What is autoimmune disease?Image Credit source: Getty Images
When our body’s immune system starts attacking healthy cells and organs, it is called autoimmune disease. Under normal conditions, our immune system protects the body from bacteria, viruses and other harmful elements. But if autoimmune disease occurs, then the system starts damaging the healthy cells of our body considering them as enemies. Due to this, problems like pain in joints, itching on the skin, enlargement of thyroid can occur. Apart from this, our intestines, veins and other organs can be affected by it.
It is said that there are about 80 types, the most important of which are rheumatoid arthritis, type-1 diabetes, and Hashimoto thyroiditis. Experts say that hormonal changes and genetics may be the reasons for this. Let us tell you through experts whether it can be cured permanently.
Can autoimmune diseases be cured?
Dr. Mansi Nigam (Consultant Physician, Kailash Deepak Hospital) says that I am often asked this question. The simple answer is that at present there is no complete cure for most autoimmune diseases. But the good thing is that they can be controlled to a great extent and many people live a completely normal and active life with them.
In fact, in autoimmune diseases, our immune system, which is supposed to protect us from infection, mistakenly attacks healthy parts of the body. This is the reason why these diseases often last for a long time. Right now we do not have any treatment that can completely eliminate them forever.
When does the disease go into remission
But these can definitely be controlled. The aim of treatment is to reduce excessive activity of the immune system, reduce inflammation in the body, control symptoms and protect the affected organs from damage. In many people the disease also goes into remission. That is, for a long time the symptoms become very less or do not persist at all. But remission does not mean that the disease is gone forever, because it can become active again.
Therefore, the sooner the disease is detected, the better it is. Taking your medicines on time, getting regular follow up from the doctor, keeping the body active, getting good sleep, reducing stress and eating a balanced diet, all these things help in managing the disease in a better way. Our aim is not just to treat the symptoms, but to keep you healthy for a long time and improve your quality of life.
