Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

Have you ever heard of autoimmune diseases? In simple terms, autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body. The immune system incorrectly identifies healthy cells as foreign substances, thus performing its 'natural job' of fighting off perceived threats.

Healthy cells, which ideally pose no threat, get damaged, impacting the health of tissues in the body. The most visible effect is inflammation and other serious conditions that must be addressed.

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Autoimmune Diseases Are More Likely to Affect Women of Reproductive Age

According to the official website of Hermina Hospital, about 75% of autoimmune disease sufferers are women of reproductive age. This means that if you fall into this category, you have a higher risk of developing this condition.

Additionally, several other risk factors should be known, allowing you to take strategic steps to reduce your risk of contracting the disease. These risk factors include:

• Genetic or hereditary factors
• Hormonal changes
• A family history of autoimmune diseases
• Bacterial or viral infections
• Long-term exposure to unnoticed chemicals, such as asbestos, mercury, pesticides, or dioxins
• Smoking habits
• Overweight or obesity

10 Types of Autoimmune Diseases to Watch Out For

Autoimmune diseases come in various forms. At least 10 types of autoimmune diseases must be monitored, listed below with brief explanations:

• Diabetes: Attacks insulin cells, preventing the body from meeting insulin needs, leading to high blood sugar levels and health problems.
• Psoriasis: Characterized by the accumulation of skin cells due to rapid skin cell growth, leading to thickened skin.
• Multiple Sclerosis: Attacks the protective covering around nerves, disrupting brain function and potentially affecting spinal cord nerves.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Marked by red facial rashes resembling butterfly wings.
• Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP): Causes blood vessel tissue to rupture.
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Attacks nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord and all muscle nerves, potentially leading to paralysis.
• Hemolytic Anemia: Destroys red blood cells in the body.
• Antibody Syndrome (APS): Attacks the inner lining of blood vessels, causing blood clots in veins and arteries.
• Celiac Disease: Prevents the body from processing gluten found in wheat.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: Causes the immune system to attack liver cells, leading to liver hardening and failure.

There are other types of autoimmune diseases that you should also be aware of. Consult your trusted doctor to learn more about potential risks and specific diseases that may threaten you.

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5 Common Signs of Autoimmune Diseases Often Overlooked

Generally, recognizing the signs or symptoms of autoimmune diseases can be challenging. However, five common indicators can suggest someone is suffering from one of these diseases:

1. Hair Loss

Hair becomes brittle and easily falls out, often due to conditions like Graves' disease and alopecia areata. Other symptoms include insomnia, irritability, weight loss, and trembling hands. If untreated, it can lead to baldness.

2. Stomach Pain

Persistent stomach pain can indicate Crohn's disease or celiac disease. The pain and discomfort worsen over time due to increasing damage.

3. Chronic Fatigue

Feeling exhausted even after sufficient sleep may indicate immune dysfunction. Fatigue can signal anemia or other chronic diseases. Although not always an indicator of autoimmune diseases, it is a common symptom of immune deficiencies.

4. Body Aches

Prolonged muscle and joint pain can indicate conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, especially if it occurs without heavy physical activity.

5. Unexplained Rashes

Red, itchy rashes, or scaly patches can be signs of autoimmune diseases. Acne or eczema in some cases can also indicate an overactive immune system.

Specific symptoms should be consulted with a doctor, especially if they interfere with daily activities. Do not hesitate to seek medical advice to understand your health condition accurately.

What Treatment Procedures Can Be Followed?

According to Pyfa Health, there is no complete cure for autoimmune diseases, but some medications can help control the immune response, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. These include anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, pain relievers, insulin injections, and others.

Additionally, simple actions or surgeries can help relieve pain and discomfort. Following the treatment procedures recommended by doctors, switching to a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise, physical therapy, and surgeries for severe cases like Crohn's disease can be beneficial.

Doctor's recommendations are the best first step, ensuring that subsequent actions are aligned with the correct procedures.

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The best way to deal with autoimmune diseases is through prevention. By taking simple preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of contracting these diseases, avoiding continuous treatment and procedures.

Some simple preventive steps include consistent exercise, quitting smoking, avoiding toxic substances, consuming a healthy diet, and limiting unhealthy processed foods. Additionally, reliable mitigation steps like health insurance from AXA Insurance Indonesia are recommended. The SmartMedicare International Insurance provides comfort and solid protection, offering extensive coverage. With an annual limit of up to US$2.9 million, you can travel abroad without worrying about health risks. Prevent autoimmune diseases and ensure you have reliable insurance from PT AXA Insurance Indonesia for you and your family!

Reference:

• https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/jenis-penyakit-autoimun-dan-beberapa-gejalanya#mcetoc_1har0794sa7
• https://www.herminahospitals.com/id/articles/gejala-penyakit-autoimun.html
• https://www.ekahospital.com/articles/disease/mengenal-penyebab-autoimun-dan-gejala-yang-muncul
• https://fk.ui.ac.id/infosehat/bisakah-penyakit-autoimun-sembuh-ini-penjelasan-dari-dokter/
• https://www.alodokter.com/penyakit-autoimun
• https://www.halodoc.com/kesehatan/penyakit-autoimun
• https://health.kompas.com/read/23J29060100968/5-gejala-awal-autoimun-yang-kerap-tidak-disadari?page=all
• https://puskesmaskutaselatan.badungkab.go.id/artikel/44396-tanda-tanda-penyakit-autoimun-pada-anak-yang-harus-diperhatikan
• https://ciputrahospital.com/bagaimana-cara-mengatasi-penyakit-autoimun/
• https://pyfahealth.com/blog/cara-mengobati-penyakit-autoimun/