Autoimmune Diseases Treatment In Gurgaon, Delhi, NCR, India
What Are Autoimmune Diseases?
Autoimmune diseases are a group of conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s healthy cells and tissues. The immune system is responsible for protecting the body from foreign bacteria and viruses. However, in the case of patients with autoimmune disorders, the immune system damages healthy cells, leading to inflammation and various symptoms.
Autoimmune diseases can affect different parts of the body, including joints, skin, organs, and tissues, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Managing autoimmune diseases requires a combination of treatment approaches that can help control symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent long-term damage.
What Are the Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases?
Symptoms of autoimmune diseases vary widely, depending on the specific condition and the part of the body that is affected. In some cases, symptoms may come and go, with flare-ups occurring intermittently. The unpredictability of symptoms can make diagnosis and management more challenging. Some common symptoms of autoimmune diseases include:
Feeling unusually tired or weak is a common symptom.
Many autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, cause joint inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Skin-related symptoms like rashes, redness, and inflammation are common, especially in conditions like lupus.
Chronic low-grade fever is another symptom that can appear in autoimmune disorders.
Conditions like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bloating.
Swelling, redness, or warmth around affected areas, like the skin or joints, is often seen in autoimmune diseases.
What Causes Autoimmune Diseases?
Autoimmune diseases occur as a result of genetic mutation in the health cells. While there are no exact causes of genetic mutation, there are several risk factors that can contribute to the progression of diseases. Certain can help in preventing or managing their onset, though much research is still ongoing in this area
A family history of autoimmune diseases increases the likelihood of being diagnosed with similar conditions.
Factors such as infections, toxins, and stress can trigger autoimmune responses.
Women are more likely than men to get diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, indicating a significant role of hormones.
Certain foods or nutritional deficiencies may influence immune function, contributing to the progression of autoimmune disease.
What Are the Different Types of Autoimmune Diseases?
There are over 80 types of autoimmune diseases that can affect different organs in the body. Some of the most common autoimmune diseases include:
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
A chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):
A disease where the immune system attacks various body tissues, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart.
A condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, leading to neurological symptoms.
An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
An autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.
A condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to become overactive.
An autoimmune disorder that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, leading to red, scaly patches on the skin.
An inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) where the immune system attacks the digestive tract, causing inflammation and ulcers.
When Should I Consult The Doctor For My Autoimmune Disorders Treatment?
Regular check-ups with an internal medicine doctor or other relevant specialists are important to monitor the disease and begin treatment as needed. Early detection of autoimmune diseases can help manage the symptoms effectively and prevent complications. Consult a doctor for autoimmune disorder treatment if you experience any of the following:
Persistent or Unexplained Symptoms:
If you have chronic fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, or muscle weakness that doesn’t improve, it could indicate an autoimmune disorder.
If you experience frequent or worsening flare-ups of symptoms, even with treatment, it's important to consult your doctor to adjust your treatment plan.
Any new symptoms like swelling, fever, weight loss, or trouble breathing that seem to appear without an obvious cause should be evaluated by a doctor.
Difficulty Managing Symptoms:
If your current medications or treatments are no longer effective or causing side effects, a healthcare provider can help re-evaluate your treatment plan.
If the autoimmune disease is affecting vital organs (like kidneys, lungs, or the heart), early consultation is crucial to prevent long-term damage.
Family History of Autoimmune Diseases:
If you have a family history of autoimmune diseases and start noticing symptoms, consulting a doctor early for diagnosis and management is essential.
What Are The Causes and Risk Factors of Autoimmune Diseases?
It’s important to understand the causes and risk factors of autoimmune diseases to develop effective strategies for prevention and early detection. Several factors may increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases:
A family history of autoimmune diseases increases the likelihood of developing one.
Most autoimmune diseases are diagnosed in young to middle-aged adults.
Women are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases than men, with hormonal differences playing a role.
Infections, smoking, and exposure to certain chemicals may trigger autoimmune reactions.
Some infections, especially viral ones, may trigger an autoimmune response in genetically susceptible individuals.
What Are the Treatment Options for Autoimmune Diseases?
Treatment for autoimmune diseases aims to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and manage flare-ups. The doctor may recommend the following treatment options for autoimmune diseases such as:
Anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologics are commonly prescribed to manage mild to moderate symptoms of autoimmune disorders. Drugs like corticosteroids, methotrexate, and TNF inhibitors can help manage inflammation and prevent further damage.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes:
A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management are essential in managing autoimmune diseases. Some patients may benefit from specific dietary interventions.
Doctors may recommend physical therapy in conditions affecting the joints and muscles, physical therapy can help improve mobility and reduce pain.
When medication and other non-surgical methods are ineffective against the inflammation, surgery becomes inevitable. It may be necessary to repair or replace damaged joints or organs, particularly in severe cases of autoimmune diseases like RA or lupus.
Prevention and Recovery After Autoimmune Disease Treatment:
Managing autoimmune diseases requires ongoing follow-up care to monitor progress, prevent flare-ups, and adjust treatment plans as needed. Maintaining open communication with healthcare providers is key to managing autoimmune diseases successfully. Follow-up care may involve:
Keeping in Touch With The Doctor:
Encourage regular visits to doctors to assess symptoms, monitor recovery, and check for any signs of complications.
Regular blood tests can help monitor inflammation markers, organ function, and immune system activity.
Continued focus on diet, exercise, and mental health to help manage the stress and lifestyle impact of chronic autoimmune diseases.
Why Choose Artemis Hospitals For Autoimmune Diseases Treatment In Gurgaon?
Autoimmune diseases encompass a wide range of conditions that affect different parts of the body. There are several strategies available to help individuals live healthier lives. By staying informed and working closely with top internal medicine specialists, people with autoimmune diseases can navigate their condition and improve their quality of life.
To book an appointment with top internal medicine specialists at Artemis Hospitals, call our customer care at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp us at +91 9599285476. You can also schedule an appointment through our online patient portal or download and register on the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices.
Reviewed By Dr. Arpit Jain
Head – Internal Medicine
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can autoimmune disorders be cured?
Currently, autoimmune disorders cannot be fully cured, but treatment can help manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and prevent long-term damage. The goal is to control the immune system’s activity and improve the patient’s quality of life.
How do biologic drugs help treat autoimmune diseases?
Biologic drugs target specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation, effectively treating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. They help reduce symptoms and prevent tissue damage.
Whom should I consult for my autoimmune disorder treatment?
Autoimmune disorders include a wide range of diseases which are usually diagnosed and treated by an internal medicine doctor. Internal medicine experts specialize in diagnosing and managing symptoms of autoimmune disorders. To book an appointment with top internal medicine specialists at Artemis Hospitals, call our customer care at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp us at +91 9599285476.
Are there natural remedies to treat autoimmune diseases?
While natural remedies such as diet changes, stress management, and supplements (like omega-3 fatty acids) can support treatment, they should not replace prescribed medications. Always consult a healthcare provider before trying alternative treatments.
What lifestyle changes can help manage autoimmune disorders?
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient rest, and stress reduction, can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being in individuals with autoimmune disorders.
What role do corticosteroids play in autoimmune disease treatment?
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that reduce swelling, redness, and pain associated with autoimmune conditions. They are often used for short-term flare-ups but may have long-term side effects if used continuously.
Are autoimmune diseases hereditary?
Many autoimmune diseases have a genetic component, meaning they can run in families. However, environmental factors, such as infections or exposure to certain chemicals, also play a role in triggering these diseases in genetically predisposed individuals.
Can autoimmune disorders affect fertility or pregnancy?
Some autoimmune disorders, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can affect fertility or pregnancy. However, with proper medical care and treatment, many women with autoimmune diseases can successfully conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.
