Autoimmune diseases encompass a wide range of conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. With over 80 different autoimmune diseases identified, these conditions can affect various organs and systems, leading to diverse symptoms and complications.
This blog throws light on the best treatment for autoimmune diseases in India.
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases
Our immune system is a collection of cells, proteins, and organs. It protects the body from infection, illness, disease (caused by foreign substances such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi,). The immune system attacks and destroys these substances before they have a chance to attack the body.
Autoimmune diseases cause a perfectly healthy immune system to attack our body instead of protecting it. It’s like a self-goal in football or hockey. But its repercussions can be quite serious and devastating, affecting several tissue types and nearly every organ in our body.
Types of Autoimmune Diseases and Their Symptoms
Out of the 80 types of autoimmune diseases, below are the most common ones:
Autoimmune Diseases of Joints and Muscles
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriasis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Sjörgen’s syndrome
Symptoms: Inflammation, aches and pains in muscles, muscle weakness, stiffness, swelling, and pain in joints
Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System
- Myasthenia gravis
- Multiple sclerosis
Symptoms: Insomnia, headaches and migraines, blurry vision, anxiety and depression, cognitive impairment, dizziness, numbness and tingling, lightheadedness
Autoimmune Diseases of the Skin
- Dermatomyositis
- Psoriasis
Symptoms: Inflammation, dry skin, dry mouth, dry eyes, rashes, hair loss, itching
Autoimmune Diseases of the Digestive Tract
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Celiac disease
Symptoms: Bloody stool (sometimes with mucus), abdominal pain, constipation, bloating, nausea, acid reflux, food sensitivities
Autoimmune Diseases of the Endocrine System
- Graves’ disease
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Addison’s disease
Symptoms: Fatigue, weight changes, changes in skin and hair, muscle weakness, joint pain, irregular menstrual cycles, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, swelling and inflammation, polyuria, polydipsia, vision troubles
Other Autoimmune Diseases
- Type 1 diabetes
- Autoimmune vasculitis
- Pernicious anemia
Autoimmune Disease Treatment
Traditional treatments for autoimmune diseases involve immunosuppressive medications and anti-inflammatory drugs. While these approaches can help manage symptoms, they come with side effects. However, most traditional treatment methods cannot address the root cause of the diseases. Long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs have also been known to compromise the overall immune system, making the patients more prone to infections.
At Plexus, we believe a combination of medications, certain lifestyle changes, and tailored therapeutic interventions can help manage autoimmune diseases. Let’s take a closer look at these.
Medications
Anti-inflammatory drugs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and pain.
Corticosteroids: These are more powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can help manage severe symptoms.
Immunosuppressants: Drugs like azathioprine, methotrexate, and cyclophosphamide suppress the immune system to prevent it from attacking the body.
Biologics: These are a newer class of drugs that target specific parts of the immune system. These include drugs targeting interleukin-17, interleukin-23, and B-cell pathways.
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors: These are a class of drugs that interfere with the pathways involved in the inflammatory process. They have shown promise in treating rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
Lifestyle Changes
Diet: A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help manage symptoms.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, these have anti-inflammatory properties
- Probiotics: Support gut health, which is closely linked to immune function
- Herbal Remedies: Herbs like turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory effects
Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise can reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and counseling can help manage stress, which is known to exacerbate autoimmune conditions.
Read about the importance of stress management with autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Vitamin D Treatment for Autoimmune Diseases
Vitamin D modulates the immune system by promoting regulatory T cells, which help prevent the immune system from attacking the body’s own tissues. It also reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines.
Sunlight exposure, dietary sources like fatty fish, and fortified foods can also help maintain adequate vitamin D levels.
Read more about the connection between Vitamin D levels and Multiple Sclerosis here.
Physical Therapy
Engaging in regular physical activity such as walking, yoga, or swimming can help reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being. Plexus offers personalized exercise and strength training programs to support the individual’s specific requirements and symptoms.
Stem Cell Therapy for Autoimmune Conditions
At Plexus, we use mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as an innovative approach to manage autoimmune conditions, provide long-term relief, and even address their underlying causes.
Our customized regenerative medicine program for autoimmune conditions provides relief from symptoms, slows down disease progression, and improves quality of life.
MSCs are undifferentiated progenitor cells with the ability to transform into various cell types that can help treat autoimmune conditions. Injected stem cells can transform into cells that make up the immune system. MSCs have the following features that help in managing autoimmune conditions:
- Anti-Inflammatory properties that alleviate chronic inflammation, and provide relief from symptoms.
- Immunomodulation properties that help reset the immune system, and reduce autoimmune responses.
Additionally, MSCs repair or regenerate damaged tissues, as well as aid in repairing organs and systems affected by the condition.
Besides the above therapies and treatment interventions, specific autoimmune conditions may require other management strategies too. Let’s take a look at these below.
Autoimmune Kidney Disease Treatment
Lupus nephritis, IgA nephropathy and other autoimmune kidney diseases require specialized treatment to prevent kidney damage.
ACE Inhibitors and ARBs: Help control blood pressure and reduce proteinuria.
In severe cases where kidney function is significantly impaired, dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary.
Autoimmune Liver Disease Treatment
Autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and other autoimmune liver diseases require targeted therapies to manage liver inflammation and prevent progression.
Azathioprine: An immunosuppressant often used in combination with corticosteroids.
Ursodeoxycholic Acid: Used in primary biliary cholangitis to improve bile flow.
In cases of severe liver damage, a liver transplant may be necessary.
Autoimmune Lung Disease Treatment
Sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and other autoimmune lung diseases require specific treatments to manage respiratory symptoms and prevent progression.
Oxygen Therapy: For patients with significant respiratory impairment, supplemental oxygen may be necessary.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Exercise and breathing techniques can improve lung function and quality of life.
Autoimmune Skin Disease Treatment
Psoriasis, vitiligo, pemphigus, and other autoimmune skin diseases require treatments that address skin lesions and underlying inflammation.
Corticosteroids: Commonly used to reduce skin inflammation.
Calcineurin Inhibitors: Such as tacrolimus, used for sensitive areas like the face.
Immunosuppressants: Methotrexate and cyclosporine are often used for severe cases.
Biologics: Drugs targeting TNF-alpha and interleukins are effective for conditions like psoriasis.
Phototherapy: Exposure to specific wavelengths of light can help reduce skin lesions in conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged tissues or organs. For example, joint replacement surgery may be needed for those with severe rheumatoid arthritis.
Personalized medicine and multidisciplinary care are essential to managing these complex conditions effectively.
To know more about rehabilitation programs for autoimmune conditions, reach out to our team in Bangalore and/or Hyderabad today.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)
FAQs
Can an autoimmune disease be cured?
Treatment for autoimmune diseases focuses on controlling the autoimmune response and reducing inflammation, allowing many patients to lead healthier lives.
Can I live a normal life with autoimmune disease?
Living a normal life with an autoimmune disease is possible with proper management. Many patients successfully control their symptoms through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular medical care. Staying informed about your condition, adhering to treatment plans, and making necessary lifestyle adjustments can help maintain a high quality of life and manage the impact of the disease.
What is the latest treatment for autoimmune disease?
Stem cell therapy is emerging as the most sought after treatment approach for autoimmune diseases. At Plexus, we use mesenchymal stem cells to provide relief from symptoms, slow down disease progression, and improve quality of life.
Can exercise help autoimmune diseases?
Regular physical activity helps reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, and enhance overall well-being. It can also alleviate stress and boost the immune system. Our highly-skilled physical therapists will design an exercise regimen to suit individual capabilities and needs, while ensuring safety and maximizing benefits.
Read more about targeted exercises for autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis.
