1. An Attack on Your Immune System
Your immune system protects your body from developing diseases and infections. But when you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system mistakenly attacks itself. There are more than eighty different types of autoimmune diseases that can affect various parts of your body such as your muscles, nerves, digestive system and endocrine system. Some of the more common autoimmune diseases that you may recognize are lupus, multiple sclerosis, Rheumatoid arthritis and an underactive or overactive thyroid.
2. It's in Your Genes
If you have a family history of autoimmune disorders, you run a higher risk of developing one of these illnesses. Autoimmune diseases usually affect women, especially Hispanic, African American and Native American women who are of childbearing age. Keep in mind that although having a family history of autoimmune disease and being a woman are risk factors, neither one guarantees that you'll definitely get an autoimmune disease.
3. The Highs and Lows
Since there are so many different autoimmune diseases, the symptoms vary from disease to disease. Some of the diseases share symptoms, making it tricky to identify which disorder you actually have. If you have an autoimmune disease, it may start out by making you feel achy, feverish and fatigued. As time passes, your symptoms may flare up and become more severe followed by periods of remission in which you don't notice any symptoms. If you have lupus, for example, you may experience pain and swelling in your joints, rashes and problems with your skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, blood vessels and brain. If you have an underactive thyroid, you may gain weight, feel constipated, be sensitive to the cold, have dry hair and skin and you may feel tired and depressed. With an overactive thyroid, you may experience weight loss, light periods, shaky hands, heat sensitivity, insomnia and irritability.
4. Fight Off Those Symptoms
Your doctor or specialist may prescribe different medications for you depending on the type of autoimmune disease you're suffering from. Make sure to explain to your doctor the range of symptoms you're experiencing so the two of you can work together to come up with an effective treatment plan that will hopefully alleviate your symptoms, minimize internal damage and help your organs to function properly.
5. Take Action at Home
If you're suffering from an autoimmune disease, you need to take good care of yourself. Make sure to get enough sleep each night and rest periodically throughout the day. Maintain a healthy diet packed full of whole grains, fruits and vegetables instead of fatty, processed foods. Stay active by exercising, but make sure to talk to your doctor first about how much and what types of exercise you should do. De-stress and forget about your pain by doing things you enjoy, like watching a movie or reading a good book.
