🩺 Many patients confuse Rheumatology & Immunology with Allergy & Immunology because both share the same keyword “Immunity.” However, their roles are completely different.
Rheumatology focuses on autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, mainly affecting the joints, muscles, and connective tissues — such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma.
In contrast, Allergy & Immunology deals with immune deficiency, which causes recurrent infections, and allergic disorders, when the immune system overreacts to mild triggers like dust, food, or medications.
Understanding these distinctions helps patients find the right specialist quickly, saving time and avoiding frustration caused by misdirection.