Is your body fighting against you? (Autoimmune Diseases) Let's talk about it!

Have you ever thought that we have our own army inside our bodies, protecting us? There really is one. We call it the Immune System. Just like an army that protects a country, this immune system is what protects us from diseases by searching for enemies like viruses and bacteria that enter the body from the outside, attacking and destroying them. But, imagine what would happen if this own army made a small mistake and started attacking our own body, unable to recognize who the enemies are, what the healthy cells are in our own body? That is the sad situation we call "Autoimmune Disease".

Simply put, what are these autoimmune diseases?

An autoimmune disease is when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Normally, the immune system would only attack foreign invaders. But in this condition, the system becomes overactive and, with no external enemies to attack, mistakes its own body parts for foreign invaders and attacks them.

To put it simply, imagine that we have a dog that we keep as a guard at our house. Its job is to bark and chase away thieves. But what if this dog suddenly doesn't recognize us in the house and comes to bite us? An autoimmune disease is like that. Our protector becomes our own enemy.

What are the types of autoimmune diseases?

There are over 100 known autoimmune diseases. These diseases can affect any part of the body, any organ. It depends on which part of the body the immune system mistakenly attacks. The table below will give you a good idea of ​​this.

This list is not exhaustive, but these are some of the autoimmune conditions that are commonly discussed and seen among us.

What could be the symptoms of these diseases?

The symptoms of these diseases vary greatly. In fact, symptoms can appear anywhere from head to toe. It depends entirely on the type of autoimmune disease you have and the part of your body that is affected.

For example, a disease that affects the muscles may cause muscle weakness. A condition like rheumatoid arthritis may cause joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. A person with Type 1 Diabetes may experience high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Some autoimmune diseases can also affect vision.

A common symptom of many autoimmune diseases is inflammation . Inflammation is the redness, warmth, swelling, and pain of a part of the body.

Periods of increased symptoms (flares)

Another characteristic of many autoimmune diseases is that symptoms are not always the same. Some days you may have very few symptoms, while other days you may suddenly have a lot more symptoms. This sudden worsening of symptoms is called a "flare." If you have symptoms that fluctuate or get worse, especially when you engage in certain activities, at certain times of the day, or when you eat certain foods, it is very important to tell your doctor about it.

Why do these diseases occur? What are the risk factors?

To be honest, doctors still can't say with 100% certainty what exactly causes an autoimmune disease. We know that symptoms are caused by the immune system attacking our own body. But researchers are still studying why this system suddenly starts acting this way.

However, it has been found that certain factors can increase the risk of developing these diseases. We call these risk factors.

• Viral infections: Some viral infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, can be a trigger for the later development of an autoimmune disease.
• Your gender: Women are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases than men.
• Family history: If your immediate family members (mother, father, siblings) have autoimmune diseases, you are at risk of developing one too. Some conditions can be passed down through genes.
• Having another autoimmune disease: If you already have one autoimmune disease, you may be more likely to develop another.
• Environmental factors: Certain things in the environment, such as exposure to chemicals, can cause these diseases.
• Smoking: Smoking and the use of other tobacco products is linked to a number of health problems, including an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases.

How does a doctor diagnose this disease?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease can sometimes be a bit complicated because the symptoms can range so widely. A doctor will usually follow these steps:

1. Asking you about your symptoms and performing a physical examination: First, the doctor will ask you about your symptoms, when they started, and whether anyone in your family has had similar conditions. Then, they will examine you.

2. Differential Diagnosis: The doctor will first check to see if there are other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. This means ruling out one condition after another and ultimately finding the real cause.

3. Blood tests: In autoimmune diseases, special markers can be found in the blood. These are like "traces" left behind by the immune system after it has damaged the body. Special blood tests can be ordered to look for these.

4. Medical Imaging Tests: Sometimes these types of tests may be necessary to look inside the body.

• X-rays
• MRI Scan (MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• CT Scan (CT Scan - Computed Tomography Scan)
• Ultrasound scan

What are the treatments for this?

There are many treatments for autoimmune diseases. But the treatment you need will depend on what disease you have and the nature of your symptoms. Everyone's immune system, genes, and environment are different, so what works for you may not work for someone else.

Here are some treatments commonly used to manage symptoms:

• Painkillers: To control pain.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs: Drugs such as NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) or corticosteroids to reduce swelling and pain.
• Immunosuppressants: These drugs are given to control the overactive immune system.
• Physical Therapy: To restore the function of muscles and joints.
• Occupational Therapy: Helping you perform everyday tasks more easily.

In addition, some diseases require specific treatment. For example, insulin therapy is essential for people with type 1 diabetes. People with celiac disease must completely avoid foods containing gluten.

Living with an autoimmune disease

Can these diseases be completely cured?

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for autoimmune diseases. These are long-term conditions. However, sometimes the disease can go into remission . This means that you can live a normal life for a long time without symptoms. It is not a complete cure, but during that time the disease has a much smaller impact on your daily life.

How do I take care of myself?

Living with an autoimmune disease is different for everyone. It's best to talk to your doctor about how to best manage your symptoms. You may need to make small changes to your exercise, diet, and daily habits.

Are these diseases serious? Do they affect lifespan?

Some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, can be complex and serious. However, treatment can largely control symptoms.

Life expectancy is difficult to predict because it depends on the type of disease, its severity, and how well you respond to treatment. Some diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), can cause life-threatening complications. Type 1 diabetes, if not managed properly, can also be fatal. Only your doctor can give you the best advice.

When to see a doctor? When to go to the ETU?

If you have new symptoms that you can't explain, especially if they're making it difficult to do your daily activities, be sure to see a doctor. Also tell your doctor if you already have an autoimmune disease, if treatment doesn't seem to be working, or if your symptoms are getting worse.

If any of the following severe symptoms occur, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Severe chest pain or a feeling of tightness in the chest.
• A sudden, unbearable headache.
• Sudden weakness, especially if you feel like you're going to faint.
• Dizziness that won't stop.
• Unbearable pain.

Knowing that you have a lifelong illness can be overwhelming and scary. It can be even more overwhelming when you can't pinpoint the cause. Living with an autoimmune disease is a challenge. Be grateful for the challenges you face every day. Celebrate even small victories. When you feel sad or frustrated, talk to your loved ones and your doctor instead of holding it in.