The immune system helps defend our body against illnesses and infections. However, when a person has an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body, destroying healthy cells and tissues.
There are several autoimmune disorders and diseases. Here are a few of the main areas of the body that they affect:
- Type 1 diabetes affects the pancreas, which leads to reduced insulin production
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the nervous system
- Rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects the joints
- Lupus affects many organs and systems
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis affects the thyroid
- Autoimmune hepatitis affects the liver
- Celiac disease affects the small intestine as a reaction to eating gluten
- Myositis affects the muscles
- Sjogren’s syndrome affects the glands that produce tears and saliva
- Vasculitis affects the blood vessels
- Myasthenia gravis affects the nerves and muscles
An autoimmune disease can target any part of the body, and if a vital organ is attacked, the disease can be life-threatening.
Autoimmune disorders are significantly more common in women than in men. According to a recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 67 percent of autoimmune diagnoses are in women, and 18 out of the 20 most common autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus, are more prevalent in women than men. What’s more, as many as 70 to 80 percent of people with autoimmune diseases are female, with the percentages for some specific conditions being higher, for example, 95 percent of those with Sjogren’s syndrome are women.
Genetics plays a large role in the risk of developing autoimmune diseases in both men and women. Environmental factors, such as exposure to ultraviolet rays, pesticides, and organic mercury, can also contribute to men and women developing an autoimmune disease. However, other major factors increase women’s proneness for these diseases, including:
- High Estrogen Levels- Estrogen boosts the function of T and B immune system cells, which can be an advantage in fighting infections. However, it can be problematic for people with other factors that make them more likely to have autoimmune diseases. Estrogen levels are highest during pregnancy, and some autoimmune diseases are more common in women during their childbearing years in general, particularly during pregnancy
- DNA- Chromosomes contain our DNA and genetic information. Males have one X chromosome and a much smaller Y chromosome, while females have two copies of the X chromosome. One of the two X chromosomes in females is usually dormant, which leads to males and females expressing one X chromosome gene. However, the intricate system that causes this to occur has many protein components that tend to become targets of the immune system, which can lead to autoimmune disease. In some rare instances, some males and females can have more copies of the X chromosome than normal, which makes them more likely to have certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and/or Sjogren’s syndrome
- Immune Response- Women can generate a stronger immune response to infection than men. This gives them a better chance to fight infection, but produces an autoimmune disease in a person who is genetically predisposed to developing one
- Hormones- When females are going through puberty or are pregnant, they experience hormone surges, which may cause the immune system to overreact and increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases, such as lupus. Their risk of developing an autoimmune disease or experiencing a worsening of symptoms decreases after menopause
- Birth Control- Some women with severe autoimmune disease, such as lupus, may need to avoid hormonal birth control that contains estrogen due to the increased risk of estrogen exposure. However, most women can use some form of birth control safely if they consult with their rheumatologist and Ob/Gyn
It is important to see your healthcare provider if you have any lasting symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, joint pain, weight loss, or rashes that could be related to morning stiffness, as these symptoms should be taken seriously.
Treatment for autoimmune diseases is specialized for the individual and the amount of organ involvement. If a person has mild symptoms without major organ participation, the use of medications that regulate immune response without immunosuppression, along with treating symptoms, may be adequate. However, if major organs are affected, immunosuppressive and biologic medications that target certain parts of the immune system are used.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of an autoimmune disease, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.