- Age Group: Typically diagnosed between ages 30 and 50.
- Common Symptoms: Skin thickening, Raynaud’s phenomenon, heartburn, and potential organ involvement.
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- Presentation: Muscle inflammation causing weakness.
- Common Symptoms: Muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, and fatigue. Dermatomyositis includes a characteristic skin rash.
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- Presentation: Increases the risk of blood clots.
- Common Symptoms: Blood clots, recurrent miscarriages, stroke, or heart attack.
