What is an autoimmune disease and what can I cope? Day and night, our natural immune system works to keep us safe from diseases, infections and viruses. However, as with any machine, problems can arise and our defenses may be weakened. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system perceives mistake normal body functions as a threat and attacks itself, affecting nerves, muscles, tissues, or the digestive and endocrine (hormonal) systems . Although there is no "cure" for these diseases, health experts tells us that there are ways to manage symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis, which is one of the common autoimmune diseases, affects women in 75% of the estimated 2 million cases, a few years, it leaves 30-40% of untreated patients with disabilities. Patients suffer stiffness, immobility, chronic fatigue and inflammation. Lupus is another autoimmune disease that causes swelling, weakness, muscle or joint pain and insomnia. A butterfly rash and sensitivity to light usually occur as telltale signs of lupus.
The danger this untreated lupus is a serious injury to internal organs and kidney failure, and convulsions, depression, blood clots, depression, psychosis, stroke and migraine headaches. Other autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (although some discussion of the classification), type 1 diabetes, hepatitis, Addison's disease, Wegener's granulomatosis, Guillain-Barre after the burial of syndrome and over / underactive thyroid, if you want to check your family history of genetic diseases as well.
There are many different doctors who treat autoimmune diseases. A nephrologist can check your kidneys, an endocrinologist checks your glands and if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, you've probably seen a rheumatologist. You can receive treatment from a physiotherapist for muscle and joint pain, a therapist will help you find devices for assistance, a speech therapist helps people with MS, or a professional therapist can help specialized vocational training.
You can also see a chiropractor, masseuse or a counselor for emotional support. Millions of Americans are living with autoimmune disease. Although there is no magic cure, you can reduce the symptoms and maximize your own happiness through the many channels available.
If you have an autoimmune disease, then you can choose to take painkillers. Some patients take nonprescription drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce swelling. More severe symptoms can be treated with prescription drugs. Other patients may choose a particular symptom to treat with drugs, such as insomnia, depression, anxiety or rashes. Usually there is a system of trial and error to see what your body responds, so do not be discouraged if the first attempt does not give immediate results.
Posted on March 24, 2010.
