These are important essential elements to the history as many rheumatological conditions are restricted to certain elements of the population. For example, osteoarthritis occurs more commonly with increasing age, and certain conditions are more common in women ie SLE, or men ie Reiter's.
The chronicity of symptoms may favour the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis versus other more acute conditions, similarly a characteristic onset, distribution and severity may favour the diagnosis of gout. Increased symptoms in the morning ie stiffness versus the evening is characteristic of ankylosing spondylitis.
A personal or family history of psoriasis may be significant, as may previous symptoms that might suggest the presence of a systemic disease. For instance a dry mouth might be suggestive of Sjogren's syndrome.
It is important when gauging the severity of a condition and when considering management that the effect on the patient's life is assessed.
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