With over eighty different types of autoimmune disorders, it is hard to find a single causative factor for autoimmune disorders. However, the latest researches suggest there is a way to lower the risk associated with autoimmune disorders under the guidance of an expert like Best Internal Medicine Specialist in Islamabad.
Read on to know how to lower the risk of autoimmune disorders:
What are autoimmune disorders?
The majority of autoimmune disorders are prevalent in women, but researchers are not sure exactly why this gender predisposition is. It is theorized that genetic, and hormonal factors are at play when the immune system is attacking its own body.
The immune system is the defense mechanism of the body that fights disease causing agents like microbes. Autoimmune disorders involve the immune system mistakenly attacking its own cells. There are over 80 types of autoimmune disorders, ranging from mild to severe. Patients are identified by the characteristic autoantibodies in the serum and the level of these autoantibodies holds a predictive value in determining the severity of these disorders.
What are the types of autoimmune disorders?
Broadly, autoimmune disorders are classified as organ-specific and non-organ-specific. In the latter, the body systems are affected, while in the former, only one organ is affected.
The many types of autoimmune disorders include:
Diabetes
In diabetes, the immune cells attack the beta cells of the pancreas and inhibit insulin production. Consequently, the patient has to rely on exogenous forms of insulin to lower their serum glucose levels.
Multiple sclerosis
This disorder affects the nervous system, with the immune cells attacking the myelin sheath of the neurons. There is subsequent numbness, paralysis, and impairment of vision in the patients.
Psoriasis
The thickened scales of psoriasis are a result of immune cells attacking the skin cells.
Grave’s disease
The autoantibodies against thyroid cells attack the gland and stimulate excessive production of thyroid hormone. This in turn causes hyperthyroidism.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Both Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis are part of inflammatory bowel disease, producing symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Rheumatoid arthritis
This joint disorder is characterized by autoantibodies attacking the joint spaces. This causes swelling and deformation of joints.
Systemic lupus erythematosus
SLE involves autoantibodies against connective tissue, with the involvement of any organ system. The disease is characterized by fever, pain, weight loss, and joint inflammation.
What are the risk factors of autoimmune disorders?
Since the exact cause of autoimmune disorders is not known, the risk factors can not be pinpointed. However, a multitude of factors like genetics, environmental factors, gender, and infections are considered the risk factors of autoimmune disorders.
How are autoimmune disorders diagnosed?
Autoimmune disorders are diagnosed through radiograph studies, medical history, physical exams, blood tests with serum autoantibodies, and biopsy of the tissue involved.
How to lower the risk of autoimmune disorders?
New research suggests the best thing for the prevention of autoimmune disorders is the consumption of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil. In a large randomized control study, supplementation with vitamin D and fish oil reduced the rate of autoimmune disorders by 22 percent in the following 5 years in both confirmed cases and probable cases of autoimmune disorders. This holds great clinical significance as these supplements are well-tolerated and non-toxic.
What is the treatment of autoimmune disorders?
The treatment of autoimmune disorders is centered around:
Anti-inflammatory drugs: These drugs reduce inflammation and prevent the mobilization of inflammatory mediators to the tissues involved. The discomfort of the patient is greatly reduced with these drugs.
Immunosuppressants: These drugs inhibit the activity of autoantibodies.
Surgery: plays a role in IBD management.
More information about the management of autoimmune disorders can be found on oladoc.com.
