Highlights / Articles

Articles

June 11, 2024

Decoding the Mysteries of Autoimmune Diseases: Understanding Causes and Treatments

Autoimmune diseases can be mysterious and daunting. Imagine your body’s immune system, which is supposed to protect you from harmful invaders such as bacteria and viruses, suddenly turning against you. Instead of fighting off these external threats, it starts attacking your own healthy cells.

Let’s explore what autoimmune diseases are, what might cause them, and the various treatments available.

What Are Autoimmune Diseases?

To understand autoimmune diseases, let’s first understand the immune system. The immune system is like your body’s defence force, constantly on the lookout for harmful invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. When it detects these invaders, it launches an attack to eliminate them and keep you healthy.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s defence system mistakenly attacks its own tissues instead of harmful invaders. This can affect different parts of the body depending on the particular autoimmune disease.

Some common autoimmune diseases include:

Rheumatoid Arthritis: The immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Type 1 Diabetes: The immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Multiple Sclerosis: The immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibres, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Lupus: The immune system can attack multiple organs and tissues, including the skin, joints, and kidneys.

What Causes Autoimmune Diseases?

The exact causes of autoimmune diseases are still not fully understood, but researchers have identified several factors that may contribute to their development:

Genetics

If someone in your family has an autoimmune disease, you may be more likely to develop one too. Certain genes can make you more susceptible to autoimmune diseases. Specific genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing certain autoimmune diseases.

Environmental Triggers

Some infections can trigger autoimmune diseases. For example, the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis, has been linked to an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
Exposure to certain chemicals and toxins can disrupt the immune system and potentially trigger autoimmune responses.
Some studies suggest that diet, especially one high in processed foods and low in nutrients, can affect the immune system and contribute to autoimmune diseases.

Hormones

Autoimmune diseases are more common in women than men, suggesting that hormones like oestrogen might play a role in their development.

Stress

Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and potentially trigger autoimmune responses.

Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases

The symptoms of autoimmune diseases vary widely depending on the specific condition and the part of the body affected. However, some common symptoms include:

Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired even with adequate rest.
Joint Pain and Swelling: Common in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Skin Problems: Rashes, redness, or other skin issues, often seen in lupus.
Digestive Issues: Symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and bloating, which are common in conditions like Crohn’s disease and coeliac disease.
Fever: A low-grade fever that comes and goes.
Numbness and Tingling: Especially in autoimmune diseases affecting the nervous system, like multiple sclerosis.

Diagnosing Autoimmune Diseases

Diagnosing autoimmune diseases is difficult due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions. Doctors rely on medical history, exams, and lab tests for accurate diagnosis.

Medical History and Physical Exam

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, family history, and any potential triggers or risk factors. They will also perform a physical examination to check for signs of autoimmune disease.

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests can help detect specific antibodies that are commonly found in autoimmune diseases. For example, the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) can indicate lupus.
Tests like the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) can measure levels of inflammation in the body, which is common in autoimmune diseases.

Imaging Tests

In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasounds may be used to look for signs of damage or inflammation in specific organs or tissues.

Treatment Options for Autoimmune Diseases

The treatment plan will depend on the specific disease and its severity.

Medications

Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce inflammation and pain.
Corticosteroids like prednisone quickly reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
Immunosuppressants such as methotrexate, azathioprine, and cyclophosphamide prevent the immune system from attacking healthy tissues.
Biologics like adalimumab, infliximab, and rituximab target specific parts of the immune system.

Lifestyle Changes

Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
Regular physical activity can improve health, reduce stress, and alleviate symptoms like joint pain.
Practices like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can also help reduce stress and improve well-being.

Physical Therapy

For conditions that affect mobility and function, physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Alternative Therapies

Some people find relief from symptoms through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and herbal supplements. It is important to discuss these options with your doctor to ensure they are safe and won’t interfere with other treatments.

Living with Autoimmune Diseases

Let’s now look at a few practical tips for coping with an autoimmune disease:

Learn about your condition so that you can make informed decisions about your treatment and lifestyle.
Connect with others who have similar experiences. Support groups, both in-person and online, can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice.
Regular communication with your doctor and other healthcare providers is crucial. Keep them informed about your symptoms, how you’re feeling, and any concerns you have.
Take time for yourself and engage in activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. Self-care is essential for managing stress and maintaining overall well-being.
Keep track of your symptoms and any potential triggers. This can help you and your doctor identify patterns and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Summing it Up

Autoimmune diseases are complex and often misunderstood, but with ongoing research and advances in medicine, we are making progress in understanding and managing these conditions.

If you or someone you know is living with an autoimmune disease, remember that you are not alone. There are many resources and support networks available to help you navigate this journey.

Require expert advice or specialized treatment? Please arrange an appointment with our specialist.

Dr Adrian Mark Masnammany
Consultant Physician & Rheumatologist

Go to Specialist Profile

Sources:

Back to Articles