How to Identify and Manage Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are sneaky, often developing slowly but impacting various parts of the body. When your immune system attacks its own cells, it can lead to frustrating symptoms and long-term complications. The objective of this blog is to guide you in recognising the signs of autoimmune disorders, diagnosing them accurately, and offering strategies for managing them through treatments and lifestyle adjustments.
Learn how to stay ahead of these conditions and take proactive steps toward better health and well-being.
What is autoimmune disease?
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy cells instead of protecting it from harmful invaders. This can lead to inflammation, tissue damage, and organ dysfunction.
A 2024 NIH study found a 12.5% annual increase in the global prevalence of autoimmune diseases. This rise is consistent with global trends, including a 3–4% annual increase in type 1 diabetes incidence over the last three decades and a growing recognition of additional autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions.
There are over 80 types of autoimmune diseases affecting various organs and systems in the body.
- Immune System Malfunction: The body’s immune system, designed to protect against harmful pathogens, mistakenly targets healthy cells, leading to immune system disorders.
- Inflammation and Tissue Damage: The immune system’s attack causes inflammation, which can result in long-term tissue damage and dysfunction in affected organs.
- Over 80 Types: Autoimmune diseases can affect different parts of the body, and there are over 80 recognised conditions.
What are the most common autoimmune disorders?
Autoimmune diseases can affect various parts of the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms and complications. Here are some of the most common autoimmune disorders:
1. Lupus: It is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and other organs. The symptoms can vary widely, making it difficult to diagnose. Key symptoms include skin rashes (especially a butterfly-shaped rash across the face), joint pain, fatigue, and organ involvement.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: This autoimmune disease primarily affects the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can cause long-term damage to the joints if not properly managed. Rheumatoid arthritis often starts in the smaller joints and can progress to larger joints over time.
3. Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the central nervous system, causing symptoms such as numbness, difficulty walking, vision problems, and fatigue. The immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibres, leading to nerve damage and interference with nerve signals.
4. Hashimoto's Disease: Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. Symptoms include weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and unexplained fatigue. It is one of the most common causes of an underactive thyroid.
What are the main causes of autoimmune disease?
The exact autoimmune causes are not fully understood, but it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role. Some potential triggers include:
- Genetic predisposition: A family history of autoimmune diseases increases the likelihood of developing one.
- Infections: Viral or bacterial infections may trigger the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals, toxins, or even sunlight (in the case of lupus) may trigger an autoimmune response.
- Hormonal factors: Women are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases, suggesting that hormones may influence their development.
What are the early signs of autoimmune disease?
The symptoms of autoimmune diseases can be varied and often mimic those of other health conditions, making diagnosis challenging. Common autoimmune symptoms that may point to an underlying autoimmune disease include:
- Unexplained fatigue: Unexplained fatigue and joint pain autoimmune and feeling excessively tired even after a good night’s sleep.
- Joint pain and swelling: Persistent pain and swelling in the joints without any clear injury.
- Skin rashes: Unexplained rashes, especially those that appear on the face, hands, or other areas.
- Muscle weakness: A general feeling of weakness or difficulty lifting objects or performing normal tasks.
- Fever: A low-grade fever that doesn’t go away may indicate inflammation in the body.
- Digestive issues: Bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and constipation can be symptoms of autoimmune diseases that affect the digestive system.
- Hair loss: Some autoimmune diseases, like lupus, can cause hair thinning or loss.
- Numbness or tingling: Autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis can cause these sensations, particularly in the limbs.
How do you diagnose an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune diagnosis can be complex due to the variety of symptoms that overlap with other health conditions. If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, or skin rashes, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.
They may order a combination of blood tests, imaging tests, and physical examinations to help diagnose the condition. Common diagnostic tools for diagnosing autoimmune diseases include:
- Blood Tests: Blood tests for autoimmune diseases can check for antibodies, which are often elevated in autoimmune diseases. Specific tests like the ANA (antinuclear antibody) test and rheumatoid factor test can provide clues.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasounds may be used to assess joint damage, inflammation, or organ involvement.
- Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to examine tissues from the affected organ, such as skin or kidney tissue, to confirm the diagnosis.
How to take care of yourself if you have an autoimmune disease?
While there is currently no cure for autoimmune diseases, autoimmune treatment options are available to help manage symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and improve quality of life. Managing an autoimmune disease typically involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.
Below are some common and easy strategies to manage autoimmune diseases:
1. Medications for Autoimmune Disorders: There are several types of medications for autoimmune disorders that can help control the immune system and reduce inflammation:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs, such as ibuprofen, help reduce pain and inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These medications, such as methotrexate, slow the progression of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
- Biologic drugs: Biologics, like adalimumab (Humira), target specific parts of the immune system and are used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
- Steroids: Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation quickly during disease flare-ups, but they come with potential long-term side effects.
- Immunosuppressants: Drugs like azathioprine suppress the immune system, preventing it from attacking healthy cells.
2. Autoimmune Therapy: Autoimmune therapy focuses on modulating the immune system to prevent it from attacking the body. Some therapies include:
- Plasmapheresis: This procedure removes harmful antibodies from the blood and is often used in severe cases of autoimmune diseases like lupus or myasthenia gravis.
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg): This treatment provides the body with normal antibodies and can help regulate immune function in autoimmune diseases.
3. Diet and Lifestyle Changes for Autoimmune Disorders: Certain diet and lifestyle changes for autoimmune disorders can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups:
- Anti-inflammatory diet: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, fatty fish (like salmon), nuts, and seeds, can help reduce inflammation.
- Gluten-free or low-carb diets: Some people with autoimmune diseases, especially those with conditions like Hashimoto's disease, may benefit from reducing gluten or refined carbohydrates in their diet.
- Regular exercise: Regular physical activity helps maintain joint health, reduce inflammation, and improve overall well-being.
- Stress management: Chronic stress can trigger flare-ups, so practising relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can be beneficial.
- Adequate sleep: Good quality sleep is crucial for managing autoimmune diseases and reducing fatigue.
4. Autoimmune Disease Flare-Up Prevention Tips: To avoid flare-ups and manage symptoms, consider these autoimmune disease flare-up prevention tips:
- Track your symptoms: Keep a journal to track your symptoms and triggers, which can help you identify patterns and avoid potential flare-ups.
- Avoid infections: Since infections can trigger flare-ups, it’s important to take steps to avoid illness, such as washing hands regularly and getting vaccinations as recommended by your doctor.
- Follow your treatment plan: Stick to the treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider, including taking medications as directed and attending follow-up appointments.
Nahid Khilji, Nutritionist and Co-founder of Health Hatch, a wellness company, said, “Lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle is linked to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, Sjogren syndrome, gout and others. Physical activity, in fact, boosts immunity and anti-inflammatory responses.”
Popular Celebrities with Autoimmune Disorders in India:
Several popular celebrities in India have openly shared their experiences with autoimmune disorders, raising awareness and inspiring others to manage their conditions. Here are some notable figures:
- Kangana Ranaut: The actress has been open about her battle with Hashimoto’s disease, a condition where the thyroid is attacked by the immune system.
- VJ Dhivyasarshini: VJ Dhivyasarshini has shared her experience with autoimmune thyroiditis, a condition that affects the thyroid gland and its functioning.
- Samantha Ruth Prabhu: Samantha has been vocal about her struggle with myositis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and inflammation.
- Arjun Kapoor: Arjun has openly discussed his battle with Hashimoto’s disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the early signs of autoimmune disease?
Early signs of autoimmune diseases include persistent fatigue, joint pain or swelling, and skin rashes. These symptoms often appear gradually and may come and go.
Q2. How to diagnose autoimmune disorders?
To diagnose autoimmune disorders, doctors perform blood tests to check for specific antibodies. They may also review medical history, conduct physical exams, and use imaging tests to assess organ or tissue damage.
Q3. What are some common autoimmune disease symptoms in women?
Common autoimmune disease symptoms in women include fatigue, joint pain, swelling, and muscle weakness. Skin rashes, hair loss, and digestive issues may also occur. These symptoms can vary depending on the specific autoimmune condition.
Q4. What are the first symptoms of lupus?
The first symptoms of lupus often include fatigue, joint pain, and a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose. You may also experience unexplained fever or hair loss. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
Q5. Can autoimmune diseases be cured?
Autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, but they can be managed with treatment. Medications and lifestyle changes help control symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Early diagnosis and consistent care improve outcomes.
Wrapping up
Autoimmune diseases are complex and can affect quality of life. Early recognition, timely diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are essential for managing conditions like Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, and Multiple sclerosis. With proper care, symptoms can be controlled, reducing the risk of complications.
Lifestyle changes also play a key role in improving overall well-being. The best supplements for autoimmune disease management include Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, Turmeric, and Probiotics, which can support immune function and reduce inflammation.
Consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment to manage symptoms and live a fulfilling life.
Also, Read Our Other Blogs on:
1. The Rising Tide of Autoimmune Disorders: Why Now?
2. Autoimmune Myths vs. Facts: What’s the Truth?
3. Top Foods Packed with Vitamin D You Need
References
1. Kumar U, Kanjilal M, Ramakrishnan L, Thangavelu M. Prevalence of pre-clinical autoimmunity in the normal adult population residing in a metropolitan city of India: A cross-sectional study.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8133893/
2. Rosenblum MD, Remedios KA, Abbas AK. Mechanisms of human autoimmunity. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4518692/
3. Goris A, Liston A. The immunogenetic architecture of autoimmune disease.
