An Autoimmune Disease is a condition arising from an abnormal response from your body’s immune system. Our immune system guards our bodies against germs such as bacteria and viruses. When our immune system senses an attack of a foreign invader it will release an army of fighter cells to attack. Normally, the immune system is able to differentiate foreign cells from our own. If someone has an auto immune disease; however, their immune system mistakes part of their body, such as joints or skin, as foreign. It continues to send out proteins called auto-antibodies that will attack healthy cells.

There are at least 80 types of autoimmune disease and nearly any body part can be affected. Some autoimmune diseases target only one organ such as Type 1 diabetes which damages the pancreas. Other diseases, like lupus, affect the whole body. The cause of auto immune diseases is usually unknown and most often not curable. Most people who have auto immune diseases spend a great deal of time managing symptoms through medications, nutrition, exercise, and working closely with their doctors for their best course of treatment.

Autoimmune disease symptoms vary in all individuals from severe to mild and are likely related to multiple factors including: genetics, environment, and personal health. Many autoimmune diseases share similar symptoms causing diagnosing somewhat difficult.

Common symptoms in autoimmune diseases are fatigue, join pain, joint swelling, skin problems, swollen glands, recurring low-grade fever, hair loss, joint redness, achy muscles, numbness and tingling in hands/feet, and abdominal pain or digestive issues.

Autoimmune symptoms often resemble those of other viruses…. if you have any of these symptoms seek medical advice with your doctor.

Because many autoimmune disease symptoms often overlap and affect various parts of the body these conditions can sometimes be difficult even for medical experts to recognize and consequently treat. Doctors are faced with the challenge of diagnosing autoimmune diseases by ruling out many others. In most cases, there is no single test a doctor can order to confirm a diagnosis. Often times autoimmune disease diagnosis are evolving as other symptoms present and doctors are able to watch for patterns of flare ups. It is very common for diagnosis to change over time as other symptoms present themselves. It is also very common for someone with an autoimmune disease to be told that his or her symptoms are just due to stress or anxiety.

Autoimmune diseases are most often uncurable. Those affected need to work closely with their doctors to manage symptoms and to determine the best course of treatment. Although autoimmune diseases can affect someone’s daily living it IS possible to manage symptoms and live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life!

Doctors don’t know the exact cause of autoimmune diseases. It is suspected that diet, infections, and exposure to chemicals might be involved. There are many theories regarding the causes of different autoimmune diseases.

Some people are more likely to get an autoimmune disease than others. Women get autoimmune diseases at a rate of about 2 to 1 compared to men — 6.4 percent of women vs. 2.7 percent of men. Women’s symptoms often present from early teen to childbearing years (ages 14 to 44).

Some ethnic groups seem more likely to be diagnosed with certain autoimmune diseases. For example, lupus affects more African-American and Hispanic people than Caucasians.

Heredity is also considered during diagnosis. Lupus and multiple sclerosis run in families and although not every family member will get the same disease they inherit a susceptibility to auto immune conditions.

Because the incidence of autoimmune diseases is rising, researchers suspect environmental factors like infections and exposures to chemicals or solvents might also be involved.

Nutrition is also considered a factor in autoimmune diseases. Immune responses can be set off by eating high-fat, high-sugar, and highly processed foods which are linked to inflammation.

Another theory is called the hygiene hypothesis. Because of vaccines and antiseptics, children today aren’t exposed to as many germs as they were in the past. The lack of exposure could make their immune system overreact to harmless substances.

As noted, many theories are being researched as to what causes autoimmune diseases. No theories have been scientifically proven although there is research that supports each.

Treatment depends on the type and severity of someone’s condition. Although treatment cannot cure the autoimmune disease they can control overactive immune response and decrease swelling in joints. While treatment usually improves symptoms, they do not typically cure the disease.

Treatment for autoimmune diseases generally focuses on reducing immune system activity. Treatment goals include reducing symptoms, controlling the autoimmune process, and maintaining the body’s ability to fight disease.

Medications are often used to reduce symptoms. Drugs used to treat these conditions can include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn); immune-suppressing drugs such as corticosteroids (such as prednisone). Targeted drugs such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers and Interleukin inhibitors can be used for some diseases

Some doctors will work closely with patients and will identify other supplements to replace a substance that the body lacks, such as thyroid hormone, vitamin B12, or insulin, due to the autoimmune disease. Supplements can reduce symptoms and make daily living more manageable.

Physical therapy is sometimes recommended to help with movement if the bones, joints, or muscles are affected. Physical therapy can help increase mobility, strengthen weaker muscles, and move fluid away from joints causing less swelling. Daily exercise is highly recommended to manage symptoms and assists in reducing stiffness, pain, and fatigue. Exercise modifications can be discussed with your doctor and must be closely monitored.

Eating a well-balanced diet can also help you feel better. It is important for people who have autoimmune diseases to pay close attention to foods that may trigger flare-ups and increase swelling and joint discomfort. Processed foods, high-fat foods, gluten, dairy, and many other foods are known to affect symptoms of many autoimmune diseases. It is very important for patients to work with their doctors to choose a nutrition plan that works well with their bodies and reduces symptoms as much as possible.