Recognizing autoimmune diseases from symptoms to how to prevent them

Although not as popular as other health problems, autoimmune diseases are conditions that can cause organ damage to death if left untreated. Unfortunately, not many people know what autoimmune disease is. In fact, as with other diseases, this one health problem can be easier to treat if diagnosed early. For more details, I will explain everything about autoimmune that you need to know.

What are autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmunity is a condition when the immune system (immune) cannot carry out its normal functions. Even though the immune system is in charge of fighting infection with viruses, bacteria, and other foreign objects. This failure then causes the immune system to attack the body and cause disease.

This condition includes chronic diseases that can gradually interfere with health. There are about 80 diseases in a large autoimmune group with different symptoms. But broadly speaking, this disease is divided into two categories, namely:

• Specific organ autoimmune diseases, attacking only one organ of the body, for example vitiligo which only affects the skin
• Systemic autoimmune disease, attacks all organs of the body for example lupus and rheumatoid arthritis

Although it can attack anyone, it is reported that 80 percent of people who experience it are women.

Early symptoms of autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases are health problems that run very slowly. This means that this health disorder is often difficult to diagnose at the beginning of its appearance. The symptoms are similar to those of other diseases so that they are difficult to recognize.

In addition, this immune system disorder can also cause different diseases. Therefore, the symptoms cannot be generalized.

In my day-to-day practice as a rheumatologist, I find the symptoms most commonly present. Of course, the symptoms that appear also vary depending on the type of disease, such as:

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by early symptoms such as:

• Chronic joint pain
• Often canker sores
• Hair loss
• Skin disorders that are difficult to heal
• Recurrent fever
• Pale

If not treated immediately, the body will experience damage to vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, lungs and heart

Rheumatoid arthritis

This autoimmune disease attacks the joints throughout the body, especially the hands. The initial symptoms that appear are pain and stiffness in the fingers, especially in the morning. If not treated promptly, this disease can lead to permanent damage and joint deformities.

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis usually affects men more often at a young age. The initial symptom is back pain, especially in the morning and will get better after physical activity.

However, if not treated immediately, this condition makes the vertebrae together like bamboo. As a result, the bones become stiff, making it difficult to bend over.

Scleroderma

The early appearance of sceloderma is usually characterized by hardening and thickening of the skin. As a result, the skin becomes firmer and shiny.

In addition, another symptom that often appears is a change in skin color during cold weather. When the condition continues, after a while scar tissue in organs such as the lungs and kidneys will appear. As a result, organ failure is inevitable.

Sjogren Syndroma

This autoimmune disease is usually characterized by symptoms such as weakness, joint pain, and dry eyes and mouth. If left untreated, Sjogren Syndroma can cause damage to the eyes and teeth and other organs such as the kidneys and lungs.

Causes of autoimmune diseases

Until now, it has not been found with certainty the cause of this one health problem. However, one of the factors that play a role in the emergence of this disease is genetic.

People with a family history of autoimmune diseases have a higher tendency to develop this health problem. However, not everyone with parents who have autoimmune diseases will have this immune system problem.

Apart from genetic factors, bacterial and viral infections are also thought to trigger autoimmune diseases. Another theory also states that exposure to certain chemicals triggers the emergence of diseases that attack the immune system.

How do doctors diagnose autoimmune diseases?

The process of diagnosing this disease cannot be done at once. It takes a long and continuous process to determine the diagnosis.

This is because the disease progresses very slowly and the symptoms that appear are not typical. This means that the symptoms of the disease are similar to those of other diseases.

What's more, the symptoms also vary widely depending on the cause. Usually I would advise the patient to do a full laboratory test and other vital organs if needed.

Can autoimmune diseases be cured?

This question is often asked by patients when they are exposed to autoimmune diseases. Without the intention of frightening, until now there has not been found a drug that can cure autoimmune diseases.

But don't be discouraged, with the right treatment autoimmune diseases can be controlled and the symptoms alleviated. There are certain drugs that can be consumed so that you can continue your activities as usual.

The sooner this disease is diagnosed, the doctor can determine the right treatment so that the condition does not get worse.

For example, there are two types of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, namely:

• Using medication for symptom relief such as pain relievers
• Using drugs to affect or slow down the course of diseases such as methotrexate, azathioprine, and others

Usually the doctor will adjust the type of drug given with various considerations such as:

• Symptoms experienced
• Diseased organs
• The severity of the disease
• Are you pregnant or not

In many cases I have encountered, the average autoimmune patient gets the second class of drugs late and only takes painkillers. As a result, the patients who came were already in quite severe condition.

Is there a way to prevent autoimmune disease?

Prevention is always better than cure. However, it is quite difficult to prevent autoimmune diseases because the exact cause is unknown.

However, some efforts can be made, namely:

• Maintain ideal body weight
• Do not smoke
• Prevent various body infections either due to bacteria or viruses
• Maintain normal levels of vitamin D in the blood

What should be done when tested positive for autoimmune?

My advice, you need to remain calm when the doctor diagnoses that you are positive for autoimmune disease. Try to check the condition regularly to the treating doctor.

In addition, it is also important to start adopting a healthy lifestyle. For example, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and reducing stress.

Remember, don't be tempted by treatment methods for which there is no scientific evidence. It is better if you learn about your illness from the doctor concerned or a trusted source of reading.

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