Welcome to part one of a multi-part series exploring the relatively under-studied classification of Auto Immune Diseases. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be diving into the various types of these chronic conditions and how the standard of care is changing and evolving as new research and treatment options become available. New parts will be released every Tuesday and Thursday, so add us to your Bookmarks tab and stay tuned for more!
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system (normally responsible for fighting infections) mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. This misdirected response can cause inflammation, pain, fatigue, and damage to organs or entire systems. More than 80 autoimmune conditions have been identified by medical professionals, but some are far more common and better understood than others. While autoimmune diseases cannot currently be permanently “cured,” many of these conditions are highly manageable with medications, lifestyle adjustments, and early diagnosis.
Today, we will be covering Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
Systemic conditions are defined by their ability to affect multiple organs/systems or even have wider effects on the whole body. Widespread inflammation and tissue damage are the most common symptoms, an effect initiated due to mistaken reactions (or overreactions) by the body’s immune system.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease, where the immune system targets the lining of the joints. A healthy human being’s joints are lined with synovium, a tissue that produces fluid essential to lubricating movement and preventing bones from rubbing against each other.
Common RA symptoms as a result of these attacks include but are not limited to joint pain/stiffness, swelling of the joints, and rapid muscle fatigue. The exact cause or reason for these attacks is still unknown to researchers, but genetics, smoking status, obesity, and air pollution have all been identified as potential risk factors. Symptoms often manifest in a cyclical manner, flaring up and then eventually subsiding.
Early detection is absolutely crucial when treating RA, as lasting damage to key joints and muscle tissues can massively impact quality of life. A combination of anti-inflammatory drugs/corticosteroids, rest, and moderate exercise (potentially recommended by a physical therapist) is the standard of care for managing RA.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is characterized by immune system attacks on the body’s skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. Attacks on the essential organs are particularly concerning, as kidney and heart damage are difficult to heal, almost impossible to reverse and are often lethal if untreated over time.
Symptoms vary widely by case but often include chronic fatigue, fever, joint pain, butterfly-shaped facial rash, and sun sensitivity, with flares and remissions. Similar to RA, the exact cause is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors like UV light are thought to play a role in its manifestation.
Lupus is unfortunately a chronic condition and thus no cure exists, but treatments do exist to alleviate the severity of symptoms. Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants are all viable chemical options for finding relief, while applying sun protection, stress management techniques, eating healthy and avoiding smoking are lifestyle changes to supplement medications.
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Sjögren’s syndrome (pronounced SHOW-grins) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system primarily attacks moisture-producing glands. Most commonly, this causes dry eyes and dry mouth, but also leads to fatigue, joint pain, and potential damage to other organs like the lungs, kidneys, or nerves. It often occurs in conjunction with other autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis (defined above) and primarily affects women more often than men.
Common treatments for Sjögren’s syndrome include artificial tears (also known as eyes drops/gels), saliva stimulants, and immune-targeting meds designed to suppress the immune response.
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