Home » Autoimmune Disease – Diagnosis and Treatment
Issues

Autoimmune Disease – Diagnosis and Treatment

Autoimmune Disease
Medicines can treat individual symptoms shown by the disease, but medical professionals recommend a complete lifestyle change.

The immune system is extremely important in the body’s functions. It protects us from harmful factors in the outside world, as well as those we may not be aware of. But what happens if the immune system turns against itself? What if the body begins to recognize healthy cells as foreign? This may result in autoimmune disease.

The overactive immune system may, in the absence of external enemies turn against its tissue and interfere with normal organ functionalities. The actual reasons for the occurrence of autoimmune diseases are not known, but it’s possible they are caused by medical or environmental factors. There are some conditions that affect the body’s system commonly known as autoimmune conditions. If the body contracts an autoimmune disease, nearly every organ is affected. For example, the auto-immune disease diabetes affects the hormonal system, nervous system, digestive system; which in turn can cause multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and burnt skins.

Hashimoto and Graves disease are  common autoimmune diseases which affect the thyroid gland. 

Diagnoses of Autoimmune disease

Autoimmune disease is diagnosed through the blood, which indicates the presence of specific antibodies. In the case of thyroid disease, the two antibodies we look for are the antibodies against thyroglobulin (Anti-Tg) and antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO).

The concentration of antibodies in the blood varies according to how many active autoimmune diseases are present, and this should be monitored at least once a year. To treat the infected immune system, it is necessary to reduce the concentration of antibodies in the blood significantly.

Treatment

A lot of people are not pleased with the fact that autoimmune thyroid disease has no specific cure. Medicines can treat individual symptoms of the disease, but medical professionals recommend a complete lifestyle change. Autoimmune diseases can be seen as an ultimate distress in the body. To reduce autoimmune reactions, a change in dietary supplements may be necessary as well as the introduction of moderate activity, removing unnecessary environmental stress, and allowing the body to rest regularly and sufficiently.

 

Like what you read?

Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.

Thank you for subscribing on Thyroid Central.

Something went wrong.

What do you think?

About the author

Thyroid Central

Thyroid Central is a free resource with a wealth of information and breaking news about thyroid health and other health and lifestyle issues.