Autoimmune diseases: causes, symptoms, treatment, types

What are autoimmune diseases - causes

Autoimmune diseases, according to various sources, affect approximately 8 to 13% of the population of developed countries, and women are most often affected by these diseases.
Autoimmune diseases are among the TOP 10 leading causes of death in women under 65 years of age. The branch of medicine that studies the functioning of the immune system and its disorders (immunology) is still in the process of development, as doctors and researchers learn more about the failures and shortcomings in the work of the body’s natural defense system only if it malfunctions. Our bodies have an immune system, which is a complex network of specialized cells and organs that protect the body from germs, viruses and other pathogens. The immune system is based on a mechanism that is able to distinguish the body's own tissues from foreign ones. Damage to the body can cause the immune system to malfunction, leaving it unable to differentiate between its own tissues and foreign pathogens. When this happens, the body produces autoantibodies that attack normal cells by mistake. At the same time, special cells called regulatory T cells are unable to do their job of maintaining the immune system. The result is a mistaken attack on the organ tissues of your own body. This causes autoimmune processes that can affect different parts of the body, causing all kinds of autoimmune diseases, of which there are more than 80.

What are autoimmune diseases

The essence of the phenomenon described above comes down to the fact that an overly active immune system begins to attack individual tissues, organs or entire systems, which causes their functioning to malfunction. Autoimmune diseases, what are they and why do they occur? The mechanism of origin of such processes is still not completely clear to researchers in the field of medicine. There are a number of reasons why the immune system may fail. In addition, it is important to recognize the symptoms in time in order to be able to correct the course of the disease.

Symptoms

Each pathology in this group triggers its own characteristic autoimmune processes, so the symptoms may differ. However, there is a general group of conditions that suggests the development of autoimmune diseases:

• Sudden weight loss.
• Increased body weight combined with rapid fatigue.
• Pain in joints and muscles for no obvious reason.
• Decrease in the quality of mental activity - a person has difficulty concentrating on work, he experiences foggy consciousness.
• A common autoimmune reaction is a skin rash. The condition is aggravated by exposure to the sun and consumption of certain foods.
• Dry mucous membranes and skin. The eyes and mouth are mainly affected.
• Loss of sensation. Tingling in the limbs, insensitivity of any part of the body often indicates that the autoimmune system has launched its mechanisms.
• Increased blood clotting up to the formation of blood clots, spontaneous abortions.
• Severe hair loss, baldness.
• Digestive disorders, stomach pain, changes in the color of stool and urine, the appearance of blood in them.

Markers

Diseases of the defense system arise due to the activation of special cells in the body. What are autoantibodies? This is a group of cells that destroy healthy structural units of the body, mistaking them for foreign. The task of specialists is to order laboratory tests and determine which highly active cells are present in the blood. When making a diagnosis, the attending physician relies on the presence of markers of autoimmune diseases - antibodies to substances that are natural to the human body.

Markers of autoimmune diseases are agents whose action is aimed at neutralizing:

• yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae;
• double-stranded native DNA;
• extractable nuclear antigens;
• neutrophil cytoplasmic antigens;
• insulin;
• cardiolipnin;
• prothrombin;
• glomerular basement membrane (determines kidney disease);
• Fc fragment of immunoglobulin G (rheumatoid factor);
• phospholipids;
• gliadin.

Causes

All lymphocytes develop mechanisms for recognizing foreign proteins and methods for combating them. Some of them eliminate “native” proteins, which is necessary if the cellular structure is damaged and needs to be eliminated. The defense system strictly controls the activity of such lymphocytes, but sometimes they fail, which becomes the cause of an autoimmune disease.

• Thyroid goiter - symptoms and treatment
• Enlarged thyroid gland: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
• How to treat the thyroid gland in women with folk remedies

Among other probable factors of autoimmune disorders, scientists identify:

1. Gene mutations, the occurrence of which is influenced by heredity.
2. Past severe infections.
3. Penetration into the internal environment of viruses capable of taking the form of body cells.
4. Adverse environmental influences - radiation, atmospheric, water and soil pollution with chemicals.

Consequences

Almost all autoimmune diseases occur in women; women of childbearing age are especially vulnerable. Men suffer from lymphocyte disorientation much less frequently. However, the consequences of these pathologies are equally negative for everyone, especially if the patient does not undergo maintenance therapy. Autoimmune processes threaten the destruction of body tissue (one or more types), uncontrolled organ growth, and changes in organ functions. Some diseases significantly increase the risk of cancer of any location and infertility.

Who suffers from autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases can develop in anyone, but the following groups of people are at increased risk of developing these diseases:

• Women of childbearing age . Women are much more likely than men to suffer from autoimmune diseases, which often begin during childbearing years.
• People with a family history of the disease . Some autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis, can be passed on from parents to children. It can also be common for different types of autoimmune diseases to run in the same family. Heredity is a risk factor for developing these diseases in people whose ancestors suffered from some type of autoimmune disease, and a combination of genes and factors that can trigger the development of the disease further increases the risk.
• People exposed to certain factors . Certain events or environmental exposures can trigger or worsen some autoimmune diseases. Sunlight, chemicals (solvents), and viral and bacterial infections can trigger the development of many autoimmune diseases.
• People of certain races or ethnic groups . Some autoimmune diseases are more common or affect certain groups of people more severely than others. For example, type 1 diabetes is more common in white people. Systemic lupus erythematosus is most severe in African Americans and Hispanics.

Autoimmune diseases: ratio of incidence among women and men

What diseases are associated with an increase in the number of Th-17 lymphocytes

The dominance of the production and circulation of Th-17 cells leads to the development of many health disorders, in particular the following develop:

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• Sclerosis
• Lupus
• Uevit
• Type 1 diabetes
• Systemic scleroderma
• Autoimmune myocarditis
• Vitiligo
• Coronary heart disease (in some cases)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Asthma
• Airway inflammation
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Sleep apnea
• Acne
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Leukemia
• Multiple myeloma
• Fibromyalgia (increased IL-17A cytokines)
• Osteoporosis
• Depression (high titers of IL-17 and TGF-b are detected)
• Infertility in women. Increased production of Th-17 cells can activate the attack of these cells on male sperm, and an increase in the level of the female hormone estradiol, on the contrary, inhibits this reaction of Th-17 lymphocytes. This protective property of estradiol is due to the fact that it protects sperm during ovulation from attack and destruction by Th-17 cells. Infertility is especially noticeable if a woman has a fungal infection, which stimulates the production of Th-17 cells, which are designed to destroy this infection.
• Periodontal disease
• Stroke (brain damage after bleeding)

Types of autoimmune diseases and their symptoms

The autoimmune diseases listed below are either more common in women than men or affect many women and men at approximately equal rates.

And although each illness is unique, they may have similar symptoms, such as fatigue, dizziness and a slight increase in body temperature. Symptoms of many autoimmune diseases can come and go and range from mild to severe. When symptoms go away for a while, it is called remission, after which there may be sudden and severe flare-ups of symptoms.

Alopecia areata

The immune system attacks the hair follicles (the structures from which hair grows). This disease is usually not a health threat, but it can greatly affect a person's appearance and self-esteem. Symptoms of this autoimmune disease include:

• patchy hair loss on the scalp, face, or other areas of your body

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes problems with the lining of blood vessels, resulting in the formation of blood clots (thrombi) in the arteries or veins. Antiphospholipid syndrome can cause the following symptoms:

• formation of blood clots in veins and arteries
• multiple miscarriages
• lacy mesh red rash on wrists and knees

Autoimmune hepatitis

The immune system attacks and destroys liver cells. This can lead to scarring and lumps in the liver, and in some cases, liver failure. Autoimmune hepatitis causes the following symptoms:

• fatigue
• liver enlargement
• yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
• itchy skin
• joint pain
• stomach pain or upset stomach

Celiac disease (gluten enteropathy)

This autoimmune disease is characterized by an intolerance to gluten, a substance found in wheat, rye and barley, as well as certain medications. When people with celiac disease eat foods that contain gluten, the immune system reacts by damaging the lining of the small intestine. Symptoms of celiac disease include:

• bloating and pain
• diarrhea or constipation
• weight loss or gain
• fatigue
• disruptions in the menstrual cycle
• skin rash and itching
• infertility or miscarriage

You can learn more about celiac disease here - Celiac disease: causes, symptoms, treatment, diagnosis.

Diabetes mellitus type 1

This autoimmune disease is characterized by your immune system attacking the cells that produce insulin, a hormone needed to control blood sugar levels. As a result, your body cannot produce insulin, without which too much sugar remains in the blood. Too much blood sugar can damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves, gums and teeth. But the most serious problem associated with diabetes is heart disease. With type 1 diabetes, patients may experience the following symptoms:

• excessive thirst
• frequent urge to urinate
• strong feeling of hunger
• extreme fatigue
• weight loss for no apparent reason
• slow healing wounds
• dry, itchy skin
• decreased sensation in the legs
• tingling in the legs
• blurry vision

Basedow's disease (Graves' disease)

This autoimmune disease causes the thyroid gland to produce excess amounts of thyroid hormones. Symptoms of Graves' disease include:

• insomnia
• irritability
• weight loss
• heat sensitivity
• increased sweating
• thin brittle hair
• muscle weakness
• irregularities in the menstrual cycle
• goggle-eyed
• shaking hands
• sometimes there are no symptoms

Guillain-Barre syndrome

This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the nerves that connect your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body. Damage to the nerves makes it difficult to transmit signals. Among the symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a person may experience the following:

• weakness or tingling in the legs that may spread to the upper body
• in severe cases paralysis may occur

Symptoms often progress relatively quickly, over days or weeks, and often affect both sides of the body.

Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease)

A disease that damages the thyroid gland, causing the gland to be unable to produce enough hormones. Symptoms and signs of autoimmune thyroiditis include:

• increased fatigue
• weakness
• overweight (obesity)
• sensitivity to cold
• muscle pain
• joint stiffness
• facial swelling
• constipation

You can learn more about autoimmune thyroiditis here - Autoimmune thyroiditis of the thyroid gland: what is it.

Hemolytic anemia

This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys red blood cells. In this case, the body is unable to produce new red blood cells quickly enough to meet the body's needs. As a result, your body does not receive the oxygen it needs to function properly, which puts increased strain on the heart as it has to work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Hemolytic anemia causes the following symptoms:

• fatigue
• dyspnea
• dizziness
• headache
• cold hands or feet
• pallor
• yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
• heart problems, including heart failure

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (Werlhof's disease)

This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys platelets, which are essential for blood clotting. Among the symptoms of this disease, a person may experience the following:

• very heavy periods
• tiny purple or red spots on the skin that may look like a rash
• minor bruising
• bleeding from the nose or mouth

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

This autoimmune disease causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common forms of IBD. Symptoms of IBD include:

• abdominal pain
• diarrhea (may be bloody)

Some people also experience the following symptoms:

• rectal bleeding
• increase in body temperature
• weight loss
• fatigue
• mouth ulcers (Crohn's disease)
• painful or difficult bowel movements (with ulcerative colitis)

Inflammatory myopathies

This is a group of diseases that cause muscle inflammation and muscle weakness. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are more common in women than in men. Inflammatory myopathies can cause the following symptoms:

• Slowly progressive muscle weakness, starting in the muscles of the lower body. Polymyositis affects the muscles that control movement on both sides of the body. Dermatomyositis causes a skin rash that may be accompanied by muscle weakness.

You may also experience the following symptoms:

• fatigue after walking or standing
• tripping or falling
• difficulty swallowing or breathing

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerves. Damage occurs to the brain and spinal cord. A person with MS may experience the following symptoms:

• weakness and problems with coordination, balance, speech and walking
• paralysis
• shaking (tremor)
• numbness and tingling in the limbs
• symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of each attack

Myasthenia gravis

A disease in which the immune system attacks nerves and muscles throughout the body. A person with myasthenia gravis experiences the following symptoms:

• double vision, trouble focusing and drooping eyelids
• trouble swallowing, with frequent belching or choking
• weakness or paralysis
• muscles work better after rest
• problems holding the head
• trouble climbing stairs or lifting things
• speech problems

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)

In this autoimmune disease, the immune system slowly destroys the bile ducts in the liver. Bile is a substance produced in the liver. It passes through the bile ducts to aid digestion. When the channels are destroyed by the immune system, bile accumulates in the liver and causes damage to it. Lesions in the liver harden and leave scars, eventually leading to liver failure. Symptoms of primary biliary cirrhosis include:

• fatigue
• itchy skin
• dry eyes and mouth
• yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes

Psoriasis

It is an autoimmune disease that causes excessive and excessive growth of new skin cells, causing huge layers of skin cells to accumulate on the surface of the skin. A person with psoriasis experiences the following symptoms:

• dense red patches on the skin covered with scales (usually appear on the head, elbows and knees)
• itching and pain, which can negatively affect a person’s performance and impair sleep

A person with psoriasis may also suffer from the following:

• A form of arthritis that often affects the joints and ends of the fingers and toes. Back pain can occur if the spine is affected.

You can learn more about psoriasis, symptoms, causes, treatment and forms of psoriasis here - Psoriasis: causes, symptoms, treatment, forms of psoriasis.

Rheumatoid arthritis

This is a disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of joints throughout the body. With rheumatoid arthritis, a person may experience the following symptoms:

• pain, stiffness, swelling and deformity of the joints
• deterioration in motor function

A person may also have the following symptoms:

• fatigue
• elevated body temperature
• weight loss
• eye inflammation
• lung diseases
• growths under the skin, often on the elbows
• anemia

Scleroderma

It is an autoimmune disease that causes abnormal growth of connective tissue in the skin and blood vessels. Symptoms of scleroderma are:

• fingers and toes turn white, red, or blue due to exposure to heat and cold
• pain, stiffness, and swelling of fingers and joints
• thickening of the skin
• the skin looks shiny on the hands and forearms
• facial skin is stretched like a mask
• sores on fingers or toes
• problems with swallowing
• weight loss
• diarrhea or constipation
• dyspnea

Sjögren's syndrome

This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the tear and salivary glands. With Sjögren's syndrome, a person may experience the following symptoms:

• dry eyes
• eyes itch
• dry mouth, which can lead to ulceration
• problems with swallowing
• loss of taste
• severe dental caries
• hoarse voice
• fatigue
• joint swelling or joint pain
• swollen tonsils
• cloudy eyes

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, Libman-Sachs disease)

A disease that can damage joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs and other parts of the body. The following symptoms are observed in SLE:

• increase in body temperature
• weight loss
• hair loss
• mouth ulcers
• fatigue
• butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks
• rashes on other parts of the body
• painful or swollen joints and muscle pain
• sun sensitivity
• chest pain
• headache, dizziness, seizure, memory problems, or change in behavior

Vitiligo

It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the pigment cells in the skin (which give color to the skin). The immune system can also attack tissues in the mouth and nose. Symptoms of vitiligo include:

• white patches on sun-exposed areas of the skin or on the armpits, genitals, and rectum
• early gray hair
• loss of color in the mouth

List of human autoimmune diseases

Failures in the body’s defense system can provoke damage to any organ, so the list of autoimmune pathologies is wide. They disrupt the functioning of the hormonal, cardiovascular, nervous systems, cause diseases of the musculoskeletal system, affect the skin, hair, nails and more. These diseases cannot be cured at home; the patient requires qualified assistance from medical personnel.

Blood

Hematologists are involved in treatment and prognosis of the success of therapy. The most common diseases in this group are:

• hemolytic anemia;
• autoimmune neutropenia;
• thrombocytopenic purpura.

Skin

A dermatologist will treat patients for autoimmune skin diseases. The group of these pathologies is wide:

• psoriasis disease (in the photo it looks like red, too dry, raised spots above the skin that merge with each other);
• isolated cutaneous vasculitis;
• some types of alopecia;
• discoid lupus erythematosus disease;
• pemphingoid;
• chronic urticaria.

Thyroid gland

Autoimmune thyroid disease can be cured if you seek qualified help in time. There are two groups of pathologies: the first, in which the amount of hormones is increased (Graves' disease, or Graves' disease), the second, hormones are less than normal (Hashimoto's thyroiditis). Autoimmune processes in the thyroid gland lead to primary hypothyroidism. Patients are examined by an endocrinologist or family therapist. A marker of autoimmune thyroid diseases are antibodies to TPO (thyroid peroxidase).

Symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis:

• often the disease is asymptomatic and is detected during examination of the thyroid gland;
• when the disease develops into hypothyroidism, apathy, depression, weakness, swelling of the tongue, hair loss, joint pain, slow speech, etc. are observed.
• when the disease thyrotoxicosis occurs, the patient experiences mood swings, rapid heartbeat, fever, disruptions in the menstrual cycle, decreased bone strength, etc.

Liver

Common autoimmune liver diseases:

• primary biliary cirrhosis;
• autoimmune hepatitis disease;
• primary sclerosing cholangitis;
• autoimmune cholangitis.

Nervous system

Neurologists treat the following diseases:

• Guillain-Bart syndrome;
• multiple sclerosis;
• myasthenia gravis.

Joints

This group of diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis, even affects children. The process begins with inflammation of the connective tissue, which leads to joint destruction. As a result, the patient loses the ability to move. Autoimmune diseases of the joints also include spondyloarthropathy - inflammatory processes of the joints and entension.

• Hypothyroidism thyroid disease
• Symptoms of thyroid disease
• Nodules in the thyroid gland - symptoms and treatment

Are Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Autoimmune Diseases?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia are not autoimmune diseases. But they often have signs of some autoimmune diseases, such as constant fatigue and pain.

• CFS can cause extreme fatigue and lack of energy, difficulty concentrating and muscle pain. Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome come and go. The cause of CFS is not known.
• Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain or excessive tenderness in many places throughout the body. These “pressure points” are located on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms and legs and are painful when pressure is applied to them. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include fatigue, trouble sleeping, and morning joint stiffness. Fibromyalgia primarily affects women of childbearing age. However, in rare cases, children, older adults and men can also develop this disease. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known.

Read more about fibromyalgia here - Fibromyalgia: causes, symptoms, treatment.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Lymphotous goiter is a pathology that develops in the thyroid gland and is manifested by tissue inflammation. Accompanied by hypothyroidism and atrophy of gland tissue.

Main symptoms:

• general weakness;
• fast fatiguability;
• fatigue.

If the goiter has grown and is large, the person feels pain in the chest and neck. These manifestations are caused by the fact that the enlarged gland puts pressure on nearby organs (nerve endings, upper respiratory tract).

The pathology occurs in people with diffuse or diffuse nodular goiter of the thyroid gland, as well as after surgical interventions performed in the endocrine system. The hereditary factor is also taken into account.

Therapy is carried out using hormonal therapy, its duration can be several years. The main goal of treatment is to reduce the size of the gland and block the pituitary gland, which leads to excessive synthesis of thyroid hormones. If there are cancer cells in the goiter tissue, surgery is performed.

How do I know if I have an autoimmune disease?

Getting a diagnosis can be a long and stressful process. Although each autoimmune disease is unique, many of these diseases have similar symptoms. In addition, many symptoms of autoimmune diseases are very similar to other types of health problems. This makes diagnosis difficult, where it is quite difficult for a doctor to understand whether you really are suffering from an autoimmune disease, or whether it is something else. But if you're experiencing symptoms that bother you greatly, it's critical to find the cause of your condition. If you don't get any answers, don't give up. You can take the following steps to help figure out the cause of your symptoms:

• Write down a complete family medical history of your loved ones, and then show it to your doctor.
• Write down all the symptoms you experience, even if they seem unrelated, and show it to your doctor.
• See a specialist who has experience with your most basic symptom. For example, if you have symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, start by visiting a gastroenterologist. If you don't know who to turn to about your problem, start by visiting a therapist.

Diagnosing autoimmune diseases can be quite challenging

Autoimmune diseases affecting the joints

1. General characteristics of autoimmune diseases affecting the joints
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
3. Acute rheumatic fever
4. Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease)
5. Joint damage in systemic lupus erythematosus
6. Joint damage due to systemic sclerosis
7. Psoriatic arthritis
8. Arthritis in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
9. Reactive arthritis
10. Symptoms of allergic diseases in autoimmune joint diseases
11. Literature

Autoimmune diseases often affect vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and other
General characteristics of autoimmune diseases affecting the joints

Most autoimmune diseases affecting the joints are diffuse connective tissue diseases (systemic rheumatic diseases). This is a large group of diseases, each of which has a complex classification, complex diagnostic algorithms and rules for formulating a diagnosis, as well as multicomponent treatment regimens.

Since the connective tissue that is affected in these diseases is present in many organs, these diseases are characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations. Often vital organs (heart, lungs, kidneys, liver) are involved in the pathological process - this determines the prognosis of life for the patient.

In systemic rheumatic diseases, the joints are affected along with other organs and systems. Depending on the nosology, this may determine the clinical picture of the disease and its prognosis (for example, with rheumatoid arthritis) or perhaps less significant against the background of damage to other organs, as with systemic scleroderma [1].

In other autoimmune diseases and diseases with a pathogenesis that is not fully understood, joint damage is an additional symptom and is not observed in all patients. For example, arthritis in autoimmune inflammatory bowel diseases.

In other cases, joint lesions may be involved in the process only in severe cases of the disease (for example, psoriasis) [4, 6]. The degree of joint damage can be pronounced and determine the severity of the disease, the prognosis of the patient’s ability to work and his quality of life. Or, conversely, the degree of damage may cause only completely reversible inflammatory changes. In this case, the prognosis of the disease may be associated with damage to other organs and systems (for example, in acute rheumatic fever) [1].

The cause of most diseases in this group is not fully understood [1]. Many of them are characterized by a hereditary predisposition, which can be determined by certain genes encoding antigens of the so-called major histocompatibility complex (referred to as HLA or MHC antigens). These genes are contained on the surface of all nucleated cells of the body (HLA CI class antigens) or on the surface of the so-called antigen-presenting cells:

An acute infection can provoke the onset of many autoimmune diseases

• B-lymphocytes,
• tissue macrophages,
• dendritic cells (HLA class II antigens).

The name of these genes is associated with the phenomenon of organ transplant rejection, but in the physiology of the immune system they are responsible for the presentation of antigen to T lymphocytes and for the initiation of the development of an immune response to the pathogen. Their connection with a predisposition to the development of systemic autoimmune diseases is currently not fully understood.

As one of the mechanisms, the phenomenon of so-called “antigenic mimicry” has been proposed, in which the antigens of common pathogens of infectious diseases (viruses that cause ARVI, Escherichia coli, streptococcus, etc.) have a similar structure to the proteins of a person who is a carrier of certain genes of the major histocompatibility complex and causes cross-immune reactivity.

The infection suffered by such a patient leads to an ongoing immune response to antigens of the body’s own tissues and the development of an autoimmune disease. Therefore, for many autoimmune diseases, the factor that provokes the onset of the disease is an acute infection.

As the name of this group of diseases suggests, the leading mechanism of their development is the aggression of the immune system towards its own connective tissue antigens.

Of the main types of pathological reactions of the immune system (see “Types of allergic reactions”) in systemic autoimmune connective tissue diseases, type III is most often realized (immune complex type - in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus). Less commonly occurs type II (cytotoxic type - in acute rheumatic fever) or IV (delayed hypersensitivity - in rheumatoid arthritis).

Often, different mechanisms of immunopathological reactions play a role in the pathogenesis of one disease [1, 3]. The main pathological process in these diseases is inflammation, which leads to the appearance of the main clinical signs of the disease - local and general symptoms (fever, malaise, weight loss, etc.), its result often being irreversible changes in the affected organs. The clinical picture of the disease has its own characteristics for each nosology, some of which will be described below.

Since the incidence of systemic autoimmune diseases is low and many of them do not have specific symptoms that are not observed in other diseases, only a doctor can suspect the presence of a disease from this group in a patient based on a combination of characteristic clinical signs, the so-called diagnostic criteria for the disease, approved in international guidelines for its diagnosis and treatment.

Reasons for examination to exclude systemic rheumatic diseases

• the patient develops joint symptoms at a relatively young age,
• lack of connection between symptoms and increased load on the affected joints,
• suffered joint injuries,
• signs of metabolic disorders (obesity and metabolic syndrome, which may be accompanied by gout),
• burdened hereditary history.

The diagnosis of systemic connective tissue disease is established by a rheumatologist.

It is confirmed by specific tests for a specific nosology or laboratory tests identifying markers that may be common to the entire group of systemic rheumatic diseases. For example, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor.

Laboratory diagnostics is based on the identification of specific antibodies to one’s own organs and tissues, immune complexes formed during the development of the disease, antigens of the major histocompatibility complex, characteristic of certain diseases of this group and identified using monoclonal antibodies, genes encoding these antigens, identified by determining specific DNA sequences.

Instrumental diagnostic methods make it possible to determine the degree of damage to the affected organs and their functionality. To assess changes in the joints, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound examination of the joint are used. In addition, joint puncture is used to take samples for synovial fluid analysis and arthroscopy [7].

All of the above examinations are necessary to identify the disease and clarify the degree of its severity.

To avoid disability and death, constant medical supervision and therapy that meets the standards is necessary

Certain key changes in the necessary laboratory and instrumental examinations are included in the diagnosis. For example, for rheumatoid arthritis - the presence or absence of rheumatoid factor in the blood, the stage of radiological changes. This is important in determining the scope of therapy.

Making a diagnosis for a rheumatologist when identifying signs of autoimmune damage to organs and systems is often difficult: the symptoms identified in a patient and examination data can combine signs of several diseases of this group [1].

Treatment of systemic connective tissue diseases includes the prescription of immunosuppressive and cytostatic drugs, drugs that slow down the pathological formation of connective tissue, and other special chemotherapy agents.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as symptomatic therapy, and even glucocorticosteroids for these diseases cannot always be used as a means of basic treatment. Medical observation and prescription of therapy in accordance with standards is a prerequisite for preventing the development of serious complications, including disability and death.

A new direction of treatment is the use of biological therapy drugs - monoclonal antibodies to key molecules involved in immunological and inflammatory reactions in these diseases. This group of drugs is highly effective and has no side effects of chemotherapy. In complex treatment for joint damage, surgical interventions are used, physical therapy and physiotherapy are prescribed [1].

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common systemic autoimmune disease in humans [1].

The disease is based on the production of autoantibodies to immunoglobulin G with the development of an inflammatory process in the lining of the joint and gradual destruction of the joints.

Clinical picture

• gradual onset
• presence of constant pain in the joints,
• morning stiffness in the joints: stiffness and stiffness in the muscles surrounding the joint after waking up or a long rest with the gradual development of arthritis of the small peripheral joints of the hands and feet.

Less commonly, large joints are involved in the process - knees, elbows, ankles. It is necessary to involve five or more joints in the process; symmetry of joint damage is characteristic.

A typical sign of the disease is deviation of the first and fourth fingers to the ulnar (inner) side (the so-called ulnar deviation) and other deformities associated with the involvement of not only the joint itself, but also the adjacent tendons, as well as the presence of subcutaneous “rheumatoid nodules.”

Damage to joints in rheumatoid arthritis is irreversible and limits their function.

Extra-articular lesions in rheumatoid arthritis include the above-mentioned “rheumatoid nodules”, muscle damage in the form of atrophy and muscle weakness, rheumatoid pleurisy (damage to the pleura of the lung) and rheumatoid pneumonitis (damage to the alveoli of the lung with the development of pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory failure).

On the part of the heart, functional changes are possible - the presence of inflammatory processes (pericarditis, myocarditis, pathology of the heart valves and coronary arteries) is rare. The sclera and conjunctiva of the eye may be involved in the process, and concomitant vasculitis is possible.

A specific laboratory marker of rheumatoid arthritis is rheumatoid factor (RF) - IgM class antibodies to one's own immunoglobulin G. Depending on their presence, RF-positive and RF-negative rheumatoid arthritis are distinguished. In the latter case, the development of the disease is associated with antibodies to IgG of other classes, the laboratory determination of which is unreliable, and the diagnosis is established on the basis of other criteria.

It should be noted that rheumatoid factor is not specific for rheumatoid arthritis. It can occur in other autoimmune connective tissue diseases and should be assessed by a doctor in conjunction with the clinical picture of the disease.

Specific laboratory markers of rheumatoid arthritis

• antibodies to cyclic citrulline-containing peptide (anti-CCP)
• antibodies to citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV), which are specific markers of this disease,
• antinuclear antibodies, which can occur in other systemic rheumatoid diseases.

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment of the disease includes the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticosteroids to relieve pain and stop inflammation in the initial stages and the use of basic drugs aimed at suppressing the immunological mechanisms of disease development and joint destruction. The slow onset of a lasting effect of these drugs necessitates their use in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Modern approaches to drug therapy are the use of monoclonal antibodies to tumor necrosis factor and other molecules that play a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease - biological therapy. These drugs are free of the side effects of cytostatics, but due to their high cost and the presence of their own side effects (the appearance of antinuclear antibodies in the blood, the risk of lupus-like syndrome, exacerbation of chronic infections, including tuberculosis), they limit their use. They are recommended for use in the absence of sufficient effect from cytostatics [1, 7].

Acute rheumatic fever

Acute rheumatic fever ( a disease that in the past was called “rheumatism”) is a post-infectious complication of tonsillitis (tonsillitis) or pharyngitis caused by group A hemolytic streptococcus.

This disease manifests itself as a systemic inflammatory disease of connective tissue with primary damage to the following organs:

• cardiovascular system (carditis),
• joints (migratory polyarthritis),
• brain (chorea is a syndrome characterized by erratic, jerky, irregular movements, similar to normal facial movements and gestures, but more elaborate, often reminiscent of dance),
• skin (ring-shaped erythema, rheumatic nodules).

Acute rheumatic fever develops in predisposed individuals - more often in children and young people (7-15 years). Fever is associated with the body's autoimmune response due to cross-reactivity between streptococcal antigens and the affected human tissues (the phenomenon of molecular mimicry).

A characteristic complication of the disease that determines its severity is chronic rheumatic heart disease - marginal fibrosis of the heart valves or heart defects.

Arthritis (or arthralgia) of several large joints is one of the leading symptoms of the disease in 60-100% of patients with the first attack of acute rheumatic fever. The knee, ankle, wrist and elbow joints are most often affected. In addition, there is pain in the joints, which are often so severe that they lead to a significant limitation of their mobility, swelling of the joints, and sometimes redness of the skin over the joints.

The characteristic features of rheumatoid arthritis are its migratory nature (signs of damage to some joints almost completely disappear within 1-5 days and are replaced by equally pronounced damage to other joints) and rapid complete reverse development under the influence of modern anti-inflammatory therapy.

Laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis is the detection of antistreptolysin O and antibodies to DNA-ase, identification of hemolytic streptococcus A during bacteriological examination of a throat smear.

Antibiotics of the penicillin group, glucocorticosteroids and NSAIDs are used for treatment [5].

Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease)

Ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints, mainly affecting the joints of the axial skeleton (intervertebral joints, sacroiliac joint) in adults, and causing chronic back pain and limited mobility (rigidity) of the spine. The disease can also affect peripheral joints and tendons, eyes and intestines.

Difficulties in differential diagnosis of pain in the spine in ankylosing spondylitis with osteochondrosis, in which these symptoms are caused by purely mechanical reasons, can lead to a delay in diagnosis and prescription of the necessary treatment up to 8 years from the moment the first symptoms appear. The latter, in turn, worsens the prognosis of the disease and increases the likelihood of disability.

Signs of difference from osteochondrosis:

• features of the daily rhythm of pain - they are stronger in the second half of the night and in the morning, and not in the evening, as with osteochondrosis,
• young age of onset of the disease,
• presence of signs of general malaise,
• involvement of other joints, eyes and intestines in the process,
• the presence of an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in repeated general blood tests,
• the patient has a burdened hereditary history.

There are no specific laboratory markers of the disease: predisposition to its development can be established by identifying the major histocompatibility complex antigen HLA - B27.

For treatment, NSAIDs, glucocorticosteroids and cytostatic drugs, and biological therapy are used. To slow the progression of the disease, therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy play an important role as part of complex treatment [9].

Joint damage in systemic lupus erythematosus

The causes of systemic lupus erythematosus are still not understood

In a number of autoimmune diseases, joint damage may occur, but is not a characteristic sign of the disease that determines its prognosis. An example of such diseases is systemic lupus erythematosus - a chronic systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, in which an immunoinflammatory process develops in various organs and tissues (serous membranes: peritoneum, pleura, pericardium; kidneys, lungs, heart, skin, nervous system, etc.), leading as the disease progresses to the formation of multiple organ failure.

The causes of systemic lupus erythematosus remain unknown: the influence of hereditary factors and viral infection is assumed to be the trigger for the development of the disease; the unfavorable influence of certain hormones (primarily estrogens) on the course of the disease has been established, which explains the high prevalence of the disease among women.

Clinical signs of the disease are: erythematous rashes on the skin of the face in the form of a “butterfly” and discoid rash, the presence of photosensitivity, ulcers in the oral cavity, inflammation of the serous membranes, kidney damage with the appearance of protein and leukocytes in the urine, changes in the general blood test - anemia, decreased number of leukocytes and lymphocytes, platelets.

Joint involvement is the most common manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Joint pain may precede the onset of multisystem involvement and immunological manifestations of the disease by many months and years.

Arthralgia occurs in almost 100% of patients at various stages of the disease. The pain may occur in one or more joints and may be short-lived.

With high activity of the disease, the pain may be more persistent, and a picture of arthritis later develops with pain during movement, pain in the joints, swelling, inflammation of the membranes of the joint, redness, increased skin temperature over the joint and disruption of its function.

Arthritis can be migratory in nature without residual effects, as in acute rheumatic fever, but more often they occur in the small joints of the hands. Arthritis is usually symmetrical. Articular syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus may be accompanied by inflammation of the skeletal muscles.

Serious complications of the disease from the musculoskeletal system are aseptic necrosis of bones - the head of the femur, humerus, and less commonly the bones of the wrist, knee joint, elbow joint, and foot.

Markers identified during laboratory diagnosis of the disease are antibodies to DNA, anti-Sm antibodies, detection of antinuclear antibodies not associated with taking medications that can cause their formation, identification of so-called LE - cells - neutrophil leukocytes containing phagocytosed fragments of the nuclei of other cells.

For treatment, glucocorticosteroids, cytostatic drugs, as well as group 4 chemotherapy drugs - aminoquinoline derivatives, which are also used in the treatment of malaria, are used. Hemosorption and plasmapheresis are also used [1].

Joint damage due to systemic sclerosis

The severity of the disease and life expectancy in systemic scleroderma depend on the deposition of connective tissue macromolecules in vital organs

Systemic scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of unknown origin, characterized by progressive deposition of collagen and other connective tissue macromolecules in the skin and other organs and systems, damage to the capillary bed and multiple immunological disorders. The most pronounced clinical signs of the disease are skin lesions - thinning and coarsening of the skin of the fingers with the appearance of paroxysmal spasms of the blood vessels of the fingers, the so-called Raynaud's syndrome, areas of thinning and coarsening, dense swelling and atrophy of the facial skin, and the appearance of foci of hyperpigmentation on the face. In severe cases of the disease, similar skin changes are diffuse.

The deposition of connective tissue macromolecules in vital organs (lungs, heart and great vessels, esophagus, intestines, etc.) in systemic scleroderma determines the severity of the disease and the patient’s life expectancy.

Clinical manifestations of joint damage in this disease are pain in the joints, limited mobility, the appearance of the so-called “tendon friction noise”, detected during a medical examination and associated with the involvement of tendons and fascia in the process, pain in the muscles surrounding the joint and muscle weakness.

Complications are possible in the form of necrosis of the distal and middle phalanges of the fingers due to disruption of their blood supply.

Markers for laboratory diagnosis of the disease are anticentromere antibodies, antibodies to topoisomerase I (Scl-70), antinuclear antibodies, antiRNA antibodies, antibodies to ribonucleoproteins.

In the treatment of the disease, in addition to immunosuppressive glucocorticosteroid and cytostatic drugs, a key role is also played by drugs that slow down fibrosis [1, 10].

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a syndrome of joint damage that develops in a small number (less than 5%) of patients suffering from psoriasis (for a description of the disease, see the corresponding section of the article “Health: non-allergic skin diseases”).

In most patients with psoriatic arthritis, clinical signs of psoriasis precede the development of the disease. However, in 15-20% of patients, signs of arthritis develop before the appearance of typical skin manifestations.

The joints of the fingers are predominantly affected, with the development of joint pain and swelling of the fingers. Characteristic deformities of the nail plates on fingers affected by arthritis. Other joints may also be involved: intervertebral and sacroiliac.

If arthritis appears before the development of skin manifestations of psoriasis or if there are foci of skin lesions only in places inaccessible for examination (perineum, scalp, etc.), the doctor may have difficulties in differential diagnosis with other autoimmune diseases of the joints.

Cytostatic drugs are used for treatment; the modern direction of therapy is preparations of antibodies to tumor necrosis factor alpha [6].

Arthritis in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease

Joint lesions can also be observed in some patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, in which joint lesions can also precede the intestinal symptoms characteristic of these diseases.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease involving all layers of the intestinal wall. It is characterized by diarrhea mixed with mucus and blood, abdominal pain (often in the right iliac region), weight loss, and fever.

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis is an ulcerative-destructive lesion of the colon mucosa, which is localized mainly in its distal parts.

Clinical picture

• bleeding from the rectum,
• frequent bowel movements,
• tenesmus - false painful urge to defecate;
• abdominal pain is less intense than with Crohn's disease and is most often localized in the left iliac region.

Joint lesions in these diseases occur in 20–40% of cases and occur in the form of arthritis (peripheral arthropathy), sacroiliitis (inflammation in the sacroiliac joint) and/or ankylosing spondylitis (as in ankylosing spondylitis).

Characterized by asymmetric, migrating damage to the joints, most often the lower extremities: knee and ankle joints, less often the elbow, hip, interphalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints. The number of affected joints usually does not exceed five.

Articular syndrome occurs with alternating periods of exacerbations, the duration of which does not exceed 3–4 months, and remissions. However, patients often complain only of pain in the joints and, upon objective examination, no changes are detected. Over time, exacerbations of arthritis become less frequent. In most patients, arthritis does not lead to joint deformation or destruction.

The severity of symptoms and the frequency of relapses decrease when the underlying disease is treated [4].

Reactive arthritis

Reactive arthritis, described in the corresponding section of the article “Infections caused by Yersinia and their effect on allergic diseases,” can develop in individuals with a hereditary tendency to autoimmune pathology.

This pathology is possible after an infection (not only Yersinia, but also other intestinal infections). For example, Shigella - the causative agent of dysentery, salmonella, campollobacter.

Also, reactive arthritis can appear due to pathogens of urogenital infections, primarily Chlamydia trachomatis.

Clinical picture

1. acute onset with signs of general malaise and fever,
2. non-infectious urethritis, conjunctivitis and arthritis affecting the toes, ankles or sacroiliac joints.

As a rule, one joint on one limb is affected (asymmetric monoarthritis).

The diagnosis of the disease is confirmed by the detection of antibodies to suspected infectious pathogens and the detection of the HLA-B27 antigen.

Treatment includes antibacterial therapy and drugs aimed at treating arthritis: NSAIDs, glucocorticosteroids, cytostatics.

The effectiveness and safety of biological therapy drugs are currently being studied [8].

Symptoms of allergic diseases in autoimmune joint diseases

For a number of autoimmune diseases that affect the joints, symptoms characteristic of allergy pathology may occur. They can often precede a detailed clinical picture of the disease. For example, recurrent urticaria may be the first manifestation of a disease such as urticarial vasculitis, which may also involve damage to joints of various locations in the form of transient joint pain or severe arthritis.

Often, urticarial vasculitis can be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, for which joint damage is characteristic.

Also, with systemic lupus erythematosus, the development in some patients of severe acquired angioedema associated with a C1 esterase inhibitor against the background of the disease has been described [2].

Thus, autoimmune diseases of the joints by their nature are more severe diseases compared to the pathology that develops against the background of their mechanical overload (osteoarthrosis, osteochondrosis). These diseases are a manifestation of systemic diseases that affect internal organs and have a poor prognosis. They require systematic medical supervision and adherence to drug treatment regimens.

Literature

1. Ya.A.Sigidin, N.G. Guseva, M.M. Ivanova “Diffuse connective tissue diseases (systemic rheumatic diseases) Moscow “Medicine” 2004 ISBN 5-225-04281.3 638 pp.
2. P.V. Kolhir Urticaria and angioedema. "Practical Medicine" Moscow 2012 UDC 616-514+616-009.863 BBK 55.8 K61 pp. 11-115, 215, 286-294
3. R.M. Khaitov, G.A. Ignatieva, I.G. Sidorovich “Immunology” Moscow “Medicine” 2002 UDC 616-092:612.017 (075.8) BBK 52.5 X19 pp. 162-176, 372-378
4. A. V. Meleshkina, S. N. Chebysheva, E. S. Zholobova, M. N. Nikolaeva “Articular syndrome in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases: the view of a rheumatologist” Medical scientific and practical journal #01/14
5. Internal diseases in 2 volumes: textbook / Ed. ON THE. Mukhina, V.S. Moiseeva, A.I. Martynova - 2010. - 1264 p.
6. Anwar Al Hammadi, MD, FRCPC; Chief Editor: Herbert S Diamond, MD "Psoriatic Arthritis" Medscape Diseases/Conditions Updated: Jan 21, 2016
7. Howard R Smith, MD; Chief Editor: Herbert S Diamond, MD "Rheumatoid Arthritis" Medscape Diseases/Conditions Updated: Jul 19, 2016
8. Carlos J Lozada, MD; Chief Editor: Herbert S Diamond, MD "Reactive Arthritis" Medscape Medical News Rheumatology Updated: Oct 31, 2015
9. Raj Sengupta, MD; Millicent A Stone, MD "The Assessment of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Clinical Practice" CME Released: 8/23/2007; Valid for credit through 8/23/2008
10. Sergio A Jimenez, MD; Chief Editor: Herbert S Diamond, MD "Scleroderma" Medscape Drugs and Diseases Updated: Oct 26, 2015

To articles »

Which doctors specialize in treating autoimmune diseases?

Here are some specialists who treat autoimmune diseases and related conditions:

• Nephrologist . A doctor who specializes in treating kidney diseases, such as kidney inflammation caused by systemic lupus erythematosus. The kidneys are organs that cleanse the blood and produce urine.
• Rheumatologist . A doctor who specializes in treating arthritis and other rheumatic diseases such as scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Endocrinologist . A doctor who specializes in the treatment of endocrine glands and hormonal diseases such as diabetes and thyroid disease.
• Neurologist . A doctor who specializes in treating nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis.
• Hematologist . A doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders, such as some forms of anemia.
• Gastroenterologist . A doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the digestive system, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
• Dermatologist . A doctor who specializes in treating skin, hair, and nail conditions such as psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Physiotherapist . A health care worker who uses appropriate forms of physical activity to help patients suffering from joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and limited body movement.
• Occupational therapist . A healthcare professional who can find ways to make a patient's daily activities easier despite pain and other health problems. It can teach a person new ways to manage daily activities or use special devices. He may also suggest making some changes to your home or workplace.
• Speech therapist . A healthcare worker who helps people with speech problems due to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
• Audiologist . A healthcare professional who can help people with hearing problems, including internal ear injuries associated with autoimmune diseases.
• Psychologist . A specially trained professional who can help you find ways to cope with your illness. You can work through your feelings of anger, fear, denial and frustration.

Suppressing mTOR activation is critical for reducing Th-17 abundance

An increase in mTOR activity promotes the production of Th-1 and Th-17 lymphocytes, which leads to an increase in various inflammations in the body, including inflammatory bowel diseases. mTOR promotes the production of a protein called hypoxia-induced factor, which increases the production of Th-17 cells. Suppression of the mTOR pathway is an important direction in reducing the activity of Th-17 cells, and thereby reducing the activity of autoimmune disease. Published by econet.ru.

Ask a question about the topic of the article here

PS And remember, just by changing your consumption, we are changing the world together! © econet

Are there medications to treat autoimmune diseases?

There are many types of medications used to treat autoimmune diseases. The type of medicines you need depends on what type of illness you have, how severe it is, and how severe your symptoms are. Treatment is primarily aimed at the following:

• Relief of symptoms . Some people may use medications to relieve minor symptoms. For example, a person may take medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen to relieve pain. For more severe symptoms, a person may need prescription medications to help relieve symptoms such as pain, swelling, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, fatigue, or rashes. In rare cases, the patient may be recommended to undergo surgery.
• Replacement therapy . Some autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and thyroid disease, can affect the body's ability to produce substances it needs to function properly. Therefore, if the body is unable to produce certain hormones, hormone replacement therapy is recommended, during which a person takes the missing synthetic hormones. Diabetes requires insulin injections to regulate blood sugar levels. Synthetic thyroid hormones restore the level of thyroid hormones in people with underactive thyroid gland.
• Suppression of the immune system . Some drugs can suppress the immune system. These drugs can help control the disease process and preserve organ function. For example, these drugs are used to control inflammation in diseased kidneys in people with systemic lupus erythematosus to help keep the kidneys healthy. Medicines used to suppress inflammation include chemotherapy, which is used for cancer but in lower doses, and drugs taken by organ transplant patients to protect against rejection. A class of drugs called anti-TNF drugs block inflammation in some forms of autoimmune arthritis and psoriasis.

New treatments for autoimmune diseases are being studied all the time.

T helper cells

Our immune system has 2 main types of immune response.

T helper type 1 (Th1)

, are responsible for innate immunity, catch the enemy and try to neutralize them immediately.

T-helper type 2 (Th2)

- This is our acquired immunity. Antibodies to detected pathogens are not immediately produced.

T helper cells

- These are lymphocytes that are responsible for catching the “enemy” and the immune response to it.

So, autoimmune diseases belong to either Th1 or Th2 type of reaction.

You need to know this in order to choose the right dietary supplements and herbs that dampen the body’s reaction, and not vice versa. There are a number of herbs and substances that stimulate one type or another of T-helper cells, and this can have an extremely negative impact on well-being.

For example, everyone’s favorite echinacea, licorice and reishi are contraindicated for me, since I have AIT and vitiligo, that is, Th1 type diseases. These substances will stimulate my type of autoimmune reaction, which will lead to even more cell damage. And again, if I take substances from the second list that stimulate Th2, then this will help achieve balance.

Diseases related to Th1:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Autoimmune thyroiditis
• Vitiligo
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic viral infections
• Graves' disease
• Crohn's disease
• Psoriasis
• Sjögren's syndrome
• Celiac disease
• Lichen planus
• Autoimmune hepatitis

What is not allowed with TH1:

1. Astragalus
2. Echinacea
3. Chlorella
4. Ashwagandha
5. Medicinal mushrooms - reishi and meitaki
6. Licorice
7. Melissa officinalis (can be used for AIT)
8. Ginseng root
9. Grape seed extract

Th2 diseases:

• Atopic eczema
• Sinusitis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Asthma
• Allergy
• lupus erythematosus
• Allergic dermatitis
• Scleroderma
• Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Ankylosing spondylitis

What is not allowed with TH2:

1. Caffeine
2. Pycnogenol
3. Lycopene
4. Green tea extract
5. White willow bark
6. Genistein - soy isoflavonoids (not for AIT, since it contains soy)
7. Quercetin
8. Gotu Kola

In general, this method has a right to exist, but it is quite hemorrhoidal... You need to constantly monitor the body’s reaction to a particular drug.

But there is a much nicer and less tricky way.

There is a third type of T cells - these are T regulatory cells T(reg)

These cells are designed to prevent autoimmune reactions and suppress Th1 and Th2 activity!!!

That is, to keep these cells in balance you just need to stimulate T-regulatory cells!

There are substances that stimulate the activity of these cells:

• vitamin D (deficiency of this vitamin can lead to autoimmune diseases in the first place)
• Glutathione
• Omega-3
• Selenium
• vitamins C and E
• probiotics
• colostrum

Are there alternative treatments for autoimmune diseases?

Many people try some form of alternative medicine to treat autoimmune diseases at some point in their lives. For example, they resort to the use of herbal remedies, resort to the services of a chiropractor, use acupuncture therapy and hypnosis. We would like to point out that if you suffer from an autoimmune disease, alternative treatments may help eliminate some of your symptoms. However, research into alternative treatments for autoimmune diseases is limited. In addition, some alternative remedies may cause health problems or interfere with other medications' ability to work. If you want to try alternative treatments, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor can tell you the possible benefits and risks of this type of treatment.

How to identify an autoimmune disease?

Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases is based on the use of laboratory methods. In a blood sample collected, doctors detect a certain type of antibody in the presence of pathology. Doctors know which antibodies are produced in which pathologies. These are unique markers of autoimmune diseases. An antibody test is no different in appearance from a conventional biochemical blood test. The sample is taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. It is impossible to independently identify autoimmune diseases - their symptoms are nonspecific.

I want to have a child. Can an autoimmune disease cause harm?

Women with autoimmune diseases can have children safely. But there may be some risks for both mother and baby, depending on the type of autoimmune disease and its severity. For example, pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus are at increased risk of preterm birth and stillbirth. Pregnant women with myasthenia gravis may have symptoms that lead to difficulty breathing during pregnancy. Some women experience relief of symptoms during pregnancy, while others experience worsening symptoms. Additionally, some medications used to treat autoimmune diseases are not safe for use during pregnancy.

If you want to have a baby, talk to your doctor before you start trying to get pregnant. Your doctor may suggest you wait until your illness is in remission or suggest changing your medications first.

Some women with autoimmune diseases may have trouble getting pregnant. This can happen for many reasons. Diagnostics can show whether fertility problems are due to an autoimmune disease or another reason. For some women with an autoimmune disease, special medications may help them become pregnant to improve their fertility.

Glutathione and autoimmune diseases

Glutathione

– an intracellular antioxidant, without which a cell simply cannot exist!

Research shows a direct link between disruption of the glutathione cycle and autoimmune diseases. Scientists believe that proper glutathione cycling is the key to taming the immune system: synthesis, processing of oxidized glutathione GSSG into reduced glutathione GSH and its utilization.

And here is the abbreviated glutathione

in supplements (I was fooled once and bought exactly this) only increases the antioxidant status, but does not in any way affect the intracellular glutathione cycle.

However, there are substances and additives that can activate the production of glutathione reductase and the synthesis of reduced glutathione.

• Selenium

- helps synthesize the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which converts GSH to GSSG

• NAC ( N-acetyl-cysteine)

- a precursor of glutathione, quickly converted into intracellular glutathione, promotes its activity.

• Alpha lipoic
acid - necessary for the utilization of glutathione
• Glycine

-precursor of glutathione

• L-glutamine -

an important element for the generation of glutathione.

• Gotu Kola

— quickly increases the amount of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione.

• Milk thistle -

increases the amount of glutathione in the body and has a positive effect on the balance of reduced and oxidized glutathione.

How can I manage autoimmune disease outbreaks?

Outbreaks of autoimmune diseases can occur suddenly and be very difficult to bear. You may notice that certain factors that cause flare-ups of your disease, such as stress or sun exposure, may make your condition worse. Knowing these factors, you can try to avoid them while undergoing treatment, which will ultimately help prevent or reduce flare-ups. If you have an outbreak, you should contact your doctor immediately.

How can you prevent autoimmune diseases?

To prevent the development of such an immune system disorder, it is important to monitor your health and maintain your immune system. Considering the progressive nature of the disease, it is important to regularly visit a doctor and undergo examination, especially if there is a genetic predisposition.

Particular attention should be paid to a balanced, healthy and rational diet. The diet should include fresh fruits, vegetables and berries, juices, and dairy products. Eliminate fatty, fried and too salty, sweet products.

Strengthen your immune system in a timely manner, the following will help you with this:

• active lifestyle;
• healthy food;
• walks in the fresh air daily;
• healthy intestines;
• rest;
• no stress.

Autoimmune diseases are insidious and dangerous, so it is important to take care of yourself and monitor your health to avoid such problems.

What else can you do to improve your condition?

If you're living with an autoimmune disease, there are things you can do every day to feel better:

• Eat healthy, well-balanced foods . Make sure your diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or low-fat dairy products, and a lean source of protein. Limit your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt and refined sugar. If you follow a healthy eating plan, you will get all the nutrients you need from food.
• Be physically active . But be careful not to overdo it. Talk to your doctor about what types of physical activity you can do. A gradual increase in loads and a gentle exercise program often has a positive effect on the well-being of people with muscle damage and joint pain. Some types of yoga or Tai Chi exercises can be very beneficial for you.
• Get plenty of rest . Rest gives your body's tissues and joints the time they need to recover. Healthy sleep is a great way to help your body and mind. If you don't get enough sleep and are stressed, your symptoms may get worse. When you don't sleep well, you also can't fight illness effectively. When you are well rested, you can better solve your problems and reduce your risk of developing disease. Most people need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep every day to feel well-rested.
• Reduce your stress levels . Stress and anxiety can cause symptoms of some autoimmune diseases to flare up. Therefore, using ways that can help you simplify your life and cope with daily stress will help you feel better. Meditation, self-hypnosis, visualization and simple relaxation techniques can help you reduce stress, control pain, and improve other aspects of life related to your illness. You can learn how to do this through books, audio and video materials or with the help of an instructor, and you can also use the stress relief methods described on this page - How to Get Rid of Stress - Top 10 Ways.

What to do to feel better?

If you have an autoimmune disease, constantly follow a few simple rules, do this every day, and your health will be stable:

• Nutrition should take into account the nature of the disease. Make sure to eat enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or low-fat dairy products and plant proteins. Limit saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and excess sugar. If you follow the principles of a healthy diet, then you will get all the necessary substances from food.
• Exercise regularly at a moderate level . Talk to your doctor about what kind of physical activity is right for you. A gradual and gentle exercise program works well for people with long-term muscle and joint pain. Some forms of yoga and tai chi may help.
• Get enough rest . Rest allows tissues and joints to recover. Sleep is the best way to rest for the body and brain. If you don't get enough sleep, your stress levels and symptom severity increase. When you're well-rested, you solve your problems more effectively and reduce your risk of illness. Most people need 7 to 9 hours of sleep every day to rest.
• Avoid frequent stress . Stress and anxiety can cause flare-ups of some autoimmune diseases. Therefore, you need to look for ways to optimize your life in order to cope with daily stress and improve your condition. Meditation, self-hypnosis, visualization, and simple relaxation techniques will help relieve stress, reduce pain, and cope with other aspects of your life with illness. You can learn this from tutorials, videos or with the help of an instructor. Join a support group or talk to a psychologist for help reducing stress and managing your illness.

You have the power to reduce pain! Try using these images for 15 minutes, two or three times every day:

1. Turn on your favorite soothing music.
2. Sit in your favorite chair or on the sofa. If you are at work, you can sit back and relax in your chair.
3. Close your eyes.
4. Imagine your pain or discomfort.
5. Imagine something that resists this pain and watch how your pain is “destroyed”.

Symptoms

There are several options for the development of symptoms of an autoimmune disease. In general, they are characterized by the following processes:

• inflammation, redness of the skin;
• itching;
• deterioration of health;
• general weakness.

Depending on the type of skin disease, there are some differences in the clinical picture of the disease, which is manifested in different symptoms and the depth of damage to the epidermis. Frequent symptoms:

• The appearance of a rash in the form of blisters on different parts of the skin. The bubble can be of different sizes, most often appear on the mucous membrane and folds of the skin - this is how pemphigus manifests itself.
• The appearance of deep red spots that infiltrate and turn into plaques; foci of inflammation are painful; when they develop into chronic inflammation, the foci atrophy (the skin turns pale and thins). These are the general symptoms of lupus erythematosus.
• The appearance of bluish or yellowish-brown spots of different sizes. The affected area gradually grows; at the peak of acute inflammation, plaques form in the middle of the spot, and scars may appear. These are the common symptoms of scleroderma.

Each of the above diseases can have a wide range of different symptoms, for example, pemphigus can have a number of the following manifestations:

• Nikolsky’s symptom – sliding of the upper layers of the epidermis of seemingly unaffected skin;
• Asbo-Hansen's symptom - when pressing on the bubble, its area increases;
• symptom of peripheral growth and others.

• What is Addison's disease - causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of adrenal insufficiency
• Main clinical symptoms and syndromes of infectious diseases
• How to identify diseases by the hands - the main signs of organ diseases on the skin and nails

Treatment

In the treatment of autoimmune reactions, corticosteroids are widely used, which show positive results in treatment. In some cases, therapy also includes hormonal medications and physical therapy. Intolerance to hormonal medications and corticosteroids is common among patients. In such cases, only drug therapy and symptomatic treatment of autoimmune diseases are prescribed.

Autoimmune therapy

After a comprehensive diagnosis, the doctor decides how to treat autoimmune diseases in a particular case. Individual organs, tissues and blood vessels damaged by their own cells can be brought back to normal by drugs called immunosuppressants. These medications are specifically designed to suppress the activity of aggressive lymphocytes. Such drugs are effective for, for example, hemolytic anemia, when a lack of red blood cells is detected. Immunosuppressants include the following drugs:

• prednisolone;
• cyclophosphamide;
• azathioprine;
• methotrexate.

The above drugs show positive results in treatment, but have a large number of side effects. For example, prednisolone acts on many levels and can affect metabolism, cause edema, Cushing's syndrome (moon face), and affect almost all organs and systems. When prescribing medications for treatment, a doctor always takes into account the potential harm from taking the medication and the danger to the body if the drug is not prescribed.

When to see a doctor

A person who has discovered rashes on the skin should consult a dermatologist. The doctor will refer you for examinations to confirm the diagnosis.

The patient can be redirected to specialized specialists:

• endocrinologist;
• nephrologist;
• immunologist;
• neurologist;
• cardiologist.

Systemic lupus is often associated with chronic infections. Therefore, a visit to an infectious disease specialist is recommended. If you suspect alopecia on the scalp, you should contact a trichologist. This is a specialist with a narrow profile who will carry out comprehensive diagnostic measures and prescribe a therapeutic regimen.

What are autoimmune skin diseases

All diseases that appear as a result of aggressively acting cells of the immune system on healthy cells of the body are called autoimmune. More often, such diseases are systemic, since they affect not only an individual organ, but also entire systems, and sometimes the entire body. Autoimmune skin disease is an example of one of the many ailments that arise due to the fault of the immune system. In this case, the cells of the entire skin are mistakenly attacked by specific immune bodies.

And why is this so important!

Autoimmune diseases are among the most difficult to treat immune system disorders, writes Stethnews.

Autoimmune diseases
are a class of diseases, heterogeneous in clinical manifestations, that develop as a result of the pathological production of autoimmune antibodies or the proliferation of autoaggressive clones of killer cells against healthy, normal tissues of the body, leading to damage and destruction of normal tissues, and the development of autoimmune inflammation.

shutterstock
There are many types of autoimmune diseases, including:

1. Diabetes mellitus type 1.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Lupus.
4. Thyroid disease.
5. Multiple sclerosis.
6. Psoriasis
7. Celiac disease.

Autoimmune disorders are often unrecognized or misdiagnosed because their symptoms are so similar to other diseases. That's why it's important to know the symptoms of diseases that can trigger an immune response, causing the body to attack itself. Typically, autoimmune diseases cause:

• weight loss or gain;
• insomnia;
• joint and muscle pain and numbness;
• inability to concentrate;
• fatigue;
• stomach pain, diarrhea, or blood in the stool;
• hair loss or white patches on the skin or mouth;
• dry eyes, skin or oral mucosa;
• increased blood clotting;
• miscarriages;
• cold or heat intolerance.

everydayhealth

Main symptoms

Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system does not attack infections or pathological cells, but the body's own tissues. This occurs due to malfunctions in its work, hereditary predisposition, exposure to harmful factors and suffered nervous shocks.

The spectrum of autoimmune diseases is extensive, and each of them has specific manifestations, for example, with multiple sclerosis, a person loses the ability to move independently, and with celiac disease, he cannot tolerate gluten.

Clinical picture - symptoms

There are a lot of autoimmune diseases, each disease has its own characteristics in the clinical picture, so it is difficult to determine common symptoms.

The diseases listed above develop gradually and, as a rule, haunt a person throughout his life.

The most common autoimmune diseases:

1. With rheumatoid arthritis, the patient's small joints are affected. As the disease progresses, severe pain, swelling, fever, and general muscle weakness occur.
2. The second equally common autoimmune disease is multiple sclerosis. The second name is nerve ending disease. With multiple sclerosis, the patient begins to feel strange tactile sensations and sharply loses body weight. In addition to these symptoms, this disease also causes muscle spasms and memory impairment.
3. With diabetes, there is frequent urination and the person is constantly thirsty. In type 1 diabetes, a person depends on insulin throughout his life.
4. One of the most dangerous autoimmune diseases is vasculitis. With this disease, damage to the circulatory system occurs. The affected vessel becomes fragile as the disease progresses, so they bleed from the inside. As a rule, the prognosis for vasculitis is unfavorable.
5. Systemic diseases also include lupus erythematosus. This disease harms the entire body. Clinical picture: pain in the heart area, red spots of irregular shape on the skin, itching occurs.
6. When a patient develops huge blisters on the surface of the skin, the disease is called pemphigus. The blisters themselves are filled with lymph, and the disease is accompanied by a pronounced clinical picture.
7. The autoimmune disease Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which affects the thyroid gland. The patient experiences drowsiness, the skin becomes rough, and there is an increase in body weight.
8. Graves' disease also affects the thyroid gland. The main mechanism for the development of an autoimmune disease is that the thyroid gland begins to actively produce hormones, in particular thyroxine. Therefore, this disease can be distinguished from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by its symptoms. With Graves' disease, weight loss occurs and nervous irritability occurs.

A common autoimmune disease is scleroderma, a chronic connective tissue disease. Clinical picture: degenerative changes are observed not only in the joints and skin, changes also affect internal organs.

Diagnostics

At the initial stage, a physical examination of the patient is prescribed, and a family history is also collected.

Laboratory diagnostics: blood test (general), blood test for autoantibodies.

General diagnosis: biopsy, a tissue sample is taken from the affected area.

Instrumental diagnostics include x-rays and tomography.

Treatment methods

Is it possible to fight this pathology? Today, treatment of the autoimmune process is carried out quite successfully thanks to numerous studies by specialists. When prescribing medications, doctors take into account that the immune system is the main factor that negatively affects the body. Accordingly, therapy is designed to reduce its activity or restore the necessary balance.

For autoimmune diseases, medications are prescribed:

1. Immunosuppressants. Such drugs have a depressing effect on the functioning of the immune system. This category includes: antimetabolites, cytostatics, corticosteroid hormones, some antibiotics. The use of these drugs allows you to stop the inflammatory process and significantly reduce the activity of the immune system. However, immunosuppressants have a number of negative reactions. After all, they affect the entire body. Sometimes hematopoiesis may be impaired, high susceptibility to infection may occur, and internal organs may be affected. That is why these medications can only be prescribed by a doctor, after a complete check of the body. In this case, therapy must be carried out under the supervision of a competent specialist.
2. Immunomodulators. These medications are prescribed to achieve a balance between the various components of the immune system. As a rule, these medications are of natural origin. The most commonly prescribed drugs are: Alfetin, Echinacea purpurea, Rhodiola rosea, Ginseng extract.

What does a person feel?

The symptoms of autoimmune diseases are varied, often similar to the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections. At the initial stage, the disease does not make itself felt and develops very slowly.
Afterwards, a person may feel muscle pain and dizziness. The cardiovascular system is gradually affected. Intestinal upset appears, diseases of the joints, nervous system, kidneys, liver and lungs may occur. Often with autoimmune disease there are skin diseases and other types of ailments that complicate the diagnostic process. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease caused by spasm of small blood vessels in the fingers. The main symptom is a change in skin color under stress or low temperature. The limbs are first affected, after which the disease is localized to other parts of the body and organs. The thyroid gland, lungs and stomach are most often affected.

Thyroiditis begins with an inflammatory process in the thyroid gland, which favors the formation of antibodies and lymphocytes, which then begin to fight the body.

Vasculitis occurs when the integrity of blood vessels is damaged. The symptoms are as follows: lack of appetite, poor general health, the skin becomes pale.

Vitiligo is a chronic skin disease. It appears as many white spots, in these places the skin is devoid of melanin. Such areas, in turn, can merge into one large spot.

Multiple sclerosis is another disease included in the list of autoimmune diseases. It is chronic and affects the nervous system, forming foci of destruction of the myelin sheath of the nerves of the spinal cord and brain. The surface of the central nervous system tissues also suffers: scars form on them, as neurons are replaced by connective tissue cells. Around the world, 2 million people suffer from this disease.

Alopecia – pathological hair loss occurs. Bald or thinning areas appear on the body.

Autoimmune hepatitis: refers to an autoimmune liver disease. It is chronically inflammatory in nature.

Allergy is a reaction of the immune system to various allergens. In an enhanced mode, the production of antibodies occurs, as a result of which characteristic rashes appear on the human body.

Crohn's disease is a disease in which inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract occurs periodically.

The most common pathologies of autoimmune origin are: diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, pancreatitis, diffuse infiltration of the thyroid gland, vitiligo. According to statistics, the growth of these diseases is constantly increasing.

List of diseases

Autoimmune diseases form a large list, so let’s look at the most common ones. All these diseases can be divided into two groups, depending on the location of the lesion.

Organ-specific diseases

In this case, the pathological process affects a specific organ, for example, the liver.

• Autoimmune hepatitis.
• Autoimmune pancreatitis.
• Crohn's disease.
• Celiac disease.
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
• Graves' disease.
• Type 1 diabetes.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Psoriasis.
• Vitiligo.
• Pemphigus.
• Goodpasture's syndrome.
• Autoimmune myocarditis.
• Fibrosing alveolitis.
• Sjögren's syndrome.

Systemic diseases

In this case, the process affects a certain system, for example, the hematopoietic system.

• Vasculitis.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Scleroderma.
• Hemolytic anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenic purpura.
• Myasthenia.

Who is at risk of getting sick and what are the complications?

An autoimmune disease can manifest itself not only in adults. A number of pathologies are common in children:

• ankylosing spondylitis (spine suffers);
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• nodular periarthritis;
• systemic lupus.

The first two types of the disease affect the joints and are accompanied by inflammation of the cartilage and severe pain. Lupus erythematosus affects internal organs, is accompanied by rashes, and periarthritis has a negative effect on the arteries.

Pregnant women constitute a special category of people susceptible to autoimmune disease. Women naturally have a risk of getting the disease 5 times higher than the stronger half, and this most often occurs during their reproductive years.

Typically, pregnant women experience Hashimoto's disease, multiple sclerosis, thyroid problems and systemic lupus erythematosus. During the period of bearing a child, some diseases tend to decrease and become chronic, and in the postpartum period they can sharply worsen. It is important to know that autoimmune diseases, the symptoms of which are described above, can cause significant harm to the mother and fetus.

Timely diagnosis and treatment of a woman during pregnancy planning will help avoid severe pathologies and identify the disease.

Interesting fact: not only people suffer from autoimmune diseases, but also pets. Dogs and cats are most often affected. They may have:

• myasthenia gravis (affects nerves and muscles);
• immune thrombocytopenia;
• systemic lupus erythematosus, which can affect any organ;
• hemolytic anemia;
• pemphigus foliaceus;
• joint disease - polyarthritis.

If a sick pet is not given timely help, for example, injected with immunosuppressants or corticosteroids (to reduce the strong activity of the immune system), then he may die. Autoimmune diseases themselves practically do not occur. As a rule, they appear due to weakening of the body by other diseases: during or after myocardial infarction, tonsillitis, herpes, viral hepatitis, cytomegalovirus. Many autoimmune diseases are chronic and worsen from time to time, mainly during the favorable period for them in the fall and spring. Complications can be so serious that the patient’s organs are often damaged and he becomes disabled. If an autoimmune pathology arose as a concomitant disease, then it goes away when the patient is cured of the underlying disease.

To date, science does not know the exact causes of autoimmune diseases. It is only known that internal and external factors that can disrupt the functioning of the immune system influence their appearance. External factors are considered stress and unfavorable environment.

Internal is the inability of lymphocytes to distinguish between their own and foreign cells. Some lymphocytes are programmed to fight infections, and some are programmed to eliminate diseased cells. And when the second part of the lymphocytes malfunctions, the process of destruction of normal cells begins, and this becomes the cause of an autoimmune disease.

Stress. Mental stress. Mental stress relief

We know how to work with stress and its consequences. Stress not only depletes the nervous system, but also disrupts metabolism and immune function. During stressful situations, the body's functions are reorganized to prepare for a physical response to danger (to run, to fight). Being stuck in stress for a long time, in “combat readiness,” occurs to the detriment of the body’s current needs, and chronic diseases get out of control. Exacerbation of autoimmune diseases is especially characteristic. In most cases, the course of the disease can be significantly alleviated by preventing the influence of mental stress on the body.

The nature of stress . Stress is the body’s overpowering response to dangerous circumstances. The stress response to danger is provided by the evolutionarily ancient lower parts of the brain, which we inherited from fish (the autonomic nervous system).

Stress in humans, like in any animal, leads to an increase in the physical capabilities of the body (running fast, fighting, etc.), due to previously accumulated resources. All this happens independently of consciousness.

For example, someone yelled at you. In response, your heart began to beat, pumping blood into the muscles, the muscles tensed, the pupil dilated to improve vision, breathing became more active, saturating the muscles with oxygen, although you are not in physical danger and a forceful response is not required.

The stress response has not changed much in the process of evolution - under stress, the body prepares to repel a physical threat, even if no one is physically threatening.

In a social person, such reactions are usually not realized in behavior, and therefore remain for a long time in the form of an unrealized behavioral reaction. What if you are emotional, but control your behavior very well? This means that the nervous system will keep the body in an overactivated state for a long time, expending a huge amount of resources. .

In this case, there is a gradual depletion of the nervous system and metabolic disorder.

Stress and immunity. In chronic stress, the immune system becomes more aggressive, but is quickly depleted, losing the focus of the immune response.

In response to the introduction of an infection, a very strong, but insufficiently targeted response is possible, with an immune attack against the body’s own tissues:

• antimyelin process
• inflammation of peripheral nerves, muscles, joints, etc.

Therefore, in the treatment of autoimmune diseases of the nervous system:

• multiple sclerosis,
• disseminated encephalomyelitis,
• polyneuropathy, etc.

We often use modern antidepressants and psychotherapeutic treatment.

Reducing stress in the nervous system leads to significant changes in laboratory indicators of immune status and well-being.

Diagnostics

The first stage of diagnosing autoimmune encephalitis is based on taking a medical history. This is a survey of complaints, a search for symptoms. If the patient cannot speak, his relatives or guardians are interviewed.

Based on identified symptoms, the doctor gives directions for laboratory and instrumental studies. Since patients with autoimmune encephalitis have pronounced neurological signs, the therapist will refer the patient to a neurologist. He looks for the following symptoms:

• degree of consciousness (complete or absent);
• ability to think, intelligence;
• speech quality;
• degree of development of reflexes;
• vision and eye movement.

Neurological symptoms are excluded: convulsions, tremors, headache, slurred speech. After this, laboratory tests are prescribed to assess the condition of the body and exclude certain diseases:

1. Complete blood count, biochemistry (assessment of blood condition, detection of C-reactive protein, hemoglobin amount, leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which allows identifying inflammation).
2. General urine test (performed for registration).
3. MRI or CT scan of the brain (only one of the studies is carried out to reduce the radioactive effect) reveals the structure of the brain, foci of atrophy, inflammation, demyelination of fibers (lack of a myelin protective sheath), neoplasms, and bleeding.
4. Lumbar puncture is a method of removing cerebrospinal fluid, carried out using a puncture between the vertebrae, which allows identifying inflammation, infection, and fungi.

Important! Making such a complex diagnosis as autoimmune encephalitis is only possible if all methods are used, since, based on only one of them, diagnoses can be confused.

Diagnosis of autoimmune pathology

When autoimmune disorders occur, the body signals the pathological condition with clinical symptoms. A person can understand that the appearance of incomprehensible ailments and the development of pathogenesis in a certain organ are associated precisely with abnormal deviations in the functioning of the immune system, using a special blood test for the presence of aggressive antibodies aimed at destroying healthy cells of the body.

The main diagnostic method used for these purposes is called ELISA - enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It includes several types of laboratory tests, for example, detection of antibodies to cardiolipins, DNA, thyroid cells, beta-glycoprotein, etc. The specialist prescribes a certain type of analysis based on the medical history of the sick patient.

Next, having in hand an autoimmune diagnostic report that confirms an increased level of “killer” immunoglobulins, the person is placed under the supervision of a specialized doctor specializing in the treatment of the established disease, this may be one of the specialists in such areas as:

• gastroenterology;
• rheumatology;
• dermatology;
• nephrology;
• cardiology;
• endocrinology;
• urology;
• pulmonology;
• hematology;
• neurology.

The appropriate doctor is developing a treatment regimen for an autoimmune disease with the prescription of drugs that inhibit the production of antibodies, hormonal drugs or immunomodulatory medications. Which type of drug will be appropriate to use depends on the individual case - the characteristics of the dissonance that has arisen in the immune system.