An autoimmune disease is one of the genetic diseases that may pass along bloodlines, although it is possible to contract it yourself from an environmental trigger. Seventy-nine percent of autoimmune diseases occur in women between the ages of 12 and 40, affecting African Americans, American Indians and Latinas, as well as Caucasians. Knowing what runs in your family is very important for early detection, so find out if any of your close relatives have had an underactive or overactive thyroid, lupus, multiple sclerosis, hepatitis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis, which is one of the common autoimmune diseases, affects women in 75% of the approximately 2 million cases; within a few years, it leaves 30-40% of untreated sufferers disabled. Patients suffer stiffness of joints, immobility, chronic fatigue and inflammation. Lupus is another of the autoimmune diseases that causes swelling, weakness, muscle or joint pain and insomnia. A butterfly rash and light sensitivity also typically occur as telltale signs of lupus. The danger untreated lupus presents is serious damage to internal organs and kidney failure, as well as seizures, depression, blood clots, depression, psychosis, strokes or migraines. Other autoimmune diseases include multiple sclerosis (although some debate the classification), type 1 diabetes, hepatitis, Addison’s disease, Wegener’s disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Grave’s syndrome and over/underactive thyroids, so you’ll want to check your family history for those genetic diseases as well.
Millions of Americans are living with autoimmune diseases as we speak. Although the pain may feel unbearable some days, there are certain lifestyle modifications that can ease the symptoms, allowing you to accomplish your short and long term goals. To keep your immune system as fueled up as possible, be sure to eat a healthy diet packed with vitamins and spread out across all of the food groups. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy should be added, while fatty foods should generally be avoided. To keep your immune system working to maximum efficiency, you should always get a good night of rest. Often, people with an autoimmune disease and chronic fatigue take medication or try hypno-therapy tapes to ensure a good night’s rest. Reducing stress is another important factor for pain management. Sometimes a yoga class, a visit to the spa, reading or another hobby can lessen the anxiety, pain and depression you may suffer.
If you have an autoimmune disease, then you may opt to take pain relieving medication. Some patients take over-the-counter drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce swelling. More severe symptoms can be treated with prescription drugs. Other patients may choose one particular symptom to treat with medication, such as insomnia, depression, anxiety or rashes. Usually, it is a system of trial-and-error to see what your body responds to, so don’t feel discouraged if the first attempt doesn’t yield immediate results.
