Autoimmune disorders can be crippling. The complexity of autoimmune issues can create true obstacles to receiving proper care. It was often very difficult to be taken seriously in the past when bringing symptoms of autoimmune disorders to care providers. What’s more, we now know that many diseases and disorders that were previously thought to have different origins are actually rooted in overactive autoimmune responses.

Here at Functional and Metabolic Medicine of Colorado, it’s not uncommon for us to see patients who have been living with undiagnosed autoimmune disorders for years. An autoimmune disorder can result in destruction of body tissue, abnormal growth of an organ and changes in organ function. Identifying an autoimmune disorder is the first step to restoring quality of life. Treatment involves a process of identifying the disorder, eliminating triggers and managing flare-up episodes.

Signs and Symptoms of Autoimmune Disorders

An autoimmune disease is a condition that causes your immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissue. Your body can tell the difference between healthy tissue and foreign cells like viruses and bacteria under normal circumstances. However, the immune system can sometimes attack healthy tissue by releasing proteins called autoantibodies. It’s not entirely known why this occurs. We do know that certain illnesses or allergies can cause the immune system to go into overdrive. While some autoimmune disorders attack specific organs or parts of the body, others attack the whole body. Here’s a look at the most common signs of an autoimmune issue:

  • Fatigue.
  • Achy muscles.
  • Swelling.
  • Low-grade fever.
  • Trouble concentrating.
  • Numbness and tingling.
  • Hair loss.
  • Skin rashes.
  • Digestive issues.
  • Mood issues.

Autoimmune dysfunction can also trigger specific autoimmune diseases that have their own highly specific symptoms. For instance, a person with irritable bowel disease (IBD) will have stomach pain and bloating. A person with type-1 diabetes may experience weight loss and extreme thirst. Frequency of symptoms also varies. Some autoimmune diseases create constant symptoms. Others will create periods of dormancy followed by flare-up periods. This is especially common with skin-related conditions like psoriasis. Autoimmune diseases can impact the blood vessels, connective tissue, endocrine glands (thyroid or pancreas), joints, muscles, red blood cells and skin.

When to See a Doctor for an Autoimmune Disease

It’s so important to see a doctor right away if you’re experiencing symptoms of an autoimmune disease. Early intervention can often help to prevent damage to organs and body systems. Getting answers early on can also help to prevent unnecessary suffering. Conditions like type 1 diabetes require careful monitoring and lifestyle management to protect your health. While not all autoimmune disorders can be reversed, many can be carefully managed.

Causes of Autoimmune Conditions

There is still so much to learn about why the body sometimes attacks healthy tissue. The one thing we do know is that a person with an autoimmune disorder has an immune system that is unable to distinguish between healthy tissue and potentially harmful antigens. One common theory is that factors like microorganisms or drugs can trigger biochemical changes that confuse the immune system. Researchers also believe that there are genetic components that help to determine who may be at greater risk for developing autoimmune diseases.

Risk Factors for Autoimmune Diseases

Anyone can develop an autoimmune disorder. However, exposure to certain viruses may put a person at greater risk. An example would be the link between an autoimmune disorder like multiple sclerosis (MS) and infectious mononucleosis. Gender is also a risk factor for autoimmune diseases. According to the Global Autoimmune Institute, 78 percent of people diagnosed with autoimmune conditions are female. We also know that up to 95 percent of people diagnosed with specific conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren’s syndrome are female. Obesity, an existing autoimmune condition, genetics, infections, certain medications, smoking and exposure to toxins are also considered risk factors for developing an autoimmune condition.

Complications

Autoimmune conditions can be debilitating. Unfortunately, some autoimmune disorders can be fatal if they aren’t managed properly. Many people also face loss of mobility, chronic pain, low energy and reduced quality of life.

Get Help for an Autoimmune Condition From a Functional Medicine Doctor Near Denver

Dr. Susan Sipay at Functional and Metabolic Medicine of Colorado in Littleton understands the confusion, pain and frustration that can come with living with an autoimmune condition that isn’t being treated properly. That’s why we strive to offer cutting-edge, highly personalized care for autoimmune conditions of all types here at our functional medicine office near Denver. When you visit us, we’ll work with you to complete a full assessment that helps us to unmask the root causes of your condition. Book your consultation by contacting us at (720) 791-2911 or sipaymd@functionalmetabolicmedicine.com today.