The immune system protects the body from disease and infection by removing harmful germs (viruses and bacteria) and other substances that can cause problems. However, some individuals suffer from an autoimmune disease where their own immune systems begin to attack healthy cells of the body. Multiple sclerosis, arthritis and lupus are all Autoimmune Diseases.
An autoimmune disorder can manifest with a myriad of symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue, muscle weakness, swelling or redness or itchy skin, as well as difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your doctor right away.
Many autoimmune diseases are passed down from generation to generation. However, some autoimmune conditions can be caused by environmental factors, such as chemical exposure or infection.
Children with a history of autoimmune diseases are at greater risk than their parents, however it doesn’t mean they will develop the same condition. Race can also play a part. For example, lupus and other autoimmune disorders are more prevalent among African-Americans than in Caucasians.
The majority of autoimmune diseases have no cure yet, but treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Talk to your doctor about how to manage your disease. Also, discover whether you are able to make lifestyle changes to lower your risk.
Identifying the underlying disease requires an extensive medical history, blood tests to measure the amount of autoantibodies, and other tests. Sometimes it is necessary to take a biopsy of the affected tissue is required.
The most frequent autoimmune diseases are lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. They are difficult to identify especially when symptoms that overlap occur.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that affects your immune system and attacks your joints. It can affect your wrists, knees, hands and wrists and other parts of your body. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
Certain microorganisms can cause autoimmune diseases, such as certain vaccines. They can also be caused by certain medications or individuals who suffer from a specific health condition.
Another type of autoimmune disorder is called psoriasis, which is caused when your immune system destroys skin’s cells. This can result in itchy, dry, cracked patches of skin that grow faster than normal.
These patches can develop across different areas of your body such as your back and neck. It may also happen around your organs like your kidneys or the lungs.
These conditions can be very serious and should be treated by a specialist, such as an rheumatologist, gastroenterologist or a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist will manage your gastrointestinal tract while the rheumatologist can assist your joints.
Having an autoimmune disease increases your risk for heart disease. Since autoimmune diseases can impact the organs and blood vessels of the heart, this is a risk factor for developing heart disease. Regular exercise and keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure levels within the normal range can help to reduce the risk of heart problems.
Other autoimmune conditions can affect other organs like the thyroid or the eyes. A specialist in clinical immunology/allergy is able to determine the cause of these conditions.
Many autoimmune diseases are chronic and require continual care. These treatments can range from dietary adjustments and supplements, to steroid injections and immunosuppressive drugs.
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