Autoimmune disorders are attacks on the body by its own immune system. Normally, the immune system helps people stay healthy by fighting germs like bacteria and viruses.
The immune system is programmed to send out a fighting battalion of cells (antibodies) to attack foreign cells that invade the body. Under normal circumstances, the immune system recognizes the difference between foreign invaders and the body’s own cells, but with an autoimmune disorder, the immune system is confused. It may attack one part of the body, like the joints, or a single organ like the pancreas. Or it may launch a general war on many parts of the body.
It is unclear what causes this mistaken response. Theories include genetics, diet, infections, and exposure to chemicals in the environment. Additionally, women are more likely to be affected by autoimmune diseases than men, with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
For adults suffering with symptoms of an autoimmune disorder, Belmar Pharmacy offers autoimmune disease medication, including low dose naltrexone (LDN), which may help alleviate symptoms and minimize flare-ups.
Related Topics in Autoimmune Disorders
About Autoimmune Disorders
Types
There are more than 100 types of autoimmune diseases, and many of them occur concurrently. They can affect almost any organ or system in the body. Some of the most common ones, with the organs they target, include:
- Type 1 diabetes (pancreas)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (joints)
- Psoriasis (skin)
- Multiple sclerosis (protective coating on nerve cells)
- Lupus (many organs, including skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and heart)
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease (gastrointestinal tract)
- Addison’s (adrenal glands)
- Grave’s disease (thyroid)
- Hashimoto’s (thyroid)
The key aspect of an autoimmune disorder is that symptoms come and go. Typically, something triggers a flare-up, and symptoms appear or become more severe. When the autoimmune disease is in remission, symptoms fade. Because symptoms often mimic other illnesses or health conditions, certain types of autoimmune disorders can be challenging to identify and diagnose.
Symptoms
Many autoimmune disorders have similar symptoms. Often, the first signs are fatigue, muscle aches, and a low fever. Inflammation is often involved, which can cause redness, pain, and swelling. When these signs are present and unexplained by other conditions, an autoimmune disorder could be the cause.
In some cases, an autoimmune disease skin rash or lesions may be present, or occasional sun sensitivity. Other signs of an autoimmune disorder include:
- Swollen glands
- Unexplained weight loss/weight gain
- Hair loss
- Dry skin, eyes, and mouth
- Brain fog or memory loss
- Joint pain
Because autoimmune disease symptoms often mimic those of acute conditions (like the flu), it’s important for a healthcare professional to determine the underlying causes of symptoms and rule out other illnesses. Autoimmune disease medications may target the symptoms and the underlying causes to promote relief from chronic problems.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases can be complex, but with a physical exam, discussion of health history, and testing, healthcare providers can rule out other concerns and pinpoint the underlying causes of a particular autoimmune skin condition, thyroid disease, or even liver disease, among others. Blood tests are often helpful to identify markers left behind by internal damage from autoimmune diseases. X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds may be necessary for diagnosis, depending on symptoms.
For example, Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune thyroid disease (hypothyroidism), may be present if the symptoms include fatigue and depression, weight gain or trouble losing weight, sensitivity to cold temperatures, and a goiter (swollen thyroid gland) at the base of the neck. Other individuals with hypothyroidism may notice changes to skin and hair, brittle nails, joint pain, and constipation, as well.
Therapies
Because autoimmune diseases often affect multiple systems of the body, finding treatments for autoimmune disorders can be difficult. Some autoimmune disorder medications address the symptoms of a specific disease. For example, Type 1 diabetes is typically treated with insulin, to replace what the pancreas can no longer produce. Psoriasis is often treated with a variety of medications that affect the growth and inflammation of skin cells. However, since all these disorders involve a hyperactive immune system, medications that reduce the body’s overactive immune response can be an important part of a multifaceted treatment plan.
Many autoimmune disorders and chronic conditions respond well to low dose naltrexone (LDN), including chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune thyroid, and adrenal diseases, Crohn’s disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Low dose naltrexone works by increasing the amount of endorphins your body releases. Endorphins can modulate the immune system. LDN also reduces inflammation, a common autoimmune symptom. Benefits may include less pain, better sleep, reduced anxiety, more mobility, less brain fog, and fewer headaches.
Commonly Asked Questions About Autoimmune Disorders
No. Fibromyalgia is not classified as an autoimmune disease, but it’s possible that a dysfunctional immune system is a contributing factor. Fibromyalgia can sometimes seem like an autoimmune disease, as it’s a chronic painful condition that can affect many parts of the body accompanied by fatigue.
The cause of fibromyalgia is complicated, but it’s thought that nerves are affected in a way that signals pain to the brain, even if there’s no specific or obvious cause of that pain. Certain illnesses and health conditions, including nutrient deficiencies and hormone imbalances, seem to trigger fibromyalgia. Stress or a traumatic life event may also cause flare-ups.
Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. Immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia.
If the immune system errantly targets the hair follicles, it’s called alopecia areata. With this disorder, both women and men often experience sudden patches of hair loss. If untreated, this can lead to total scalp or body hair loss (alopecia universalis).
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (underactive thyroid disease or hypothyroidism) may also cause thinning hair and much slower hair growth, especially in women with whom this is a common autoimmune condition. Lupus may also cause thinning or hair loss in women. Additionally, any type of hormonal imbalance (like hypothyroidism) women experience during perimenopause and menopause can lead to thinning hair or hair loss.
While most autoimmune diseases affect women more than men, men can experience these disorders as well. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is common among men, as is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), type 1 diabetes, and Addison’s disease, which affects the adrenal glands and impacts hormone production.
Like women, men often have overlapping autoimmune disorders and symptoms.
Possible medications that may help with autoimmune disorders include low dose naltrexone (LDN). LDN is used for a variety of conditions and has shown potential benefits in several autoimmune or immune-related conditions, including:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Adrenal autoimmune diseases
- Crohn’s disease
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
LDN is thought to work by briefly blocking opioid receptors, which may lead the body to upregulate endorphin production once the blockade wears off. Increased endorphins can help modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, both of which are relevant in many autoimmune conditions.
Many women and men using low dose naltrexone for their autoimmune disease report reduced inflammation and pain, improved sleep and mood, better mobility, improved concentration, and fewer headaches. Unlike some other autoimmune therapies, LDN is generally well tolerated and may have fewer or milder side effects. It’s important to discuss all medications and therapies with a healthcare provider.
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