Autoimmune Diseases – 5 Things You Should Know – Step To Health

In the vast majority of cases, autoimmune diseases are chronic. However, people diagnosed with one or more conditions of this type should not lose hope. There are many methods and therapies that will help patients understand the disease and improve their quality of life.

Unfortunately, autoimmune diseases are still a mystery to scientists. We still don’t know why the immune system attacks the cells of its own body, destroying them.

Ailments such as multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common autoimmune diseases.

In many cases, genetic predisposition is a decisive factor in the occurrence of the disease. However, this does not mean that environmental factors should also not be taken into account.

The comfort of life for people struggling with immune diseases is largely limited.

Autoimmune diseases are usually chronic in nature and affect various parts and organs of the body. One of the most prominent examples of this type of disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.

In our today’s article, we’re going to cover five of the most important aspects of autoimmune disease that you need to know about. You will also learn the basics of your immune system, and as a result you will be able to better understand your disease, its course and its effects.

It is worth expanding your knowledge, especially if you have any autoimmune diseases or know someone who is struggling with such a disease. Additional, new information and knowledge of medical progress will allow you to improve your quality of life or provide it to the sick person you are caring for.

1. Autoimmune diseases – possible causes

Scientists say that the interaction between the living environment and certain genes may also be important. Certain specific conditions may also theoretically be the cause of the disease. However, this correlation is not yet fully confirmed.

This theory is based on an assessment of the degree of intestinal permeability. It is an abnormality in the work of this organ, which in effect allows some of the antigens contained in the food we eat to get from the intestine directly into the bloodstream.

Their presence causes a reaction of the immune system, which “considers” them to be hostile tissue.

The problem, however, is that some of our own organs produce identical or very similar antigens, and as a result our immune system shifts its efforts to fighting them as well.

2. More and more diseases are associated with the malfunctioning of the immune system

However, the fact that scientists detect and diagnose more and more types of allergies does not mean more cases. It only means developing better and better methods for identifying these diseases.

Typically, specialists classify them as simple allergies or allergies that give more complex symptoms, typically allergic. However, these are not always accurate diagnoses.

Here are some of the most important aspects that have changed over the past few years regarding these diseases and their causes:

• Today we realize that autoimmune diseases are a serious health problem. It is therefore important to give patients a wider voice so that they can be heard and thus receive wider support from society.
• Science now offers much better ways to understand how immune processes work. Researchers are currently analyzing various types of weaknesses and symptoms associated with different groups of chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases.

• Fortunately, the results of their work are implemented quickly, thanks to which many children can receive early diagnosis and help in the treatment of the most common autoimmune diseases. Until a few years ago it was practically impossible.

3. Autoimmune diseases and their types

We can divide them into two different categories:

• Systemic (systemic) diseases that not only target one organ, but can also affect several of them. This is most often the case with celiac disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
• Local diseases: they attack one specific organ or tissue, which may belong to the group of dermatological, hematological or endocrine diseases. These include, but are not limited to, thyroiditis, colitis, or Hashimoto’s disease.

4. Treatment of autoimmune diseases

As we mentioned above, most of the diseases in this category do not have an effective cure, so learn to understand them and be able to get help from professionals.

It is also worth learning the appropriate approach to diseases:

• Above all, you need to correctly associate your own symptoms with an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
• Try to take care of the condition of your sick organs as much as possible and support their basic functions, especially in the case of intestinal, liver and skin diseases. The main thing is to fight to ensure the integrity and comfort of life as much as possible.
• Try new treatments and stay up-to-date with medical advances, the latest discoveries, and management strategies. Do not put everything on the shoulders of the doctor, remember that he too is only human and does not always have to keep up with all the news.

5. Remember that you are not alone with your illness

Living with systemic lupus erythematosus or multiple sclerosis is not easy for the patient or his family.

Here are a few things that should be remembered in this case:
To better survive this difficult personal and life situation, but treat the disease with the latest and proven methods.

In addition, treatment should also include social psychology-based therapy. You should be aware that you are not alone with your illness. There are various groups around you that offer support and understanding.

Virtually all autoimmune diseases require the use of a support group to help you better understand the disease, discover new perspectives, and find other cases like yours.

In addition to being able to exchange experiences with other patients, support groups also help in achieving treatment progress.

While autoimmune diseases can make everyday life extremely difficult, they can also fill everyday life with more attractive elements. In addition, they will help you take care of yourself and persuade you to make efforts to improve the quality of life.

Remember that you are not alone with your illness. Scientists are still trying to find the best possible treatments for your condition.