Autoimmune Diseases Demystified: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr.Navneet Gill, 3 mins read

Autoimmune diseases are a group of chronic conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells, tissues and organs. Normally, the immune system creates proteins called antibodies that work to protect you against harmful substances such as viruses, cancer cells, and toxins. In case of autoimmune disorders, the immune system fails to differentiate between foreign cells and healthy cells.

Common examples of autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, thyroid diseases, and type 1 diabetes.

Symptoms:

• Inflammation: Redness, heat, pain and swelling in one or more parts of the body
• Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time
• Joint pain and stiffness: Joint pain and swelling
• Skin problems: Rashes, sores, dry or scaly skin, or white patches
• Fever: A recurring fever
• Other symptoms: Muscle aches or weakness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or digestive issues, swollen glands, shortness of breath or trouble breathing

Causes:

The exact causes of autoimmune diseases are still unknown, but the researchers have certain theories that may trigger these conditions:-

1. Genetics: Certain genes may make some people more likely to develop an autoimmune disease. For example, having a family member with multiple sclerosis (MS) increases risk of getting these types of diseases.
2. Environmental factors: Infections, exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, or drugs can trigger an autoimmune disease if you already have the genes for it.
3. Tissue damage: Injury may play a role in some types of autoimmune disease. For example, repeated stress can expose tissue that shouldn't normally be in contact with blood cells.

There are certain risk factors which raise chances of getting an autoimmune disorder. Some common ones are:

• Smoking
• Exposure to toxins, such as air pollution or hazardous chemicals
• Female gender (78% of people with an autoimmune disease are women)
• Obesity

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Diagnosis:

Autoimmune disease diagnosis is a complex process that involves multiple tests, symptoms, and factors. There is usually no single test to diagnose autoimmune disease and the symptoms can be similar to other conditions as well. Some blood tests, such as antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests, complete blood count (CBC) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), can be performed to check for autoimmune markers.

Other tests, such as X-ray, MRI, or biopsy, may be recommended, depending on the nature of the case. You may also need to find a specialist, know your family history and seek multiple opinions to get the right diagnosis.

Treatment:

There is no cure for autoimmune diseases, but proper treatments can help control the condition and relieve symptoms. Depending on the type and stage of the disease, treatment may include:

• Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, immunosuppressant drugs and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)
• Supplements: To replace substances such as thyroid hormone, vitamin B12, or insulin in case of deficiency
  Blood transfusions: In case if blood is affected
• Physical therapy: It is helpful if the bones, joints, or muscles are affected
• Surgery: In severe cases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease, surgery may be required to repair damaged tissues.
• Other treatments include high dose immunosuppression, replacement of end organ functions and therapeutic monoclonals.