AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASES
The human body has an immune system, which is a complex network of special cells and organs that defends the body from germs and other foreign invaders. At the basis of the immune system is the ability to tell the difference between what belongs to the body and what is foreign to the body. A flaw can make the body's immune system unable to tell the difference between self and none self. When this happens, the body makes antibodies that attack normal cells by mistake. During this time, special cells called regulatory T cells fail to do their job of keeping the immune system in line. This results is a misguided attack on the host body. This causes the damage we know as auto-immune disease. The body parts that are affected depend on the type of autoimmune disease.
There is no certainty as to what causes autoimmune diseases but they tend to run in families. Particularly, African-American, Hispanic-American, and Native-American women have a higher risk for some autoimmune diseases.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, and in some of them, the symptoms are similar. This makes it difficult for doctors to know the type he is presented with. Thus the diagnosis of these conditions can be frustrating and stressful. Often times, fatigue is one of the main symptoms, followed by muscle aches and a low fever. The classic symptom of an autoimmune disease is inflammation, which causes heat, pain and swelling.
Auto-immune diseases may also have flare-ups, when they get worse. Treatment depends on the disease, but in most cases the important goal is to reduce inflammation. Sometimes doctors prescribe corticosteroids or other drugs that reduces immune response.
COMMON AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASES
There are more than 80 different autoimmune diseases. Here are 14 of the most common ones.
- Psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis This causes skin cells to multiply too quickly. Normally, Skin cells grow and then shed when they are no more needed. With this disease, the extra cells build up and form inflamed red patches, commonly with silver-white scales of plaque on the skin. People with psoriasis also develop swelling, stiffness, and pain in their joints.
- Type 1 diabetes - The pancreas produces the hormone, Insulin. This helps to regulate blood sugar levels. In type 1 diabetes mellitus, the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The resultant high blood sugar can lead to damage in the blood vessels, as well as organs like the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
- Multiple sclerosis This type damages the protective coating that surrounds nerve cells, in the central nervous system (myelin sheath). This damage slows down the transmission speed of messages between the brain and spinal cord to and from the rest of the body. The condition can lead to numbness, weakness, balance issues, and trouble walking.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the joints. This attack causes redness, warmth, soreness, and stiffness in the joints. RA can start as early as age 30 or sooner, unlike osteoarthritis, which commonly affects people as they get older.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) - Although Lupus has been severally described as a skin disease because of the rash it commonly produces, the systemic form, which is most the common, actually affects many organs, including the joints, kidneys, brain, and heart. In addition to the rashes, Joint pain and fatigue are among the symptoms.
- Graves' disease This disease attacks the thyroid gland and causes it to produce too much of its hormones in the neck. Thyroid hormones are the ones that control the body's metabolisms. Having too much of these hormones revs up the body's activities. Symptoms include heat intolerance, a fast heartbeat, nervousness and weight loss. One potential symptom of this disease is exophthalmos (bulging eyes).
- Inflammatory bowel disease - A term used to describe conditions that cause inflammation in the lining of the intestinal wall. Each type of IBD affects a different part of the Gastro-intestinal tract. While Crohn's disease can inflame any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, ulcerative colitis affects only the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
- Addison's disease This disease affects the glands which produce the hormones cortisol and aldosterone as well as androgen hormones (adrenal gland). Too little of cortisol affects the way the body uses and stores carbohydrates and sugar (glucose). Aldosterone deficiency will result in the loss of sodium and excess potassium in the bloodstream. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and low blood sugar.
- Sj-gren's syndrome In this condition, the glands that provide lubrication to the eyes and mouth are attacked. The hallmark symptoms of Sj-gren's syndrome are dry eyes and dry mouth, however, it may possibly affect the joints or skin.
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis Here, production of the thyroid hormone slows to a deficiency. Symptoms may include hair loss, weight gain, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, and possible swelling of the thyroid (goiter).
- Myasthenia gravis This type affects nerve impulses that helps the brain to control the muscles. The most common symptom is muscle weakness which gets worse with activity and improves with rest. Often times this disease affects muscles that control eye movements, eyelid opening, swallowing, and facial movements.
- Celiac disease - People with celiac disease must not eat foods containing gluten. This is a protein found in wheat, rye, and other grains. When gluten goes into the small intestine, the immune system attacks this part of the gastrointestinal tract and causes inflammation.
- Autoimmune vasculitis This disease happens when the body's own immune system attacks blood vessels. The resultant inflammation narrows the arteries and veins, thus allowing less blood to flow through.
- Pernicious anemia This type causes the deficiency of a protein, made by stomach lining cell. This protein, which is known as intrinsic factor is needed in order for the small intestine to be able to absorb vitamin B-12 from food. Without enough of this vitamin, one will develop anemia. Pernicious anemia is more common in older adults, particularly people over age 60.
CAUSES OF AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASES
It is not known exactly what causes the immune-system to misfire. Yet some people are more likely to suffer from an autoimmune disease than others. Women are at a higher risk of getting autoimmune diseases compared to men. The disease often begin during a woman's childbearing years (ages 15 to 44).
Some of the autoimmune diseases are more common among people of certain demographic groupings. Lupus for example, affects more African-American and Hispanic people than Caucasians.
Some other autoimmune diseases (e.g. multiple sclerosis and lupus) runs in families. It might happen that not every family member will necessarily have the same disease, however, they inherit a susceptibility to a related condition.
The incidence of autoimmune diseases is fast rising, because of that, some studies suspect that factors like infections and exposure to certain chemicals or solvents might also be involved though yet to be scientifically proven.
Another suspected risk factor for developing an autoimmune disease is high-fat, high-sugar, and highly processed foods. These are thought to be linked to inflammation, which might set off an immune response. This is yet to be been proven though.
Bottom line is that researchers have not established yet, exactly the cause of autoimmune diseases. What is suspected is that genetics, diet, infections, and exposure to chemicals might be involved.
SYMPTOMS OF AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASES
The early symptoms of many autoimmune diseases are very similar, these could be:
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Achy muscles
- Swelling and redness
- Low-grade fever
- Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- Skin rashes
Individual diseases can also have their own unique set of symptoms. (E.g. type 1 diabetes causes extreme thirst, weight loss, and fatigue. Inflammatory Bowel Disease causes belly pain, bloating, and diarrhea).
With autoimmune diseases like Psoriasis or Rheumatoid Arthritis, symptoms may come and go. A period of symptoms is referred to as a flare-up. A period when the symptoms go away is called remission.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Depending on the type of disease, one might have the need to visit a specialist if he/she has symptoms of an autoimmune disease.
- Rheumatologists They treat joint diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis as well as other autoimmune diseases like Sj-gren's syndrome and SLE.
- Gastroenterologists They treat diseases of the GI tract, such as celiac and Crohn's disease.
- Endocrinologists They treat conditions of the glands, including Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and Addison's disease.
- Dermatologists - They treat skin conditions, such as psoriasis
HIGH RISK FACTORS
Autoimmune diseases can affect people of all genders, races, and ages, but certain people have increased risks of developing the disorders. A person's chance of developing an autoimmune disorder is elevated if he has any of the following risk factors:
- Gender Everything points out clearly that women are at higher risk of developing autoimmune disorders. It is not clear why women are more susceptible to autoimmunity, but some studies speculate that women's enhanced immune systems may make them more vulnerable to autoimmune disorders. Hormones may also be a factor in the case of women.
- Family history of autoimmune disorders It has been established that the tendency to develop autoimmune disorders can be inherited. If there is a history of family members having autoimmune disorders, one's chances of getting the same disorder or one that is closely related are higher.
- Age - Most autoimmune disorders affect younger and middle-aged people though each disease is different, and disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis are more common as people age.
- Ethnicity -. People who are African American, American Indian, or Latino in these demographic groupings are more likely to develop autoimmune disorders than Caucasians.
- Exposure to environmental agents - Some evidence has been gathered that exposure to certain things in the environment may increase the risk of developing autoimmune disorders. E.g. exposure to some medications and certain metals like, mercury, gold, or silver, may be associated with the development of autoimmune disorders even though the scientific evidence relating to this is not conclusive.
- Previous infection - It is still not clear exactly how infections increase the risk of autoimmune disorders but there is also evidence that genetically susceptible people who have had certain bacterial and viral infections may be at risk for some types of autoimmune disorders.
DIAGNOSIS
Most auto-immune diseases cannot be diagnosed by a single test. The doctor will most likely use a combination of tests, a review of symptoms and physical examination to make the diagnosis.
One of the first tests that doctors often use when symptoms suggest an autoimmune disease is the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test. A positive test may mean the presence of one of these diseases, except that it will not confirm exactly which one.
There are other tests that may look for specific autoantibodies produced in certain autoimmune diseases. Since the diseases cause inflammation in the body, the doctor might also do nonspecific tests to check for these inflammations.
TREATMENT
Auto-immune diseases are not cured by the treatments per se, they can only control the overactive immune response and bring down the inflammation or at least reduce pain.
Drugs used to treat these conditions include:
- Immune-suppressing drugs
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- Eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise may also help.
- Treatments are also available to relieve symptoms like pain, swelling, fatigue, and skin rashes.
The main treatment for auto-immune diseases is with medications that bring down inflammation and calm the overactive immune response. Treatments can also help with the relief of symptoms.
PREVENTION
Eat Anti-Inflammatory Diet
The risk of autoimmune disease can be reduced by eating anti-inflammatory foods.
An anti-inflammatory diet is one that will not include trans fats, omega-6 fatty acids, sugars, and grains. Conversely, it will contain plenty of whole food protein sources, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish.
Eating sugar, grains, and omega-6 fatty acids will increase inflammation in the body and subsequently raise the risk of autoimmune diseases whilst foods like extra virgin olive oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and leafy green vegetables will actually reduce inflammation and thus lower the risk of auto-immune disorders. Chocolate, spicy foods and drinking red wine in moderation may also reduce the risk of auto-immune disorders.
Avoid Toxins
Air pollution, uranium, lead mercury, cadmium, agricultural or residential pesticides synthetic estrogens including hormonal birth control, and excessive alcohol use all increase the risk of developing an auto-immune disease. Exposure to urban air pollution or agricultural pesticides alone can double the risk of autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, urban dwellers or people in rural areas and around farms that use pesticides, the best option for preventing auto-immune disease may be to re-locate.
There are also studies that suggests that cosmetic products like lipstick and nail polish can increase one's risk of developing auto-immune diseases.
Focus on Gut Health
Studies confirm links between the microorganisms living in the intestines (gut microbes) and the development of certain autoimmune diseases. (E.g. Type 1 Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis).
A person can improve their gut health by avoiding grains and sugars, eating plenty of dietary fiber from fruits and vegetables instead, and taking prebiotic and probiotic supplements.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity or being overweight definitely raises the risk of auto-immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. However, the risk can be lowered by losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight.
Additionally, studies have revealed that restricting calories and intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation in one's body. In other words, cutting calories and fasting can help prevent arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Type 1 Diabetes.
Quit Smoking
Give up the habit of Smoking as it doubles the risk of multiple sclerosis in particular, and raises the risk of other auto-immune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune thyroid disease by causing inflammation, altering immunity and damaging the DNA.
Get Enough Sleep
Poor-quality sleep, sleep-deprivation, sleeping on a schedule that is inconsistent all raise the risk of developing autoimmune disease.
NOTE
- Autoimmune disorders are becoming more common, but the risk can be significantly reduced by avoiding environmental toxins, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting enough sleep at night.
- The main determining factors in risk of autoimmune disease is our lifestyles and environment, not genes.
- Because auto-immune diseases appear to develop in progressive stages, persons should speak to their doctor for testing especially if a patient experiences symptoms like inflammation, joint pain, fatigue, low-grade fever, rash, or flare-up symptoms.
