A Brief Guide to Autoimmune Diseases

What are Autoimmune Diseases?

Autoimmune disorders are a group of disorders characterised by an abnormal immune response where the immune system, which normally protects the body from harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses, mistakenly attacks its cells and tissues. This results in inflammation and damage to various organs and systems in the body.

In a healthy immune system, specialised cells and proteins work together to recognise and destroy foreign invaders while leaving the body's cells untouched. However, in autoimmune diseases, the immune system fails to recognise the body's cells as "self," leading to an immune response against its tissues.

List of Autoimmune Diseases 

Some common autoimmune disorders include:

What Causes Autoimmune Diseases? 

The factors influencing the risk of developing an autoimmune disease are not fully understood, and while the precise cause of immune system malfunction remains unknown, certain individuals may be more predisposed than others. Factors that could elevate the risk of autoimmune diseases include:

• Gender: Out of all the people who have autoimmune diseases, about 78% of them are women. This means that most of the people with these diseases are females, showing that they are more likely to get them compared to men.
• Genetic predisposition: A family history of autoimmune diseases may contribute to an increased risk. While genetics play a role, environmental factors also play a significant part.
• Environmental exposures: Various environmental factors, such as exposure to sunlight, mercury, certain chemicals (like solvents or those used in agriculture), cigarette smoke, and specific bacterial and viral infections, including COVID-19, may heighten the risk of autoimmune diseases.
• Ethnicity: The prevalence of certain autoimmune diseases varies among different ethnic groups. For instance, autoimmune muscle disease may be more common in White individuals from Europe and the United States, while lupus tends to occur more frequently in individuals who are African American, Hispanic, or Latino.
• Nutrition: Dietary habits and nutrient intake significantly influence the risk and severity of autoimmune diseases. By making healthy food choices, individuals can mitigate susceptibility and manage symptoms effectively, highlighting the crucial role of nutrition in autoimmune health.
• Other health conditions: Certain pre-existing health conditions, such as obesity and other autoimmune diseases, may increase an individual's susceptibility to developing autoimmune diseases.

What are the Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease? 

Autoimmune diseases can present a wide range of symptoms, varying based on the specific condition and the individual. However, some common symptoms that many autoimmune diseases share include:

• Fatigue: A pervasive sense of tiredness that is not relieved by rest.
• Fever: Low-grade fevers without any other cause.
• Pain and swelling: Joint pain, muscle pain, and swelling are common, especially in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Skin changes: Rashes, redness, or other skin changes can occur, as seen in lupus or psoriasis.
• Digestive issues: Symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation, as observed in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Weight changes: Unexplained weight gain or loss might occur.
• Neurological symptoms: These can include numbness, tingling, or weakness, typical in conditions like multiple sclerosis.
• Dryness: Dry eyes or dry mouth, particularly in conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome.

Auto-immune disease is best treated when diagnosed early. People usually come in late diagnosis when there is any deformity. So, if they observe or have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, they should immediately consult their family doctor or physician.

How are Autoimmune Diseases Diagnosed? 

Diagnosing autoimmune diseases can be challenging due to their complex and often overlapping symptoms. However, the diagnostic process typically involves a combination of the following steps:

Medical History and Physical Examination 

The doctor will review your symptoms, and family history of autoimmune diseases, and conduct a physical examination to check for signs of inflammation or other disease manifestations.

Blood Tests

Several blood tests are used to check for markers of autoimmune activity. Common tests include:

• Antinuclear Antibody Test (ANA): Detects antibodies that attack the nucleus of your cells, which is common in many autoimmune diseases.
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP): Measure levels of inflammation in the body.
• Autoantibody tests: Specific tests for antibodies that target your body's tissues, which vary depending on the suspected autoimmune disease (e.g., Rheumatoid factor for rheumatoid arthritis, anti-TPO for Hashimoto's thyroiditis).

Imaging Tests 

Techniques like X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound can visualise areas affected by autoimmune diseases, such as inflamed joints or affected organs.

Biopsy

In some cases, a small sample of tissue from the affected organ or area may be taken and analysed for signs of autoimmune disease.

What Kind of Healthcare Provider Treats Autoimmune Diseases?

The specific type of autoimmune disease you're dealing with will determine the specialist you need to see. Based on your condition, your healthcare provider might direct you to one of the following specialists:

• Rheumatologist
• Gastroenterologist
• Endocrinologist
• Dermatologist

How are Autoimmune Diseases Treated? 

Treatment for autoimmune diseases focuses on managing symptoms and controlling the autoimmune process, while maintaining the body's ability to fight disease. Here are some common approaches:

Medications

• Anti-Inflammatory drugs: To reduce inflammation and pain, like NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs).
• Corticosteroids: Powerful anti-inflammatory drugs used to control inflammation quickly.
• Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): These drugs slow or stop the immune system from attacking joints in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Immunosuppressants: Drugs that suppress the immune response, useful in severe autoimmune diseases.
• Biologics: A newer class of DMARDs, that target specific steps in the inflammatory process.
• Other medications: Depending on the specific autoimmune disease, other medications like hormone replacements for thyroid disorders or insulin for type 1 diabetes may be necessary.

Physical Therapy

In diseases affecting muscles and joints, like rheumatoid arthritis, physical therapy can help maintain range of motion, strength, and functional ability.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

• Some autoimmune conditions, especially those affecting the digestive tract like Crohn's disease, may benefit from dietary changes.
• Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management can help manage symptoms and improve overall health.

Surgery

• In some cases, surgery might be required to repair or replace damaged organs or joints.

Regular Monitoring and Check-ups

• Regular follow-ups are crucial for monitoring the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatments.

Can Autoimmune Diseases be Prevented? 

While preventing autoimmune diseases may not be entirely feasible, some experts suggest adopting the following practices:

• Maintain regular and consistent exercise routines.
• Refrain from smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke.
• Minimise contact with toxins.
• Embrace a nutritious diet.
• Restrict the intake of processed foods.

These lifestyle recommendations are proposed as potential measures to promote overall well-being and may contribute to reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding autoimmune diseases is crucial given their complexity and varied impact on the body. These conditions require a tailored approach to diagnosis and management, emphasising the importance of expert care. For comprehensive support and treatment options, consider Max Healthcare. Their dedicated team of specialists offers personalised care, employing the latest advancements in medical science to manage autoimmune diseases effectively. Visit Max Healthcare for a holistic approach to your healthcare needs.