Autoimmune Diseases
Our autoimmune diseases specialists are here for you. Our team of internists near you are dedicated to supporting your success and ensuring that you regain your health and overall wellness.
What Are Autoimmune Diseases?
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, perceiving them as foreign. This abnormal response can cause inflammation and damage to various organs and systems. Common autoimmune conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, which primarily affects joints; lupus, which can target the skin, kidneys, heart, and other organs; Sjögren’s syndrome, characterized by dry eyes and mouth due to glandular involvement; and vasculitis, involving inflammation of blood vessels. These diseases often involve multiple systems, requiring coordinated care from specialists such as rheumatologists, nephrologists, and others to manage complications effectively. Early diagnosis and monitoring are crucial for maintaining quality of life and minimizing long-term damage.
What Are the Causes of Autoimmune Diseases?
Autoimmune diseases are caused by a combination of risk factors, including:
Genetics. Certain genes may make some people more likely to develop an autoimmune disease. For example, having a family member with lupus or multiple sclerosis (MS) increases your risk of getting these diseases.
Environmental factors. Exposure to certain toxins, drugs, or chemicals may trigger an autoimmune disease. For example, hydrazines, a chemical found in tobacco, has been linked to drug-induced lupus.
Hormonal factors. Certain female hormones may play a role in when autoimmune diseases flare up. For example, estrogen levels fluctuate during pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, which may affect the risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
Weight. Being overweight or obese may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis.
Medications. Certain medications, such as blood pressure medications, antibiotics, and statins, can trigger autoimmune diseases.
Infections. Some autoimmune disorders may be triggered or worsened by particular infections.
What Are the Treatments and Therapies for Autoimmune Diseases?
Treatment focuses on immunosuppressive medications, corticosteroids, and biologic agents. Symptom-specific therapies like artificial tears for Sjögren’s or physical therapy for arthritis help improve quality of life. Regular monitoring prevents complications like organ damage. Dietary counseling can be integral to managing symptoms and avoiding flare-ups for many gut-related autoimmune diseases.
How Can Well by Messer Help You with Autoimmune Diseases?
Well by Messer can help diagnose autoimmune disease with blood tests: ANA, antidsDNA, antiRo/La, and complement levels and Imaging for organ involvement (e.g., chest X-rays, echocardiograms). Well by Messer works with closely with board certified rheumatologists throughout the tristate area.
At Well by Messer, our physicians, dietitians and personal training partners work together to treat patients with autoimmune diseases. Although medications can be effective, many of the symptoms can also be treated with lifestyle modification and so we encourage our patients to work closely with our dietitians and personal training partners.
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