Autoimmune diseases
What is an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune disorder is a condition in which your immune system attacks your body. The immune system is meant to guard against viruses and bacteria. When the immune system finds these foreign invaders, it sends out fighter cells to attack them.
Usually, your immune system can differentiate between foreign cells and your own cells. However, with an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakes part of your body, like your joints or skin, as foreign. It then releases proteins called antibodies that attack healthy cells.
Common symptoms of autoimmune diseases
Despite the varying types of autoimmune disease, many of them share similar symptoms. Common symptoms of autoimmune disease include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain and swelling
- Skin problems
- Abdominal pain or digestive issues
- Recurring fever
- Swollen glands
Types of autoimmune diseases
Dr Abrahams specialises in treating the following conditions:
Lupus
Lupus is a chronic disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own organs and tissues. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body parts — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs. The signs and symptoms of lupus include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and a butterfly rash on the face. However, the signs and symptoms vary widely from person to person.
Systemic Sclerosis
Like lupus, Systemic Sclerosis is a condition where the immune system attacks the body. The condition is characterised by changes in the appearance and texture of the skin. You may notice your skin thickening, and shiny areas developing around your mouth, nose, fingers, and other bony areas. As the condition progresses, you may begin to have limited movement of the affected areas.
Inflammatory Myopathies
Inflammatory myopathies are a group of disorders that cause chronic muscle inflammation and muscle weakness. General symptoms of inflammatory myopathies include progressive muscle weakness that starts in the proximal muscles (muscles closest to the trunk of the body). Other common symptoms include fatigue after walking or standing, tripping or falling, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Systemic Vasculitis
Systemic Vasculitis is a general term for several conditions that cause inflammation in your blood vessels. The condition can make the blood vessels weak, stretched, bigger, or narrower, or they might close entirely. Systemic Vasculitis can have general symptoms like fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. It can also cause specific problems, depending on the body part that’s involved. If it affects your skin, you might get a rash. If your nerves aren’t getting enough blood, you could have numbness and weakness.
Treatment for autoimmune diseases
Unfortunately, there is no cure for autoimmune conditions. Although treatments can’t cure autoimmune diseases, they can control the overactive immune system, and reduce pain and inflammation.
Dr Abrahams may prescribe certain medications to treat your conditions, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or immune-suppressing drugs. Dr Abrahams may also recommend specific treatments to relieve symptoms like fatigue, pain, swelling, and skin rashes. Eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise may also help you feel better.
