Autoimmune Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, What Is It & Treatment

Overview

What are autoimmune diseases? Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. The immune system normally guards against germs like bacteria and viruses. When it senses these foreign invaders, it sends out an army of fighter cells to attack them. However, in the case of autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakes part of your body, like your joints or skin, as foreign and releases proteins called autoantibodies that attack healthy cells.

How do autoimmune diseases work? Some autoimmune diseases target only one organ. For instance, Type 1 diabetes damages the pancreas. Others, like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), affect the whole body. Why the body starts to attack itself is still a mystery in many cases.

What’s a list of autoimmune diseases? There are more than 80 different autoimmune diseases. Some of the most common include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, and Graves’ disease.

How common are autoimmune diseases? Autoimmune diseases are quite common, affecting more than 23.5 million Americans. Women are more likely than men to be affected.

Are autoimmune diseases genetic? Yes, genes play a significant role in many autoimmune diseases. However, environmental factors and lifestyle choices can also contribute to the risk of developing an autoimmune disease.

Are autoimmune diseases contagious? No, autoimmune diseases are not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.

Are autoimmune diseases fatal? While autoimmune diseases can be serious and even life-threatening, many people with these conditions live long, productive lives with proper management and treatment.

How do autoimmune diseases affect you if you’re trying to get pregnant? Autoimmune diseases can affect pregnancy in several ways, including increased risk for pregnancy complications. It’s important to work with healthcare providers to manage the disease before and during pregnancy.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes autoimmune diseases? The exact cause of autoimmune diseases isn’t known. It’s thought that a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors play a role.

What are the autoimmune disease symptoms? Symptoms can vary widely depending on the disease and the person. Common symptoms include fatigue, fever, general malaise, joint pain, and rash. Since these symptoms can come and go and could be related to many different conditions, autoimmune diseases can be difficult to diagnose.

How long do autoimmune diseases last? Autoimmune diseases are typically chronic and can last for a person’s lifetime, though symptoms may vary over time.

Diagnosis and Tests

How are autoimmune diseases diagnosed? Diagnosing autoimmune diseases involves a combination of blood tests to look for autoantibodies, examination of symptoms, and sometimes imaging tests and biopsies.

Which healthcare providers diagnose autoimmune diseases? Different types of healthcare providers may be involved in diagnosing autoimmune diseases, including primary care physicians, rheumatologists, immunologists, and endocrinologists.

What questions might a healthcare provider ask to help diagnose an autoimmune disease? A healthcare provider might inquire about family health history, symptoms, symptom duration, and how symptoms impact daily life to help with diagnosis.

Management and Treatment

How are autoimmune diseases treated? Treatment varies depending on the disease but may include medications to control the immune system response, alleviate symptoms, and prevent flare-ups.

What kind of healthcare provider treats autoimmune diseases? Specialists such as rheumatologists, endocrinologists, and gastroenterologists, among others, play roles in treating autoimmune diseases based on the organ systems they affect.

Does diet play a role in the treatment of autoimmune diseases? While no specific diet will cure autoimmune diseases, certain diet changes may help lower inflammation and reduce symptom severity.

Does exercise help with autoimmune diseases? Regular, moderate exercise can help reduce inflammation, strengthen muscles weakened by inactivity, and improve mood and overall well-being.

Prevention

Can autoimmune diseases be prevented? Since the exact causes of autoimmune diseases are not fully understood, it’s not usually possible to prevent them. However, leading a healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk of developing autoimmune diseases.

Outlook / Prognosis

What’s the outlook for people with autoimmune diseases? With advances in treatment, many people with autoimmune diseases can lead active and healthy lives.

Can autoimmune diseases go away on their own? Autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions that may go into remission but generally do not go away completely.

Living With

Can I live a normal life with an autoimmune disease? Yes, with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, many people with autoimmune diseases can maintain a high quality of life.

How do I take care of myself? Self-care includes following your treatment plan, staying active, eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest, and being mindful of your mental health.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider about autoimmune diseases? Inquire about your specific diagnosis, treatment options, how to manage symptoms, potential side effects of treatment, and any recommended lifestyle changes.

When should I go to the emergency department? Immediate medical attention may be necessary if you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or sudden severe pain.

Emotional and Mental Health Support

Living with an autoimmune disease can be challenging not just physically but also emotionally and mentally. It’s common to experience feelings of anxiety, depression, or isolation as a result of dealing with chronic illness. Seeking support from mental health professionals, joining support groups, and talking with friends and family about your feelings can provide relief and improve your overall well-being.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Alongside traditional medical treatments, some individuals with autoimmune diseases find relief in alternative and complementary therapies. These can include acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and herbal remedies. While scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of these therapies varies, they may offer additional pathways to managing symptoms and improving quality of life. It is essential to consult healthcare professionals before incorporating these therapies to ensure they do not interfere with your treatment plan.