Autoimmune Disease - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is an Autoimmune Disease?

The autoimmune disease is caused due to the immune system attacking the body’s own healthy cells and tissues. The immune system lacks the ability to distinguish between the body cells and foreign invading materials. Certain studies reveal that autoimmune disease tends to be caused due to environmental factors like infections, and exposure to chemicals or solvents is also involved. Certain diseases, like multiple sclerosis and lupus, run in families.

Autoimmune diseases can affect many types of cells or tissues and any organ in the body.

They are more common among women than men. Some can be easily treated, and some can last for a lifetime. Some are more common in certain ethnic groups. For example, lupus affects African-American and Hispanic people more than Caucasians. The disease often starts during a woman’s childbearing age (ages 15 to 44).

What Are the Causes of Autoimmune Diseases?

• Environmental Factors: The exact cause of the autoimmune disease is unknown, though there might be some genetic or hereditary factors responsible for the disease. Also, some environmental factors might be responsible for the condition.

• Immune System: The immune system fails to recognize the body cells and attacks the healthy cells and tissues, causing defects in various organs in the body.

• Autoimmune Disease: There are numerous types of autoimmune diseases; common ones are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.

• Genetics: Certain diseases run in the families, such as lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis.

• Sex: Most commonly seen in females than males. Women of childbearing age tend to cause the disease.

• Obesity: Obesity causes low-grade inflammation and can cause harm to the healthy immune system of the body.

• Smoking and Exposure to Toxic Substances: Certain chemicals may also lead to autoimmune diseases.

• Certain Drugs or Medications: Side effects of certain drugs such as antihypertensive drugs and antidepressants.

• Infections: Certain infections may increase the susceptibility to the disease.

• Existing Autoimmune Disease: If you already have an autoimmune disease, the chances of getting other autoimmune diseases are high.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases?

• Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.

• Muscle weakness.

• Dry eyes and dry mouth.

• Memory issues.

• Recurring fever.

• Skin problems.

• Fatigue.

• Chest pain.

• Weight gain or weight loss.

• Swollen glands.

• Abdominal pain or digestive problems.

• Depression.

• Rashes.

• Dizziness and tiredness.

• Aching joints and muscles.

• Confusion and difficulty thinking.

• Migraine.

• Anxiety and depression.

• Shortness of breath.

• Temperature sensitivity.

What Are the Complications of Autoimmune Disease?

• Cardiovascular disorders.

• Neuropathy.

• Deep vein thrombosis.

• Mood disorders.

• Blood disorders.

• Frequent infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

• Bone and joint damage.

• Blindness.

• Development of other autoimmune diseases.

• Limb amputation.

• Cancer.

What Are the Common Types of Autoimmune Diseases?

1. Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels as a result of the immune system attacking the body's own beta cells of the pancreas. It causes decreased insulin (hormone) production leading to high sugar levels. It is common in children and young adults.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint pain and swelling. It may also affect the heart, eyes, skin, lungs, etc.

3. Celiac Disease is characterized by abnormal immune reactions due to the consumption of gluten-containing foods such as barley, rye, or wheat. As a result, it causes weight loss, abdominal pain, fatigue, etc.

4. Polymyalgia Rheumatica is a muscle disorder causing severe pain and stiffness, especially around the thighs, hips, or shoulders.

5. Psoriasis is a disorder of the skin causing red, itchy patches with white scales, mostly over the elbows, knees, scalp, etc. a skin biopsy may help diagnose psoriasis.

6. Ankylosing Spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that causes low back, hip, and joint pain, etc. The initial sign of ankylosing spondylitis is spine inflammation.

7. Multiple Sclerosis is a nervous disorder affecting the spinal cord and the brain.

8. Alopecia Areata is also an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss.

9. Vasculitis - Blood vessels such as arteries, veins, and capillaries get inflamed.

10. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disorder affecting the joints, kidneys, skin, brain, and other organs.

11. Temporal Arteritis is characterized by inflammation of blood vessels that supply the head and brain.

12. Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a chronic disorder that leads to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

13. Addison’s Disease is characterized by inadequate production of cortisol and aldosterone by the adrenal glands.

14. Graves’ Disease occurs due to damage to thyroid gland tissue that causes excessive thyroid hormone production.

15. Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a nervous disorder that results in tingling sensation (hands and feet), weakness, and other related symptoms.

16. Sjögren’s Syndrome affects the glands in the eyes and mouth, resulting in dry eyes and mouth.

17. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is a disorder of the thyroid gland resulting in decreased hormone production. It may cause irregular menses, constipation, weight gain, etc.

18. Myasthenia Gravis is a severe disorder that affects the body's major muscles (skeletal muscles). The characteristic features include blurred vision, breathing difficulties, hoarse voice, fatigue, muscle weakness, etc.

19. Pernicious Anemia is characterized by inadequate absorption of vitamin B12 by the body, causing impaired red blood cell production.

What Are the Diagnostic Tests Done for Autoimmune Diseases?

• Complete Blood Count: Based on increased or decreased no. of RBC, WBC, and other components of blood, the underlying medical conditions may be present; typically, autoimmune disease represents a low count of WBC. For proper diagnosis, further testing is also needed.

• C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test: A protein produced in the liver generally increases with inflammation.

• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: This test measures the rate at which patients' blood cells descend in a test tube.

• Immunofixation (IFE) Blood test: It measures specific proteins in the blood, which helps to identify a particular disease. This test is also known as immunofixation electrophoresis or protein electrophoresis.

• Immunoglobulins Blood Tests-This test measures the amount and the specific types of immunoglobulins in the blood, also known as antibodies. Immunoglobulin such as IgG, IgM, and IgA. If the levels of Immunoglobulins are too high or too low, it may be a sign of specific health problems.

• Imaging Tests-

  • X-ray: Plain radiographs of the chest, joints, etc., aid in detecting the characteristic features of a specific autoimmune disorder.

  • Other imaging modalities such as CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans help evaluate autoimmune disorders more precisely.

What Treatment Can Be Done for Autoimmune Diseases?

Treatment planning is done based on the signs and symptoms, physical examination, and medical history.

• Anti-inflammatory Drugs- Reduces pain and inflammation.

• Deficiency Treatment- Insulin injection in a diabetic patient.

• Immunosuppressant Drugs- To inhibit the activity of the immune system.

• Corticosteroids- To reduce inflammation and limit symptoms.

• Surgery- Surgery is done in more severe conditions if initial treatment is not practical.

• Physical Therapy- Plays an essential role in optimizing mental and physical health. It helps in cardiovascular health and strengthens the heart muscles.

• Other Supportive Measures Include-

1. A balanced and healthy diet.

2. Maintain a healthy weight.

3. Reduce stress.

4. Exercise and rest.

Conclusion:

Some autoimmune diseases can acquire stability at the earliest diagnosis and treatment; some autoimmune diseases may be long-lasting or even may get worse at times. But the newest immune treatment for this sort of disease is beneficial; people can survive with minimal disease activity and can be prevented from pain and inflammatory conditions as age advances.