
An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system attacks your body’s healthy cells.
An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system attacks your body’s healthy cells. Normally, the immune system can tell the difference between bacteria and viruses and healthy cells. Instead, with autoimmune disease, your immune system misfires and attacks a single area like your joints, eyes or skin, or it can affect your whole body.
More than 80 types of autoimmune conditions exist. Common conditions include multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and systematic lupus. They can share similar symptoms including fatigue, joint pain and swelling, skin problems and recurring fever. Symptoms may be severe for some and mild for others.
Autoimmune conditions are complex to diagnose
Other diseases may have the same symptoms. Patients begin exploring symptoms with their internal medicine or family practice doctor before receiving a referral to a neurologist.
Science and medical knowledge of autoimmune conditions has advanced significantly in the past 10 years. “We have new ways to diagnose, and treatments and options to stop or reduce progression,” said Dr. Paula Aston, neurologist at Marshfield Clinic Health System.
Quality of life concerns
“When people receive a diagnosis with MS, they think wheel chair and nursing home,” Aston said. “That should never happen in this day and age, as long as it is treated early and aggressive.”
Less than a decade ago, there were four to five FDA-approved drug options to treat autoimmune conditions. Now there are nearly 20 medications on the market. Aston encourages patients to understand that a diagnosis doesn’t have to be unnecessarily distressing.
“Treatment options have exploded,” Aston said. “We use immune therapy, disease modifying therapy, diet and lifestyle modifications and physical therapy to help each patient maintain their quality of life.”
I tested positive for Myasthenia Gravis 8 years ago when first experiencing double vision. I have had no other symptoms since. Can this disease lie dormant and activate later?
Hello Darlene,
If you'd like to read more about Mysathenia Gravis, you may find this information helpful: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2211463/
It references an inactive stage that may last 10 years. However, we recommend talking directly with your doctor regarding your questions. Due to their knowledge of your medical history and past conditions, they can best advise you.
Thank you,
Jake
If a person thinks they may have auto immune condition should they be seen by a neurologist or rheumatologist?. Thank you
Hi Kate,
Thank you for reading Shine365 and reaching out.
If a person feels they may have an auto immune condition, we recommend that they talk to their internal medicine or family practice doctor first. From there, your doctor can help refer you to a neurologist or rheumatologist.
Thank you and I hope that helps,
Jake