Autoimmune diseases are medical conditions where the body's immune system attacks itself. In normal conditions, the immune system should be able to identify its own cells and attack only foreign cells and agents. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system labels body cells and organs such as nerves and joints as foreign and attacks them to cause damage.
Although the causes of most autoimmune diseases are not properly understood, it is clear that they are not infectious diseases and can’t spread from one person to another. Certain factors expose individuals to autoimmune diseases such as genetics, toxins, and medications
Women also have a higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases and are at the center of most autoimmune treatments. At least 78% of persons affected by autoimmune diseases are women. The higher prevalence and incidence in women is associated with an increased exposure to endocrine fluctuations during puberty, menopause, and even pregnancy.
Several therapies are available that aid to relieve the symptoms of autoimmune diseases and improve the health of affected persons.
Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases
When immune cells attack body organs in autoimmune diseases, it results in a variety of symptoms that are seen in persons affected. Depending on the type of autoimmune disease, symptoms can be seen all over the body or limited to only one organ.
Pain and inflammation are the most common symptoms seen in most autoimmune diseases.
Other symptoms include:
● Muscle aches.
● Fever – Usually low-grade.
● General fatigue
● Belly pain and diarrhea – in inflammatory bowel disease
● Severe thirst – in type 1 diabetes
● Numbness and difficulty moving – in multiple sclerosis
In certain autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms usually appear and disappear regularly. When symptoms are present, they cause a surge in pain, inflammation, and other symptoms, and is known as a flare-up. Flare-ups are usually followed by a period of remission when there is symptom relief.
Autoimmune Diseases Examples
The body’s immune system can either attack only one organ or attack several body organs/systems. Examples of autoimmune diseases that target only one specific organ include diabetes type 1 and vitiligo, while examples of autoimmune diseases that can attack several body organs and systems include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
● Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), popularly known as just Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects women more than men. Lupus affects multiple tissues and organs, including joints, skin, heart, brain, and kidneys. Lupus causes a unique butterfly fly rash that is seen on the face. This disease also causes joint pain, fever, and
organ damage in affected persons.
● Rheumatoid Arthritis: When the immune system attacks joints, it can result in joint soreness, redness, and immobility. Unlike other bone and joint disorders that affect older people, rheumatoid arthritis can affect people in their 20s and 30s.
● Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that affects only the pancreas. Immune cells attack pancreatic cells resulting in a drop in insulin production.
Type 1 diabetes commonly affects children, and can result in high blood sugar which damages body organs such as the kidneys, blood vessels, and eyes.
● Multiple Sclerosis: The immune system can also attack nerves to cause multiple sclerosis. When this occurs, it results in a deterioration of nerve function and eventually
death. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis include muscle weakness, numbness, and walking difficulties.
● Inflammatory Bowel Disease: When immune cells attack the digestive system, it can result in inflammatory bowel diseases. Crohn's disease is a common inflammatory bowel disease that can cause diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and poor appetite.
Screening for Autoimmune Diseases
Unlike most diseases, autoimmune diseases are not easily diagnosed by basic tests. Primary screening involves history taking and physical examination to check for symptoms commonly seen in autoimmune diseases.
Following the primary screening, to diagnose autoimmune diseases, levels of antibodies are measured in the blood. Antibody screening tests available include:
● Antinuclear antibody test (ANA) – This test checks for the presence of antibodies that can attack the cell nucleus. ANA is usually one of the first done to check for autoimmune diseases.
● Anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) – This test can be used to check for lupus in persons with symptoms. A positive test can indicate lupus.
● Rheumatoid Factor (RF) – Rheumatoid factor (RF) is used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. RF has been shown to have a sensitivity of 70%, and specificity of 70% (Castro and Gourley, 2010).
● Anti- cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) – This test is also used to check for rheumatoid arthritis in persons with symptoms.
● Anti-RNP – This test is similar to the Anti-CCP test but can be used to check for a variety of systemic rheumatic diseases.
● Hair tissue mineral analysis – Mineral imbalances can occur with stress and exposure to chemicals. The mineral content of the hair reacts sharply to mineral imbalances and can be used to detect these imbalances. The hair tissue mineral analysis can screen for minerals and toxic heavy metals accumulation in a hair sample.
● Dried blood layer blood encryption – This screening can be done simply by pricking the tip of any finger. The blood from this prick can then be viewed under a microscope to check for inflammation, toxicity, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Screening for Autoimmune Diseases
Unlike most diseases, autoimmune diseases are not easily diagnosed by basic tests. Primary screening involves history taking and physical examination to check for symptoms commonly seen in autoimmune diseases.
Following the primary screening, to diagnose autoimmune diseases, levels of antibodies are measured in the blood. Antibody screening tests available include:
● Detox drips with colon hydrotherapy
● Intravenous (IV) vitamin and mineral drips
● Glutathione drips
● Chelation therapy – used for heavy metal detox.
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Conclusion
The number of people affected by autoimmune diseases has risen over the past few decades. Autoimmune diseases cause the immune system to attack its body cells and tissues. The screening of autoimmune diseases involves the detection of specific antibodies in the blood.
We are surrounded by more environmental toxins than in the past and this contributes to the higher occurrence of autoimmune diseases. At Oxyzhealth, we provide full detox programs, including our top-end product, the Immune BREATH+ effective in autoimmune treatment.
