How do I know if I have Adult-onset Stills Disease?

What signs or symptoms may make you suspect you may have Adult-onset Stills Disease. People who have experience in Adult-onset Stills Disease offer advice of what things may make you suspicious and which doctor you should go to to receive treatment

How to Determine if You Have Adult-onset Still's Disease

Adult-onset Still's Disease (AOSD) is a rare inflammatory disorder that primarily affects adults. It is characterized by high fevers, joint pain, rash, and other systemic symptoms. Diagnosing AOSD can be challenging as its symptoms can mimic other conditions. However, there are certain criteria and diagnostic tests that can help determine if you have AOSD.

1. Symptoms

The hallmark symptoms of AOSD include:

Fever: Persistent high fevers that spike once or twice a day, often exceeding 102°F (39°C).

Joint pain: Pain and swelling in multiple joints, typically affecting wrists, knees, and ankles.

Rash: Salmon-colored rash that comes and goes, usually appearing on the trunk and limbs.

Systemic symptoms: Fatigue, sore throat, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and weight loss.

2. Duration of Symptoms

AOSD symptoms usually persist for several weeks or months, with periods of remission and flare-ups. The fever and rash are often present during flare-ups.

3. Laboratory Tests

Several tests can aid in the diagnosis of AOSD:

Blood tests: Elevated levels of white blood cells, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are common in AOSD patients.

Ferritin levels: AOSD is associated with extremely high ferritin levels, which can help differentiate it from other conditions.

Liver function tests: AOSD can cause liver inflammation, leading to abnormal liver function test results.

4. Exclusion of Other Conditions

Since AOSD shares symptoms with other diseases, it is crucial to rule out other potential causes. Your doctor may perform additional tests to exclude infections, autoimmune disorders, and malignancies.

5. Consultation with a Rheumatologist

If you suspect you have AOSD, it is essential to consult with a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating inflammatory conditions like AOSD. They will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and test results to make an accurate diagnosis.

Note: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you suspect you have AOSD or any other health concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Diseasemaps

You would have to have most or all of the symptoms for a prolonged period of time, and have a diagnosis from a consultant rheumatologist. It could take a while as doctors have to exclude everything else that It could be, they do not just jump in with a quick diagnosis of this disease.

Posted Feb 25, 2019 by Terry 2550

If you have symptoms - joint and muscle pain, spiking fevers, salmon colored skin rash, organ problems, fatigue, etc. - go to the rheumatologist. They will do an exam and testing, and will rule out other conditions first. If you do not test positive for other conditions, it's possible that it's AOSD.

Posted Sep 29, 2019 by Jenifer E 4550

Translated from spanish Improve translation

Look if the conditions are associated or not to the symptoms of the disease.

Posted Oct 18, 2017 by Paula Andrea 2750