What is Dermatomyositis & Polymyositis? Dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) are chronic inflammatory muscle diseases caused by autoimmune dysfunction, leading to attack on the proximal muscles. Patients experience long-term fatigue and weakness in muscles such as the arms and thighs, which can severely impact walking and daily activities. DM patients [...]

What is Scleroderma? Scleroderma is a relatively rare chronic autoimmune disease affecting skin and internal organs. It causes skin thickening and tightening, with a waxy appearance, and skin color may become pale or light. Facial expressions may become stiff, limiting mouth opening. Over time, skin and muscles can atrophy, and [...]

What is Behçet’s disease? Behçet’s disease (also known as Behçet’s syndrome) is a relatively rare autoimmune vasculitis characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers. Oral ulcers (aphthous stomatitis) are common, recurring, and may significantly affect swallowing. Genital ulcers can resemble those caused by other conditions.Other manifestations include:Skin lesionsUveitis (eye inflammation)ArthritisGastrointestinal [...]

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What is Allergy? Adult allergies fall under immunology and allergy specialty, which is currently a relatively underserved field in Hong Kong.Allergy is an exaggerated immune response triggered when the body encounters environmental allergens, leading to hypersensitivity reactions such as allergic rhinitis, food allergies, urticaria, eczema/atopic dermatitis, and asthma. Severe reactions [...]

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by immune system dysfunction, leading the body to attack various joints. Approximately 1 in every 100 people is affected. It predominantly affects young to middle-aged women. The gender ratio is about 1:3 (female:male). The average age [...]

What is systemic lupus erythematosus? Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease that mainly affects young women. The male-to-female ratio is approximately 1:7 to 1:9, with an average onset age of about 20 to 40 years. Causes of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus The exact cause of lupus remains unclear, [...]

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis? Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune disease. About 2-3 out of every 1,000 people are affected by this condition. The average age of onset is between 17 and 40 years old. The male-to-female ratio is approximately 3:1.AS primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. Patients typically [...]

What is Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)? Psoriatic Arthritis is an autoimmune disease commonly known as "psoriasis-related" or "silver-scaled skin". It results from immune system dysregulation that attacks the skin and joints. Patients develop well-defined red patches covered with silvery-white scales on various parts of the skin, often accompanied by flaking. Over [...]

What is Gout? Gout arthritis is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals. When purines in food are broken down by the body, uric acid is produced. If uric acid levels become too high, crystals form, which can deposit in the joints and cause swelling and pain. Since crystals [...]