Autoimmune Diseases

Overview

An autoimmune disorder is a disease of the immune system that erroneously attacks the body's own organs, skin and joints. This condition may cause several symptoms such as inflammation and destruction of tissues, joints, muscles, and internal organs. Autoimmune diseases have a chronic nature; an early diagnosis is crucial for management of symptoms and to prevent complications.

Signs and Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases

• Muscle and Joint pain with swelling
• Skin inflammation and problems (rashes, lesions)
• Abdominal pain or digestive issues, diarrhea
• Fever
• Swelling in glands
• Difficulty in concentration
• Muscle pain and weakness
• Dry eyes or itchiness

Autoimmune diseases can be divided into the following types:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA):
This disease affects the joints resulting in pain, swelling and stiffness.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE):
This affects the skin, muscles, joints, kidneys, brain and other organs.

Multiple sclerosis (MS):
This disease targets the central nervous system and produces various neurological symptoms.

Type 1 diabetes:
This disorder affects the pancreas and weakens the secretion of insulin.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD):
It comprises of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis which affect the digestive tract.

Psoriasis:
This disorder results in accelerated multiplcation of skin cells resulting in scaly patches.

Hashimoto’s disease:
This affects the thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism. 

Graves’ Disease:

This disorder attacks the thyroid gland, resulting in hyperthyroidism, inflammation of thyroid tissues.

Diagnosis

The rheumatologists will assess the patient, take medical history, including a detailed discussion of symptoms and family history. The diagnostics include the following:

• Blood Tests:
  • Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test: To detect antibodies that affect the body’s tissues.
  • Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP): to measure the degree of inflammation in the body.
  • Specific Autoantibody Tests: Used for the detection of certain antibodies which are associated with certain autoimmune diseases (e.g. rheumatoid factor for rheumatoid arthritis, anti-double-stranded DNA for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)).
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, or Ultrasound may be used to assess the damage to joints and organs.
• Biopsy: The rheumatologist may suggest tissue biopsies to confirm certain diagnoses (e.g. biopsies of skin lesions for lupus).

Treatment

Medical Treatment:

The rheumatologist may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biologics, or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications are anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, immune system modulators, immune suppressors, or specifically target parts of the immune system.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies:

• Diet and Nutrition: Implementing an anti-inflammatory and health promoting balanced diet.
• Self Exercise: Activity aids in conserving the range of motion in the joints and alleviating tiredness.
• Stress Management: Mindfulness, yoga, and meditation can all assist in relieving stress.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises and treatments focus on mobility and pain control, in addition to preserving range of motion and improving pain.

Surgical Treatment:

Certain complications of autoimmune diseases may require surgery:

• Joint Replacement: reserved for advanced joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Bowel Resection: reserved for advanced cases of Crohn’s disease.
• Organ Transplant: for advanced organ destruction, example: kidney transplant in lupus nephritis.

FAQs

What causes autoimmune diseases?

Their precise etiology is uncertain, although autoimmune diseases are thought to arise from an interaction of genetic, environmental, and endocrine factors.

Can autoimmune diseases be cured?

Most autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, but in most of cases, they can be effectively managed with early diagnosis and suitable treatment.

Are autoimmune diseases hereditary?

The diseases may have a hereditary element, so predisposition and positive family history increase the chances of autoimmune disease.

Can diet affect autoimmune diseases?

Yes, diet can help manage symptoms and inflammation.

How are autoimmune diseases diagnosed?

For an autoimmune disease, a medical history evaluation, physical examination, medical imaging, blood tests, and at times even biopsies are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

What is the prognosis for someone with an autoimmune disease?

The prognosis varies depending on the specific disease and the treatment options provided to the patient. The treatment helps in the management of symptoms and enables the patients to lead active lives.

Complications

As with the prognosis, autoimmune diseases have several other complications that can prolong the duration of the disease such as:

• Organ damage
• Increased risk of infections
• Heart diseases
• Joint deformity 
• Neurological issues

Prognosis of Autoimmune Diseases

With early diagnosis and proper management, many individuals with autoimmune diseases can maintain a good quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing severe complications and managing symptoms effectively.

At Yatharth Hospital, we have experienced rheumatologists who provide comprehensive care for autoimmune diseases, from diagnosis to treatment and ongoing management. Our team is dedicated to helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes. Contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation with a rheumatologist.