Autoimmune diseases are a wide range of disorders that occur when the body’s immune system targets and attacks its own healthy tissues and organs mistaking it for foreign invaders. In general, our immune system protects us from harmful pathogens, which lead to certain infections. In case of autoimmune disorders, the immune system fails to distinguish between healthy cells and dangerous disease-causing agents. Some of the common autoimmune conditions include lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for autoimmune diseases. However, treatment options are available and play a major role in managing symptoms. Dr Esha Gupta, Consultant Paediatrician and Pediatric Intensivist, Motherhood Hospitals, HRBR Layout, Bengaluru, sheds light on the same.
Also Read: More Than 50% People With Autoimmune Disease Experience Depression And Anxiety: Study
Why Are Autoimmune Diseases Concerning?
According to the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), there are more than 80 autoimmune diseases, including the most common conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
What makes autoimmune diseases concerning is its chronic nature, how it can sometimes be lifelong, and life-threatening, says Dr Gupta, adding, “They are the consequence of the immune system unintentionally targeting healthy tissues, which can harm organs and cause various symptoms.”
In addition, it can affect a person's quality of life greatly and treatments can be highly expensive for patients.
Impact On Different Body Systems
Autoimmune diseases can affect various body symptoms, leading to several symptoms:
Joints and muscles
- Muscle aches, weakness, and pain
- Joint stiffness and swelling
- Inflammation
Digestive tract
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Acid reflux
- Nausea
- Food sensitivities
- Blood or mucus in stool
Nervous system
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Anxiety and depression
- Confusion and cognitive difficulties
- Blurry vision
- Insomnia
- Temperature sensitivity
Can Autoimmune Disease Be Cured Or Prevented?
Autoimmune diseases are incurable and neither is there a definite way to prevent them, says Dr Gupta.
“Prevention and diagnosis can be difficult because of the intricacy of their origins. Still, doctors advise maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, abstaining from tobacco use, limiting exposure to pollutants, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding processed foods,” she adds.
As per a study published in the Current Journal of Neurology, 3-8% of the world population are affected by autoimmune diseases, of which 78-85% are women.
Role Of Treatments
“Although no known cure for autoimmune illnesses is currently available, customised treatment plans are crucial due to the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors,” says Dr Gupta.
According to her, medications like painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and immune system suppressants play an important role in managing the symptoms alongside alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and herbal remedies.
The doctor further notes the challenges of diagnosing autoimmune diseases, given that the symptoms overlap with other conditions and among different autoimmune diseases.
“Patients can assist healthcare providers by providing detailed symptoms and family health history. Blood tests like ANA, CBC, and ESR are typically conducted to detect autoimmune markers, enabling a more accurate diagnosis when combined with specific symptoms,” she concludes.