- 1. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- 2. Rheumatoid arthritis
- 3. Multiple sclerosis
- 4. Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- 5. Hemolytic anemia
- 6. Vitiligo
- 7. Sjogren's syndrome
- 8. Type 1 diabetes
Autoimmune diseases are those characterized by the response of the immune system against the organism itself, in which healthy cells are destroyed by the immune system, which can result in some diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, hemolytic anemia and Crohn's disease, for example, which they must be identified and treated according to the doctor's guidance.
The diagnosis of autoimmune diseases is usually made by observing the signs and symptoms presented by the person, which varies according to the disease, and by means of immunological, molecular and imaging tests.
The main autoimmune diseases are:
1. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus, also known as SLE, is an autoimmune disease in which the body's defense cells attack healthy body cells, resulting in inflammation in the joints, eyes, kidneys and skin, for example. This disease happens due to genetic mutations that appear during fetal development and, therefore, it is normal for the signs and symptoms of SLE to appear in young patients.
Main symptoms: Lupus symptoms appear in outbreaks, that is, the person has periods without symptoms and others with symptoms, this period being usually triggered by factors that interfere with the functioning of the immune system or that favor the appearance of clinical manifestations, such as use of some medications or prolonged exposure to the sun.
The main symptom of SLE is the appearance of a red spot on the face in the shape of a butterfly, and there may also be pain in the joints, excessive tiredness and the appearance of sores in the mouth and nose. In the presence of these symptoms, the general practitioner or rheumatologist indicates the performance of urine and blood tests that help to conclude the diagnosis, with the presence of large amounts of protein in the urine, changes in the blood count and the presence of autoantibodies.
How is the treatment: Treatment for SLE should be done according to the recommendation of the rheumatologist or general practitioner and aims to relieve symptoms and prevent them from appearing frequently and extensively, as this disease has no cure. Thus, the doctor can indicate the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
Understand how the diagnosis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus is made.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the joints due to the action of the immune system against the body itself. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still not very clear, but it is believed that some factors may favor the development of this disease, such as infection by viruses or bacteria for example.
Main symptoms: The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, as in lupus, can appear and disappear without any explanation, the main one being redness, swelling and pain in the joint. In addition, stiffness and difficulty in moving the joint, fever, tiredness and malaise can be observed. Learn to recognize the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
How is the treatment: The treatment should be recommended by the rheumatologist or general practitioner, and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms is usually indicated. In addition, it is important that physical therapy is performed to avoid limiting the range of motion of the joint.
3. Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is characterized by the destruction of the myelin sheath, which is the structure that covers neurons and allows the transmission of the nervous impulse by the cells of the immune system, resulting in the involvement of the nervous system.
Main symptoms: The symptoms of multiple sclerosis are progressive, that is, they worsen as the nervous system is involved, resulting in muscle weakness, excessive tiredness, tingling in the arms or legs, difficulty walking, fecal or urinary incontinence, visual changes and memory loss, for example. Thus, as the disease progresses, the person becomes increasingly dependent, which directly interferes with their quality of life.
How it is treated: Treatment for multiple sclerosis usually involves using medications to prevent disease progression and to promote symptom relief, such as anti-inflammatories, immunoglobulins and corticosteroids. In addition, it is important that the person performs physical therapy sessions regularly so that the muscles are constantly activated and thus complete atrophy can be avoided. Check out in the video below how the physiotherapy treatment of multiple sclerosis should be:
4. Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is characterized by inflammation of the thyroid due to the attack of the immune system to the thyroid cells, resulting in an increased or normal activity of the thyroid, which is soon followed by a low activity, developing a hypothyroidism.
Main symptoms: The symptoms related to Hashimoto's thyroiditis are similar to those of hypothyroidism, with excessive tiredness, hair loss, cold and pale skin, low intolerance to cold, easy weight gain and muscle or joint pain.
As the symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis are the same as those of hypothyroidism, the endocrinologist needs the person to perform some tests that evaluate the functioning of the thyroid in order to confirm the autoimmune disease and, thus, the most appropriate treatment can be started. Thus, the measurement of T3, T4 and TSH can be recommended, in addition to the measurement of thyroid antiperoxidase, also called anti-TPO, which is an antibody produced by the immune system that is increased in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Learn more about anti-TPO and what it means when it's high.
How is the treatment: The treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis is only indicated by the endocrinologist when the person has symptoms, in which case it is recommended to perform hormone replacement with Levothyroxine for a period of 6 months. It is also important to pay attention to food, eating foods rich in iodine, zinc and selenium, for example, which are nutrients that favor the proper functioning of the thyroid.
5. Hemolytic anemia
Hemolytic anemia happens when the immune system starts to produce antibodies that work by destroying red blood cells, causing anemia. This type of anemia is more common in young adults and it is not yet known exactly why there is production of antibodies against red blood cells, however it is believed that the dysregulation of the immune system by some infection, the use of some medications or the presence of autoimmune disease may favor the occurrence of hemolytic anemia.
Main symptoms: The symptoms of hemolytic anemia are related to the decrease in the amount of red blood cells, hemoglobin and, consequently, oxygen circulating in the blood, with weakness, pallor, loss of appetite, headache, weak nails, memory failure, skin drought and indisposition.
Although it is often not possible to identify the cause of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, it is important that diagnostic tests are performed to check for diseases or triggering factors, such as blood count, reticulocyte count, bilirubin measurement and immunological tests, such as the test of direct coombs.
How is the treatment: The treatment indicated by the doctor usually involves the use of drugs to regulate the activity of the immune system, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. In addition, in some cases the doctor may indicate the removal of the spleen, called a splenectomy, since it is in this organ that red blood cells are destroyed. Understand how the treatment for hemolytic anemia is done.
6. Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a disease characterized by the destruction of melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for the production of melanin, a substance responsible for skin color. The cause of vitiligo is still not very clear, however it is often associated with dysregulation of the immune system, leading to the destruction of melanocytes by the immune system's own cells.
Main symptoms: Due to the destruction of melanin-producing cells, several white spots appear on the skin, which is characteristic of vitiligo. These spots appear more frequently in places that are more exposed to the sun, such as hands, arms, face and lips.
How is the treatment: The treatment of vitiligo should be guided by the dermatologist, as the person needs to have several skin care, since it is more sensitive, in addition to the need to apply creams and ointments with corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, in addition to need for phototherapy.
7. Sjogren's syndrome
This syndrome is characterized by the production of autoantibodies responsible for chronic and progressive inflammation of the body's glands, such as salivary and lacrimal glands, resulting in dryness of mucous membranes.
Main symptoms: As the glands responsible for hydrating the eyes and mouth are affected, for example, the main symptoms observed are dry eyes and mouth, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in speaking for a long time, greater sensitivity to light, feeling of redness in the eyes. eyes and increased risk of infections.
This disease can happen only due to changes in immunity or associated with other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and scleroderma. For this reason, it is important that the doctor requests the search for autoantibodies to check if there is another associated disease and, therefore, indicate the best treatment.
How is the treatment: The treatment indicated by the doctor aims to alleviate the symptoms presented and the use of artificial saliva and lubricating eye drops, in addition to anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs, may be indicated. See other treatment options for Sjogren's syndrome.
8. Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disease, because it happens due to the attack of the immune cells to the pancreatic cells responsible for the production of insulin, with no recognition of the amount of circulating glucose, which causes more and more glucose to accumulate in the blood. blood. It is more common in children and adolescents, but it can also happen in young adults.
Main symptoms: The main symptoms related to type 1 diabetes are frequent urge to urinate, extreme thirst, excessive hunger and weight loss for no apparent reason.
It is important that the doctor performs other tests in addition to fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin to diagnose type 1 diabetes, as the symptoms are similar to those of type 2 diabetes. Know the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
How is the treatment: For this type of diabetes the endocrinologist must indicate the use of insulin in several doses during the day or in the form of a pump, because the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. In this way, it is possible to keep the blood glucose levels regulated.
