The five most common autoimmune disorders
Catching autoimmune diseases early is the best way to slow their progression. Unfortunately, many people suffer with their symptoms for years and don’t get help soon enough. Here are five of the most common autoimmune disorders and how to recognise them.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
This is often confused with osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative condition that leads to wear and tear on joints. Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain in the hands, fingers, elbows, knees and hips due to inflammation. As well as joint pain, other symptoms include fatigue, fever, weight loss and loss of appetite. The symptoms can come on quickly and worsen over just a few weeks, rather than developing over time. Treatment includes antiinflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling, and prescription drugs that stop immune system attacks. Lifestyle changes such as managing weight can help.
LUPUS
This disease mostly affects women and has such a wide range of symptoms, it can be hard to diagnose. These include extreme tiredness, painful or swollen joints, headaches, fever, anaemia, swollen feet, hands, legs and the area around the eyes. Chest pain with deep breathing, hair loss, sensitivity to the sun and fingers that turn white or blue when you’re cold can also be indications. Lupus can damage the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs and other parts of the body. Treatment of lupus includes corticosteroids and other medication to help ease inflammation and reduce the chances of damage to organs. HASHIMOTO’S THYROIDITIS In this condition, the immune system attacks the thyroid – the gland in your neck – and usually leads to a deficiency of thyroid hormones, resulting in a condition called hypothyroidism. The first symptom is often swelling at the front of the throat. Other signs you have Hashimoto’s include fatigue, weight gain, muscle or joint pain, cold hands and feet, hormone imbalances, hair loss, dry and pale skin, constipation, depression and memory lapses. Taking a synthetic thyroid replacement hormone can help with Hashimoto’s.
PSORIASIS
This chronic skin condition makes skin cells grow too quickly. The most common type causes raised red patches covered in a silvery-white build-up of dead skin cells. These are mostly found on the scalp, lower back, knees and elbows, and are often itchy and painful. Mild psoriasis can be treated using special moisturisers and shampoos. Severe cases usually require a combination of topical treatments, light therapy and medications.
SCLERODERMA
The immune system goes haywire and causes excessive growth of collagen, leading to the skin thickening. In some cases, the skin can become so hardened, it is difficult to move. Hardened tissue can build up on the kidneys, lungs, heart and gastro-intestinal tract. Medication can help – for example, blood pressure medications may help prevent lung and kidney problems – as well as ease pain. Physical or occupational therapy can also help to manage pain.