Your immune system functions to protect your body from infection bacteria, viruses, and other substances that could harm you. Autoimmune illnesses occur when your immune system mistakenly detects healthy cells as invaders. This triggers an overactive response that can cause organ damage or destruction.
An autoimmune condition could be caused by genetics, diet exposure to chemicals, or infections. Your doctor will evaluate your health to determine if you are at likelihood of developing an disorder.
Diet: Consuming a large amount of dairy products, meat and refined carbs is thought to increase your risk of developing an autoimmune disorder. Your doctor might suggest that you make changes to your diet, for example, decreasing the consumption of fatty foods and increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables.
Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can increase your chance of developing an autoimmune disease. Talk to your doctor to learn how you can lower your blood pressure.
Kidney Problems: Many people with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis suffer from problems with their kidneys. They often need to see a kidney specialist (kidney doctor) to evaluate and get treatment.
Hormones: Some individuals with Autoimmune Diseases experience imbalances in their hormones like high or low thyroid levels. This can impact your ability to gain or lose weight. Additionally, you might have muscle aches and feel tired.
Skin: Dry, itchy or scaly skin may occur. It could also be more sensitive than normal to sunlight, have dark spots, itchy sores or any other itching.
Other diseases: Children with autoimmune diseases can have difficulty with physical exercise, learning, and social development. They also might have an increased risk of developing serious health issues in the future, such as heart disease and cancer.
An autoimmune disease can cause children to require special medication. They may also require therapy to improve their mobility and muscle strength. They may also require psychotherapy to help them cope and stay positive.
Your doctor may also check your blood for signs that could indicate an autoimmune disorder. These tests are performed to confirm a diagnosis and monitor your development as the disease develops.
Genetics: Certain autoimmune disorders are more common in women than in men. This is because a lot of autoimmune conditions are triggered by women’s reproductive years and can run in families.
Environmental factors: Certain substances like sunlight, ultraviolet radiation, or bacterial infections may cause autoimmune disorders. Certain autoimmune diseases are more prevalent in certain ethnicities.
Race: Lupus is more common in African American and Hispanic people than in whites, but other autoimmune diseases may be more prevalent in people of different races.
For instance, if you have celiac disease, you might be able reduce some of the effects of inflammation by adhering to a gluten-free diet. You can also treat other autoimmune disorders by taking medicines that suppress your immune response.
