Our immune system fights all the bacteria and viruses that enter our body. A strong immune system protects us from disease and infection. It identifies the harmful germs in the cells of the body. However, it sometimes gets confused about what it should attack. Autoimmune disorders are diseases where the immune system has begun to attack the healthy cells of the organs and tissues.
More than 70 types of autoimmune disorders affect different parts of the body. Some examples are :
- Immune cell attacks the pancreas as type 1 diabetes damages it.
- Alopecia areata causes hair loss by attacking the skin cells.
- Autoimmune Hepatitis hinders liver functioning.
- SLE(Systemic lupus erythematosus), affects the entire body.
- Rheumatoid arthritis affects many joints in the body – especially the knee joints.
Prevention is better than cure. So, let’s find out with Texas Specialty Clinic about what it is and how this works, before jumping to preventive care. Our experts at Texas Specialty Clinic will assist with the best treatment for autoimmune disorders. Connect with us at (469) 545-9983.
Why Does The Immune System Attack The Body?
There is no exact known reason for the immune system to misbehave. With the increase of autoimmune diseases, researchers suspect environmental factors like infections and exposure to solvents or chemicals are responsible for this disease. A “Western Diet” is also a reason for autoimmune disease. Consuming fat, sugar, and highly processed foods are associated with inflammation that triggers the immune response.
What Are The Symptoms Of Autoimmune Disorders?
There are more than 70 known autoimmune diseases, and the symptom’s prevalence, incidence, and disease severity are uncertain. Some common symptoms are :-
- Fatigue.
- Joint pain.
- Swelling in the affected region.
- Skin problems.
- Abdominal pain or digestive issues.
- Recurring fever.
- Swollen glands.
- Allergic reactions.
- Tingling in the hands and feet.
- Numbness in the hands and feet.
- Redness.
- Trouble focusing.
What Are The Causes Of Autoimmune Disorder?
The blood cells present in the immune system guard the body from dangerous antigens such as bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, tissues, and even foreign blood. The immune system produces antibodies that fight against these elements.
When a person has an autoimmune disease, the body loses the ability to identify between healthy tissues and harmful antigens. As a result, the body starts attacking healthy tissues. However, the exact cause of autoimmune diseases is still unknown. The most appropriate theory is that antigens or drugs cause changes that confuse the immune system and genetic factors also play a vital role too.
Common Types Of Autoimmune Disorders
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
- Multiple Sclerosis.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBD).
- Ulcerative Colitis.
- Addison’s Disease.
- Celiac Disease.
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
- Pernicious Anaemia.
- Aplastic Anaemia.
- Myasthenia Gravis.
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
- Autoimmune Vasculitis.
What Are The Complications Of Autoimmune Disorders?
Complications of autoimmune disorders can be severe and dangerous. These complications differ according to the type of autoimmune disease.
Some complications are :-
- Bone and joint pain lead to damage.
- Blood-related problems such as blood clotting.
- Blood vessel damage and heart issues.
- Nervous system problems, such as neuropathy and paralysis.
- Cancer.
- Blindness.
- Frequent infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
- Organ damage.
- Nervous system damage.
- Pregnancy complications.
Although, one can reduce the possibility of severe complications by following the treatment plan designed by Texas Specialty Clinic health professionals.
How To Diagnose Autoimmune Disorder?
Diagnosing an autoimmune disease becomes a long-term process. It takes approximately three to four years to diagnose an autoimmune disease correctly. There are several autoimmune diseases, but no dedicated test can detect all of them. However, Texas Specialty Clinic medical professionals may use several basic tests to detect an inflammation process and accurately diagnose the exact type of condition. Some basic tests are :-
- Routine Blood Tests.
- C-reactive Protein (CRP).
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR).
- Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA).
- Immunoglobulins.
- Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
- Rheumatoid Factor Test.
- Anti-cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (Anti-CCP) Antibodies.
It is necessary to identify an autoimmune illness in its beginning stages. When several organs and systems are involved, the process of identifying gets even more complicated.
What Are The Available Treatments For Autoimmune Disease?
Generally, autoimmune diseases are incurable, but we can control them by using the following types of treatments :
- Anti-inflammatory drugs : Reduces inflammation and pain.
- Corticosteroids : Reduces inflammation and treats acute flare of symptoms.
- Pain-killing medication : It includes paracetamol and codeine.
- Immunosuppressant drugs : Hinders the activity of the immune system.
- Physical therapy : It increases mobility.
- Treatment for the deficiency : Such as insulin injections for diabetes.
- Surgery : Such as surgery of bowel blockage in the case of Crohn’s disease.
The Bottom Line
Autoimmune disorders destroy a person’s body and eventually mind. Unfortunately, most of the disorders are not preventable or curable. They are associated with genetic factors or develop due to environmental factors, like certain medications or prior viral infections. Correct treatment of autoimmune diseases can delay the onset of severe complications in individuals diagnosed with the same.
Therefore, It is best if the disease is identified in its early stages. In that case, one can address it to prevent severe complications.
Prevention is always better than cure. So stay healthy and stay safe.