Glossary of Terms and Acronyms for Newly Diagnosed Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis Patients

General Medical Terms

Autoimmune Disease – When the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation and potential damage.

Autoinflammatory Disease – A disorder where the immune system overreacts without an external trigger, resulting in excessive inflammation.

Chronic Illness – A long-term health condition requiring ongoing management over months or years.

Flare-Up (Flare) – A period of increased disease activity with worsening pain, swelling, fatigue, or other symptoms.

Inflammation – The body’s immune response to injury or infection, often causing redness, warmth, swelling, and pain.

Remission – A phase where symptoms improve or disappear, even though the disease remains present.

Fatigue – Extreme tiredness that does not improve with rest, common in autoimmune conditions.

Brain Fog – Cognitive difficulties including memory lapses, poor focus, and mental fatigue.

Joint Stiffness – Reduced flexibility or movement in joints, often worse in the morning or after inactivity.

Erosion – Damage to cartilage or bone caused by chronic inflammation.

Synovium – The thin lining of joints that produces fluid; often inflamed in autoimmune arthritis.

Cartilage – Flexible tissue that cushions joints and protects bones from friction and damage.

Autoantibody – A protein produced by the immune system that mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues.

Cytokines – Signaling proteins that regulate immune responses and inflammation.

Enthesitis – Inflammation where tendons or ligaments attach to bone, common in psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Sacroiliitis – Inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, often causing lower back pain in ankylosing spondylitis.

Tendonitis / Tenosynovitis – Inflammation of tendons or their sheaths, sometimes seen in autoimmune arthritis.

Comorbidity – The presence of one or more additional health conditions alongside a primary disease.

Systemic Involvement – When autoimmune disease affects organs or systems beyond the joints, such as skin, lungs, kidneys, or heart.

Common Acronyms and Abbreviations

DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs) – Medications that slow disease progression and reduce inflammation.

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) – Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen that reduce pain and inflammation.

Biologics – A type of DMARD targeting specific immune pathways to control inflammation (e.g., adalimumab, etanercept).

JAK Inhibitors (Janus Kinase Inhibitors) – Medications that block inflammatory signals in autoimmune arthritis.

CRP (C-Reactive Protein) – Blood test measuring inflammation levels in the body.

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) – Lab test detecting inflammation by measuring how quickly red blood cells settle.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibody Test) – Test for autoimmune antibodies, often used to diagnose lupus.

RF (Rheumatoid Factor) – Antibody test used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.

TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) – A protein involved in inflammation, targeted by some biologics.

HLA-B27 – A genetic marker linked to certain autoimmune diseases, especially ankylosing spondylitis.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Imaging scan that detects joint inflammation and tissue damage.

X-ray – Imaging test that shows joint erosion and bone changes.

Treatment and Management Terms

Physical Therapy (PT) – Programs to improve mobility, strength, and joint function.

Occupational Therapy (OT) – Therapy that helps manage daily activities and introduces adaptive techniques.

Hydrotherapy – Water-based exercises that reduce joint stress and improve flexibility.

Corticosteroids / Steroids – Medications that quickly reduce inflammation but may have long-term side effects.

Immunosuppressants – Drugs that dampen immune system activity to prevent tissue damage.

Targeted Therapy – Medications, including biologics and JAK inhibitors, that block specific immune pathways.

Combination Therapy – Using multiple medications together to better control disease activity.

Tapering – Gradually reducing medication doses to avoid flares or withdrawal effects.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet – Eating foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, and whole grains to help manage inflammation.

Heat Therapy – Warm compresses or baths to relieve stiffness and improve circulation.

Cold Therapy – Ice packs to reduce swelling and numb pain.

Mindfulness and Stress Management – Techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, and relaxation therapy to manage pain, fatigue, and stress.

Range of Motion (ROM) – The extent to which a joint can move.

Assistive Devices – Tools like braces, canes, or ergonomic equipment to support mobility or daily tasks.

Fatigue Management – Strategies to conserve energy, including pacing and prioritizing activities.

Flare Diary / Symptom Tracker – Logs used to track symptoms, flares, and triggers.

Adaptive Techniques – Adjustments in daily activities or work environments to reduce joint stress.

Psychosocial and Advocacy Terms

Medical Gaslighting – When symptoms are dismissed or minimized by healthcare professionals.

Health Advocacy – Actively participating in your healthcare decisions and ensuring your needs are met.

Support Network – Friends, family, support groups, or online communities providing emotional or practical help.

Coping Strategies – Methods used to manage stress, pain, or uncertainty associated with chronic illness.

Diagnostic and Lab Terms

Complement System – Part of the immune system often overactive in autoimmune diseases, sometimes measured in lab tests. 

Biopsy – Sampling tissue to assist in diagnosis, sometimes used in skin or synovial evaluations.

Imaging Modalities – Diagnostic tools like ultrasound, CT scans, or bone scans to detect joint inflammation or damage.



Autoimmune Flare Markers – Blood tests such as CRP or ESR used to monitor disease activity and predict flares.

Understanding medical terminology empowers patients to advocate for themselves, communicate clearly with doctors, and make informed treatment decisions. Familiarizing yourself with these terms is an important step toward managing your condition with confidence and clarity.