Brucella IgM Antibody Tips

Symptoms and Causes of Allergies

Dr. Rahul Kolamkar 92% (254 ratings)
Certification in ADHD in children and adolescents, Clinical Assessment and treatment of depression in primary care, BHMS
Homeopathy Doctor, Amravati
Symptoms and Causes of Allergies

Allergies, or allergic reactions, are common occurrences, which are caused by unnatural reactions between your body's immune system and foreign substances, which have gained access into the body. When these substances, known as allergens, enter your body, your immune system produces antibodies, which are responsible for warding off unwanted substances like harmful viruses or diseases and helping in the body's overall resistance.

However, when antibodies identify a particular allergen as harmful, when it really isn't, a reaction occurs which may lead to inflammation or infection of the skin, sinuses, the digestive tract and the respiratory tract, among others. Allergies usually differ from individual to individual and can vary from mild skin irritations to fatal life-threatening emergencies.

Symptoms
Symptoms of allergies depend upon a wide range of factors, which are subjective and vary from person to person and from allergen to allergen. Depending upon the type of allergen involved and the nature of the allergy, symptoms may include any of the following:

  1. Sneezing
  2. Running nose
  3. Severe itching
  4. Swollen or red and watery eyes
  5. Hives
  6. Rashes
  7. Facial swelling
  8. Wheezing
  9. Flaky skin which can peel off

These symptoms are common in mild to moderate allergies, such as atopic dermatitis, hay fever, drug or food allergies. There are certain rare cases (say, scorpion stings), however, in which the allergic reaction turns out to be potentially life-threatening. This type of reaction is known as anaphylaxis. Here are its signs and symptoms:

  1. Intense shortness of breath
  2. Lightheadedness
  3. Nausea and vomiting
  4. Loss of consciousness
  5. Skin rashes
  6. Weak pulse
  7. A significant drop in blood pressure

Causes
The main cause of allergy is the uncontrolled reaction between the immune system's antibodies and harmless allergens. Allergic reactions are triggered when antibodies, like histamine, come into contact with particular types of allergens. These may include:

  1. Airborne allergens: Pollen, mold, or dust mites
  2. Insect stings: Bee stings or scorpion stings
  3. Certain eatables: Peanuts or sea food
  4. Medications: Penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics
  5. Latex: Latex or other substances,  which are responsible for causing allergic skin reactions
3319 people found this helpful

What Should You Know About Autoimmune Diseases?

Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal 91% (32 ratings)
MBBS, MD - Medicine, DNB - Rheumatology, Fellowship In Rheumatology
Rheumatologist, Delhi
What Should You Know About Autoimmune Diseases?

Normally, the body’s immune system recognizes any foreign body as an antigen and produces what are known as antibodies. However, in autoimmune disorders, the body produces antibodies against the body’s own tissue. This is an abnormality and depending on what factor is triggering the production of antibodies, there are various types of autoimmune disorders (AID). When we look at the musculoskeletal system, there are quite a few, the top 4 being:

  1. Scleroderma
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus
  3. Sjogren’s syndrome
  4. Rheumatoid arthritis

In all these conditions, the body produces antibodies against its own tissue, producing these conditions.

Causes:

  1. Family history is definitely an attribute to developing autoimmune diseases
  2. Environmental pollution
  3. Lifestyle including lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol use

Know more about these:

  1. Scleroderma: Can be localized or generalized, the upper layers of the skin get thicker (sclerosis). This can be nodular or diffuse, and can also affect children. The skin and muscles are usually affected, but in severe cases, it can affect internal organs such as lungs and heart.
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus: SLE, as it is often called, is very common and can be diagnosed as scleroderma in the initial stages. It can also occur with other autoimmune conditions and some of the types include cutaneous lupus, systemic lupus, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus.
  3. Rheumatoid arthritis: The most common autoimmune rheumatic disease is RA, which causes inflammation of the joint spaces. There would be pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. This needs to be segregated as RA, as the symptoms are similar to any other form of arthritis. Treatment includes a combination of pain killers, heat and cold therapy, massage, steroid injections, and immune controlling agents.
  4. Sjogren’s syndrome: The symptoms are characteristic with dry mucous membranes including those of the eyes, mouth, and vagina. There could be accompanying pain and redness, significant fatigue, fibromyalgia, and complications relating to other organs.

Diagnosis: Autoimmune diseases are tricky to diagnose as other diseases with similar symptoms need to be ruled out first. In some cases, there are specific antibodies, and checking their levels can help identify the underlying condition.

Management: For all the rheumatic autoimmune diseases, treatment is a multipronged approach with lifestyle changes, drugs, and alternative therapies.
Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate vitamin and mineral supplementation is a must.

Drugs: Some drugs used are:

  1. Anti-inflammatory drugs
  2. Steroids
  3. ACE inhibitors
  4. Immunomodulatory therapy
  5. Stem cell transplants

Alternative therapies such as massages with herbal oils, acupuncture, and cold therapy are widely used to control inflammation. In addition, alcohol and smoking and exposure to environmental pollution need to be controlled.

2848 people found this helpful

Autoimmune Diseases - How To Manage It?

MBBS, MD - Medicine, DNB - Rheumatology
Rheumatologist, Delhi
Autoimmune Diseases - How To Manage It?

Normally, the body’s immune system recognizes any foreign body as an antigen and produces what are known as antibodies. However, in autoimmune disorders, the body produces antibodies against the body’s own tissue. This is an abnormality and depending on what factor is triggering the production of antibodies, there are various types of autoimmune disorders (AID). When we look at the musculoskeletal system, there are quite a few, the top 4 being:

  1. Scleroderma
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus
  3. Sjogren’s syndrome
  4. Rheumatoid arthritis

In all these conditions, the body produces antibodies against its own tissue, producing these conditions.

Causes:

  1. Family history is definitely an attribute to developing autoimmune diseases
  2. Environmental pollution
  3. Lifestyle including lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol use

Know more about these:

  1. Scleroderma: Can be localized or generalized, the upper layers of the skin get thicker (sclerosis). This can be nodular or diffuse, and can also affect children. The skin and muscles are usually affected, but in severe cases, it can affect internal organs such as lungs and heart.
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus: SLE, as it is often called, is very common and can be diagnosed as scleroderma in the initial stages. It can also occur with other autoimmune conditions and some of the types include cutaneous lupus, systemic lupus, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus.
  3. Rheumatoid arthritis: The most common autoimmune rheumatic disease is RA, which causes inflammation of the joint spaces. There would be pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. This needs to be segregated as RA, as the symptoms are similar to any other form of arthritis. Treatment includes a combination of pain killers, heat and cold therapy, massage, steroid injections, and immune controlling agents.
  4. Sjogren’s syndrome: The symptoms are characteristic with dry mucous membranes including those of the eyes, mouth, and vagina. There could be accompanying pain and redness, significant fatigue, fibromyalgia, and complications relating to other organs.

Diagnosis: Autoimmune diseases are tricky to diagnose as other diseases with similar symptoms need to be ruled out first. In some cases, there are specific antibodies, and checking their levels can help identify the underlying condition.

Management: For all the rheumatic autoimmune diseases, treatment is a multipronged approach with lifestyle changes, drugs, and alternative therapies.
Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate vitamin and mineral supplementation is a must.

Drugs: Some drugs used are:

  1. Anti-inflammatory drugs
  2. Steroids
  3. ACE inhibitors
  4. Immunomodulatory therapy
  5. Stem cell transplants

Alternative therapies such as massages with herbal oils, acupuncture, and cold therapy are widely used to control inflammation. In addition, alcohol and smoking and exposure to environmental pollution need to be controlled.

2632 people found this helpful

Autoimmune Diseases - Must Know Facts!

Dr. Bharat Singh 91% (44 ratings)
MBBS, MD-Medicine, DM - Clinical Immunology
Rheumatologist, Jaipur
Autoimmune Diseases - Must Know Facts!

Normally, the body’s immune system recognizes any foreign body as an antigen and produces what are known as antibodies. However, in autoimmune disorders, the body produces antibodies against the body’s own tissue. This is an abnormality and depending on what factor is triggering the production of antibodies, there are various types of autoimmune disorders (AID). When we look at the musculoskeletal system, there are quite a few, the top 4 being:

  1. Scleroderma
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus
  3. Sjogren’s syndrome
  4. Rheumatoid arthritis

In all these conditions, the body produces antibodies against its own tissue, producing these conditions.

Causes

  1. Family history is definitely an attribute to developing autoimmune diseases
  2. Environmental pollution
  3. Lifestyle including lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol use

Know more about these

  1. Scleroderma: Can be localized or generalized, the upper layers of the skin get thicker (sclerosis). This can be nodular or diffuse, and can also affect children. The skin and muscles are usually affected, but in severe cases, it can affect internal organs such as lungs and heart.
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus: SLE, as it is often called, is very common and can be diagnosed as scleroderma in the initial stages. It can also occur with other autoimmune conditions and some of the types include cutaneous lupus, systemic lupus, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus.
  3. Rheumatoid arthritis: The most common autoimmune rheumatic disease is RA, which causes inflammation of the joint spaces. There would be pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. This needs to be segregated as RA, as the symptoms are similar to any other form of arthritis. Treatment includes a combination of pain killers, heat and cold therapy, massage, steroid injections, and immune controlling agents.
  4. Sjogren’s syndrome: The symptoms are characteristic with dry mucous membranes including those of the eyes, mouth, and vagina. There could be accompanying pain and redness, significant fatigue, fibromyalgia, and complications relating to other organs.

Diagnosis

Autoimmune diseases are tricky to diagnose as other diseases with similar symptoms need to be ruled out first. In some cases, there are specific antibodies, and checking their levels can help identify the underlying condition.

Management

For all the rheumatic autoimmune diseases, treatment is a multipronged approach with lifestyle changes, drugs, and alternative therapies.
Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate vitamin and mineral supplementation is a must.

Drugs

Some drugs used are:

  1. Anti-inflammatory drugs
  2. Steroids
  3. ACE inhibitors
  4. Immunomodulatory therapy
  5. Stem cell transplants

Alternative therapies such as massages with herbal oils, acupuncture, and cold therapy are widely used to control inflammation. In addition, alcohol and smoking and exposure to environmental pollution need to be controlled.

4136 people found this helpful

Autoimmune Diseases - Things To Know About Them!

Dr. Bodhisatwa Choudhuri 89% (34 ratings)
MBBS, MD - Internal Medicine, MRCEM(UK), MEM, Diploma in Rheumatology, PGCC - Rheumatology, MACEP, FCCS
Rheumatologist, Kolkata
Autoimmune Diseases - Things To Know About Them!

Normally, the body’s immune system recognizes any foreign body as an antigen and produces what are known as antibodies. However, in autoimmune disorders, the body produces antibodies against the body’s own tissue. This is an abnormality and depending on what factor is triggering the production of antibodies, there are various types of autoimmune disorders (AID). When we look at the musculoskeletal system, there are quite a few, the top 4 being:

  1. Scleroderma
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus
  3. Sjogren’s syndrome
  4. Rheumatoid arthritis

In all these conditions, the body produces antibodies against its own tissue, producing these conditions.

Causes:

  1. Family history is definitely an attribute to developing autoimmune diseases
  2. Environmental pollution
  3. Lifestyle including lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol use

Know more about these:

  1. Scleroderma: Can be localized or generalized, the upper layers of the skin get thicker (sclerosis). This can be nodular or diffuse, and can also affect children. The skin and muscles are usually affected, but in severe cases, it can affect internal organs such as lungs and heart.
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus: SLE, as it is often called, is very common and can be diagnosed as scleroderma in the initial stages. It can also occur with other autoimmune conditions and some of the types include cutaneous lupus, systemic lupus, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus.
  3. Rheumatoid arthritis: The most common autoimmune rheumatic disease is RA, which causes inflammation of the joint spaces. There would be pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. This needs to be segregated as RA, as the symptoms are similar to any other form of arthritis. Treatment includes a combination of pain killers, heat and cold therapy, massage, steroid injections, and immune controlling agents.
  4. Sjogren’s syndrome: The symptoms are characteristic with dry mucous membranes including those of the eyes, mouth, and vagina. There could be accompanying pain and redness, significant fatigue, fibromyalgia, and complications relating to other organs.

Diagnosis: Autoimmune diseases are tricky to diagnose as other diseases with similar symptoms need to be ruled out first. In some cases, there are specific antibodies, and checking their levels can help identify the underlying condition.

Management: For all the rheumatic autoimmune diseases, treatment is a multipronged approach with lifestyle changes, drugs, and alternative therapies.
Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate vitamin and mineral supplementation is a must.

Drugs: Some drugs used are:

  1. Anti-inflammatory drugs
  2. Steroids
  3. ACE inhibitors
  4. Immunomodulatory therapy
  5. Stem cell transplants

Alternative therapies such as massages with herbal oils, acupuncture, and cold therapy are widely used to control inflammation. In addition, alcohol and smoking and exposure to environmental pollution need to be controlled.

4007 people found this helpful

Autoimmune Problem - How To Diagnose It?

Dr. K Shanmuganandan 91% (269 ratings)
MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MD - Internal Medicine, Fellowship in Rhuematology, DNB (Internal Medicine)
Internal Medicine Specialist, Chennai
Autoimmune Problem - How To Diagnose It?

Normally, the body’s immune system recognizes any foreign body as an antigen and produces what are known as antibodies. However, in autoimmune disorders, the body produces antibodies against the body’s own tissue. This is an abnormality and depending on what factor is triggering the production of antibodies, there are various types of autoimmune disorders (AID). When we look at the musculoskeletal system, there are quite a few, the top 4 being:

  1. Scleroderma
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus
  3. Sjogren’s syndrome
  4. Rheumatoid arthritis

In all these conditions, the body produces antibodies against its own tissue, producing these conditions.

Causes:

  1. Family history is definitely an attribute to developing autoimmune diseases
  2. Environmental pollution
  3. Lifestyle including lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol use

Know more about these:

  1. Scleroderma: Can be localized or generalized, the upper layers of the skin get thicker (sclerosis). This can be nodular or diffuse, and can also affect children. The skin and muscles are usually affected, but in severe cases, it can affect internal organs such as lungs and heart.
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus: SLE, as it is often called, is very common and can be diagnosed as scleroderma in the initial stages. It can also occur with other autoimmune conditions and some of the types include cutaneous lupus, systemic lupus, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus.
  3. Rheumatoid arthritis: The most common autoimmune rheumatic disease is RA, which causes inflammation of the joint spaces. There would be pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. This needs to be segregated as RA, as the symptoms are similar to any other form of arthritis. Treatment includes a combination of pain killers, heat and cold therapy, massage, steroid injections, and immune controlling agents.
  4. Sjogren’s syndrome: The symptoms are characteristic with dry mucous membranes including those of the eyes, mouth, and vagina. There could be accompanying pain and redness, significant fatigue, fibromyalgia, and complications relating to other organs.

Diagnosis: Autoimmune diseases are tricky to diagnose as other diseases with similar symptoms need to be ruled out first. In some cases, there are specific antibodies, and checking their levels can help identify the underlying condition.

Management: For all the rheumatic autoimmune diseases, treatment is a multipronged approach with lifestyle changes, drugs, and alternative therapies.
Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate vitamin and mineral supplementation is a must.

Drugs: Some drugs used are:

  1. Anti-inflammatory drugs
  2. Steroids
  3. ACE inhibitors
  4. Immunomodulatory therapy
  5. Stem cell transplants

Alternative therapies such as massages with herbal oils, acupuncture, and cold therapy are widely used to control inflammation. In addition, alcohol and smoking and exposure to environmental pollution need to be controlled.

3941 people found this helpful

Autoimmune Diseases - What Should You Know?

Dr. Alok Kalyani 90% (37 ratings)
Fellowship in Rheumatology, MD (Medicine), AFIH, MBBS
Rheumatologist, Delhi
Autoimmune Diseases - What Should You Know?

Normally, the body’s immune system recognizes any foreign body as an antigenand produces what are known as antibodies. However, in autoimmune disorders, the body produces antibodies against the body’s own tissue. This is an abnormality and depending on what factor is triggering the production of antibodies, there are various types of autoimmune disorders (AID). When we look at the musculoskeletal system, there are quite a few, the top 4 being:

  1. Scleroderma
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus
  3. Sjogren’s syndrome
  4. Rheumatoid arthritis

In all these conditions, the body produces antibodies against its own tissue, producing these conditions.

Causes:

  1. Family history is definitely an attribute to developing autoimmune diseases
  2. Environmental pollution
  3. Lifestyle including lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol use

Know more about these:

  1. Scleroderma: Can be localized or generalized, the upper layers of the skin get thicker (sclerosis). This can be nodular or diffuse, and can also affect children. The skin and muscles are usually affected, but in severe cases, it can affect internal organs such as lungs and heart.
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus: SLE, as it is often called, is very common and can be diagnosed as scleroderma in the initial stages. It can also occur with other autoimmune conditions and some of the types include cutaneous lupus, systemic lupus, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus.
  3. Rheumatoid arthritis: The most common autoimmune rheumatic disease is RA, which causes inflammation of the joint spaces. There would be pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. This needs to be segregated as RA, as the symptoms are similar to any other form of arthritis. Treatment includes a combination of pain killers, heat and cold therapy, massage, steroid injections, and immune controlling agents.
  4. Sjogren’s syndrome: The symptoms are characteristic with dry mucous membranes including those of the eyes, mouth, and vagina. There could be accompanying pain and redness, significant fatiguefibromyalgia, and complications relating to other organs.

Diagnosis: Autoimmune diseases are tricky to diagnose as other diseases with similar symptoms need to be ruled out first. In some cases, there are specific antibodies, and checking their levels can help identify the underlying condition.

Management: For all the rheumatic autoimmune diseases, treatment is a multipronged approach with lifestyle changes, drugs, and alternative therapies.
Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate vitamin and mineral supplementation is a must.

Drugs: Some drugs used are:

  1. Anti-inflammatory drugs
  2. Steroids
  3. ACE inhibitors
  4. Immunomodulatory therapy
  5. Stem cell transplants

Alternative therapies such as massages with herbal oils, acupuncture, and cold therapy are widely used to control inflammation. In addition, alcohol and smoking and exposure to environmental pollution need to be controlled.

2747 people found this helpful

Pencillin Allergy - Signs & Symptoms To Watch Out For!

Dr. Saibal Moitra (Prof.) 87% (232 ratings)
MBBS, MD Respiratory Medicine, Ph.D - Physiology, FCCP (USA), DAA, FRCP (London)
Allergist/Immunologist, Kolkata
Pencillin Allergy - Signs & Symptoms To Watch Out For!

Necessity is the mother of invention. Ironically, accidents to end up in discoveries. Sir Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered Penicillin in 1928. After many years of research and experiments, Penicillin eventually came into use during World War II. Though it’s believed to be a blessing, it has opened the doors for various allergic reactions and bacterial resistance over the period of time. About 10% of people report allergies to Penicillin, wherein more than 90% of these patients are found not to be allergic to Penicillin after skin testing.

Reactions to Penicillin:
Penicillin belongs to a family of antibiotics known as beta-lactams which also comprises of Penicillin G, Cloxacillin, Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Piperacillin, and many more which are believed to be effective in eradicating common bacterial infections and relatively inexpensive.

The major problem in the use of Penicillin is hypersensitivity reactions. Your immune system can work wonders when encountered with any foreign body (antigen) by producing its antibody, which fights against the antigen. When your body is attacked by bacteria the lymphocytes (T-Cells) trigger the production of antibodies (immunoglobulin) to fight against the bacteria. However, in some people Penicillin administration can be considered as an invader and their immune system produces antibodies against it, thereby resulting in allergic reactions.

Acute and Sub - acute reactions:
You can observe two clinical pictures resulting from penicillin allergy:
Acute allergic reaction:

  • Mediated by IgE(Immunoglobulin E) antibodies as a result of previous exposure.
  • Arises immediately within minutes to an hour or two.
  • Results in release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells.

Sub-Acute allergic reaction:

  • Mediated by IgG (Immunoglobulin G) antibodies.
  • Occurs 7 to 10 days after Penicillin treatment.
  • Results in the activation of the complement reactions producing inflammation.

Risk factors for IgE mediated reaction:

  • Frequent or repetitive courses of Penicillin.
  • High dose parenteral (rather than oral) administration.
  • A history of other allergies, such as food allergy or hay fever.
  • Certain illness commonly associated with allergic drug reactions, such as infection with HIV or Epstein - Barr virus.

Watch out for:
While people are taking a Penicillin medication several different rashes can appear:

  • Hives:
    • Suggest a true allergy.
    • Raised and intensely itchy spots.
    • Come and go over hours.
    • Occur with other allergic symptoms like wheezing or swelling of the skin or throat.
  • Rashes:
    • Typically start after several days of treatment.
    • Flat, blotchy and non-itchy.
    • Spread over days but do not change by the hour.
    • Unlikely to be the result of a dangerous allergy.
  • Anaphylaxis:
    • Very rare but life-threatening condition.
    • Causes the widespread dysfunction of the body systems.
  • Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Other conditions resulting from Penicillin allergy:

  • Serum sickness
  • Drug induced anemia
  • Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms(DRESS)
  • Inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis)

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

3897 people found this helpful

Autoimmune Diseases And Homeopathy!

Dr. Vishwajeet Singh 90% (2524 ratings)
BHMS
Homeopathy Doctor, Bahadurgarh
Autoimmune Diseases And Homeopathy!

Normally, the body’s immune system recognizes any foreign body as an antigen and produces what are known as antibodies. However, in autoimmune disorders, the body produces antibodies against the body’s own tissue. This is an abnormality and depending on what factor is triggering the production of antibodies, there are various types of autoimmune disorders (aid). When we look at the musculoskeletal system, there are quite a few, the top 4 beings:

  1. Scleroderma
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus
  3. Sjogren’s syndrome
  4. Rheumatoid arthritis

In all these conditions, the body produces antibodies against its own tissue, producing these conditions.

Causes -

  • Family history is definitely an attribute to developing autoimmune diseases
  • Environmental pollution
  • Lifestyle including lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol use

Know more about these -

  1. Scleroderma: It can be localized or generalized, the upper layers of the skin get thicker (sclerosis). This can be nodular or diffuse, and can also affect children. The skin and muscles are usually affected, but in severe cases, it can affect internal organs such as lungs and heart.
     
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus: SLE, as it is often called, is very common and can be diagnosed as scleroderma in the initial stages. It can also occur with other autoimmune conditions and some of the types include cutaneous lupus, systemic lupus, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus.
     
  3. Rheumatoid arthritis: The most common autoimmune rheumatic disease is RA, which causes inflammation of the joint spaces. There would be pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. This needs to be segregated as RA, as the symptoms are similar to any other form of arthritis. Treatment includes a combination of pain killers, heat and cold therapy, massage, steroid injections, and immune controlling agents.
     
  4. Sjogren’s syndrome: The symptoms are characteristic with dry mucous membranes including those of the eyes, mouth, and vagina. There could be accompanying pain and redness, significant fatigue, fibromyalgia, and complications relating to other organs.

Diagnosis -
Autoimmune diseases are tricky to diagnose as other diseases with similar symptoms need to be ruled out first. In some cases, there are specific antibodies, and checking their levels can help identify the underlying condition.

Management -
For all the rheumatic autoimmune diseases, treatment is a multipronged approach with lifestyle changes, drugs, and alternative therapies. Lifestyle changes: a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate vitamin and mineral supplementation is a must.

Drugs -
Some drugs used are:

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Steroids
  • Ace inhibitors
  • Immunomodulatory therapy
  • Stem cell transplants
  • Alternative therapies such as massages with herbal oils, acupuncture, and cold therapy are widely used to control inflammation. In addition, alcohol and smoking and exposure to environmental pollution need to be controlled.
  • Homeopathy work on increasing your immunity and hence not only increase your body resistance to fight against the foreign invasion but also help in complete removal of the disease, so choose homeopathy to cure. 
3 people found this helpful

Autoimmune Diseases - Things You Must Know About It!

MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MD - General Medicine, DM - Rheumatology
Rheumatologist & Immunologist, Bhubaneswar
Autoimmune Diseases - Things You Must Know About It!

Normally, the body’s immune system recognizes any foreign body as an antigen and produces what are known as antibodies. However, in autoimmune disorders, the body produces antibodies against the body’s own tissue. This is an abnormality and depending on what factor is triggering the production of antibodies, there are various types of autoimmune disorders (AID). When we look at the musculoskeletal system, there are quite a few, the top 4 being:

  1. Scleroderma
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus
  3. Sjogren’s syndrome
  4. Rheumatoid arthritis

In all these conditions, the body produces antibodies against its own tissue, producing these conditions.

Causes:

  1. Family history is definitely an attribute to developing autoimmune diseases
  2. Environmental pollution
  3. Lifestyle including lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol use

Know more about these:

  1. Scleroderma: Can be localized or generalized, the upper layers of the skin get thicker (sclerosis). This can be nodular or diffuse, and can also affect children. The skin and muscles are usually affected, but in severe cases, it can affect internal organs such as lungs and heart.
  2. Systemic lupus erythematosus: SLE, as it is often called, is very common and can be diagnosed as scleroderma in the initial stages. It can also occur with other autoimmune conditions and some of the types include cutaneous lupus, systemic lupus, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus.
  3. Rheumatoid arthritis: The most common autoimmune rheumatic disease is RA, which causes inflammation of the joint spaces. There would be pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. This needs to be segregated as RA, as the symptoms are similar to any other form of arthritis. Treatment includes a combination of pain killers, heat and cold therapy, massage, steroid injections, and immune controlling agents.
  4. Sjogren’s syndrome: The symptoms are characteristic with dry mucous membranes including those of the eyes, mouth, and vagina. There could be accompanying pain and redness, significant fatigue, fibromyalgia, and complications relate06596a63c2bfa095274fedbd051133aing to other organs.

Diagnosis: Autoimmune diseases are tricky to diagnose as other diseases with similar symptoms need to be ruled out first. In some cases, there are specific antibodies, and checking their levels can help identify the underlying condition.

Management: For all the rheumatic autoimmune diseases, treatment is a multipronged approach with lifestyle changes, drugs, and alternative therapies.
Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate vitamin and mineral supplementation is a must.

Drugs: Some drugs used are:

  1. Anti-inflammatory drugs
  2. Steroids
  3. ACE inhibitors
  4. Immunomodulatory therapy
  5. Stem cell transplants

Alternative therapies such as massages with herbal oils, acupuncture, and cold therapy are widely used to control inflammation. In addition, alcohol and smoking and exposure to environmental pollution need to be controlled.

2001 people found this helpful