Doctor Nguyen Huu Truong, Deputy Director of the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Center at Bach Mai Hospital, explains that autoimmune diseases are very common, encompassing hundreds of different conditions. On average, 5 to 8 people out of 100 are affected. This group of diseases ranks among the top 10 causes of death in women.
Autoimmune diseases can affect anyone, though certain groups face a higher risk. These include: women of childbearing age; individuals with a family history of autoimmune conditions; and those exposed to infections, chemicals, certain medications, or ultraviolet radiation, which can act as triggers for the disease.
Autoimmune diseases can impact nearly every organ system in the body. They manifest in the musculoskeletal system as rheumatoid arthritis and dermatomyositis. Skin and blood vessels can be affected by psoriasis, Pemphigus, and allergic vasculitis. The endocrine system may experience type 1 diabetes, Graves' disease, and autoimmune thyroiditis. Neurological conditions include myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, systemic autoimmune diseases, affecting the entire body, include conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic scleroderma.
Diagnosing autoimmune diseases is often challenging because initial symptoms are vague and easily confused with common illnesses. These signs include: persistent low-grade fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, generalized body aches, and anemia.
Disease symptoms also manifest distinctively depending on the specific condition. Systemic lupus erythematosus often presents with a butterfly-shaped rash on the face. Rheumatoid arthritis causes swollen, painful, and deformed joints. Thyroiditis can lead to hypothyroidism, characterized by cold intolerance and a slow heart rate.
A key characteristic of autoimmune diseases is their episodic progression, alternating between periods of flare-ups and remission. This pattern often leads individuals to become complacent, mistakenly believing the disease has been cured.
Currently, medicine cannot fully cure autoimmune diseases. Treatment aims to control symptoms and slow disease progression. Depending on the specific condition, doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs like glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporin A and etanercept are also used. In special cases, advanced methods like bone marrow transplants and stem cell transplants may be considered.
Furthermore, lifestyle plays a crucial supportive role for patients with autoimmune diseases. Patients should maintain a balanced diet, increase green vegetable intake, and limit fats. They should not overuse multivitamins. Gentle exercise for about 30 minutes daily is recommended, along with sleeping at least 7 hours each night. Maintaining a positive mindset, reducing stress, and engaging in relaxing activities like reading or listening to music are also beneficial.
Patients can live active and fulfilling lives if they adhere to their treatment plans. Should signs of an acute flare-up appear (sudden worsening of symptoms), it is crucial to contact a specialist doctor immediately. Patients must never self-medicate or discontinue their prescribed medication without medical advice.
Le Nga
