Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders that occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. These diseases can affect various parts of the body, including the joints, skin and even organs such as the kidneys, lungs, and heart.

I was only twelve years old when I first noticed symptoms. Could I be sure thay they related to an autoimmune disease? No! I was only twelve and definitely had no idea what an autoimmune disease was and neither did my family. I had never even heard of lupus until later in life.

I am going to shorten autoimmune to ‘AI’ as I use it a lot. Please don’t mistake this for Artificial Intelligence.

Although there are genetic factors – in my case no one in my family (that I knew of) had an AI. As I mentioned before in other blogs – consultants would refer to my symptoms as ‘child development’ – growing pains, body changes etc. What a load of crock that turned out to be (as some would say in America).

The issues I had went on for many years and it wasn’t until I was 19 that I got my first diagnosis – Fibromyalgia. At that time Fibromyalgia was not recognised as an official disease but more like, something in the mind. It made me feel crazy and I wasn’t tested for Lupus until I was in my early 30’s, so I had a long period of time when I felt like it was ‘all in my head’.

I was dealing with the physical challenges and the mental side of things, all from a young age and if I had known more about AI from the start I could of steered my way to an earlier diagnosis. During half of my consultations, I skimmed over many of my symptoms, there were so many and it was hard to know what was most relevant so I didn’t mention everything – this is a big mistake many of us make – its really important to mention everything – even the smallest of symptoms can be an indication of AI.

Understanding AI diseases is essential for individuals who are affected by them, as well as healthcare providers and researchers who work to diagnose and treat them.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Immune system function: The immune system is designed to protect the body against foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system becomes overactive and attacks healthy tissues and organs in the body.

2. Genetic factors: Some autoimmune diseases have a genetic component, meaning that individuals may inherit genes that increase their risk of developing these conditions. However, environmental factors such as infections, toxins, and stress may also play a role in triggering the development of autoimmune diseases.

3. Common autoimmune diseases: Some of the most common autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and psoriasis.

4. Causes of autoimmune diseases: While the exact cause of autoimmune diseases is not yet fully understood, research suggests that a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of these conditions. Certain infections, medications, and toxins may trigger an autoimmune response in susceptible individuals.

5. Common autoimmune diseases: There are more than 80 known autoimmune diseases, and they can affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Some of the most common autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and psoriasis.

6. Symptoms of autoimmune diseases: Symptoms of autoimmune diseases can vary widely depending on the affected organ or tissue. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, fever, and gastrointestinal issues. These symptoms may come and go or may persist over time.

7. Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases: Diagnosing autoimmune diseases can be challenging, as many of the symptoms can be vague and non-specific. Blood tests, imaging studies, and biopsies may be used to help diagnose these conditions.

8. Treatment of autoimmune diseases: There is no cure for autoimmune diseases, but treatments can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment options may include medications, lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and yoga.

9. Living with autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. It is essential to work with healthcare providers to manage symptoms and develop coping strategies. Support from family, friends, and support groups can also be helpful in managing these conditions.

Autoimmune diseases are complex conditions that can affect multiple organs and systems in the body. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions can help individuals affected by autoimmune diseases manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Having a better understanding of autoimmune diseases can help individuals and healthcare providers improve detection, management, and prevention of these conditions. By understanding the underlying mechanisms and risk factors for autoimmune diseases, individuals can take steps to improve their quality of life and contribute to ongoing research and innovation in this field.