In autoimmune disease, the body produces autoantibodies, that accidentally attack normal cells. Immune cells (regulatory T cells) fail to regulate the immune system. As a result, the system unintentionally attacks the body’s cells.
Autoimmune doctor at Family Medicine Austin assists you in regaining control of your life using cutting-edge testing and a holistic approach.
The autoimmune disease develops when the natural defensive mechanism cannot distinguish between its own cells and the cells from other organisms. The immune system preferentially targets healthy cells over malignant ones. Over 80 types of autoimmune illnesses can manifest in various ways and areas of the body.
Common autoimmune diseases include the following:
The precise cause of the autoimmune disease is currently unknown. However, certain risk factors are associated with the disease. These risk factors that increase the chance of developing the autoimmune disease include the following:
Genetics: Some diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) and lupus tend to run in families and are genetically more prevalent. A family history of the autoimmune disease raises the chance of developing it.
Obesity: If you are overweight or obese, your risk of developing rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis increases. It could be because a higher body mass index places additional stress on the joints or because fatty tissue produces inflammatory chemicals.
Smoking: It is associated with autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and multiple sclerosis.
Drugs: Certain blood pressure medications and antibiotics might trigger drug-induced lupus. It is typically a less severe form of lupus. Some antidepressants may also trigger drug-induced lupus. Certain cholesterol-lowering medicines known as statins may create a condition known as statin-induced myopathy. Myopathy is an uncommon autoimmune disorder characterized by muscle weakness.
Some individuals with the autoimmune disease experience severe symptoms, while others experience relatively minor ones.
Although there are several types of autoimmune disorders, many of them share similar symptoms. Here are some frequent indications of autoimmune disease:
Antinuclear antibody testing (ANA test) is frequently performed by autoimmune disease specialists when symptoms indicate an autoimmune disease. By examining the antibodies produced by the immune system, our autoimmune specialists diagnose an autoimmune disease. Other tests can detect autoantibodies created by the body due to certain autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the autoimmune specialist may utilize less-specific testing to look for the inflammation these diseases cause in the body. CBC is a blood test that examines the number of white blood cells and red blood cells in the body. This test also assists physicians in evaluating the health state of a patient with an autoimmune disease.
There is no permanent cure for autoimmune disease. Typical therapies try to lessen the disease’s signs and symptoms while halting the autoimmune processes that produce the disorder.
Immunosuppressive medicines, such as corticosteroids, are frequently prescribed by Family Medicine Austin’s autoimmune specialists to mitigate the damage caused by a malfunctioning immune system.
Pain-relieving medication can also alleviate bone, joint, and muscular pain. Doctors prescribe these medicines to manage the symptoms of the disease.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are also effective in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory illness treated with anti-inflammatory medicines that target the proteins responsible for joint inflammation.
If you have an autoimmune disorder that causes you to lose vital cell components such as thyroid hormone, insulin, or vitamin B12, the physicians at Family Medicine Austin recommend that you take supplements to replace these components.
Autoimmune disease doctors at Family Medicine Austin provide state-of-the-art autoimmune diagnostics, including screening for distinct autoimmune markers. Using our test for autoimmunity, you can diagnose the disease early and administer the appropriate medicine to manage it. The tests provide a complete picture of your autoimmune disease. Our autoimmune specialists have extensive expertise and will conduct your autoimmune disease test with care.
Book your consultation with Family Medicine Austin to acquire the knowledge needed to make educated decisions concerning your health and well-being. Contact now for autoimmune and preventive wellness.
