Autoimmune Diseases

More than 80 different autoimmune diseases exist, which together affect more than 24 million Americans. At SlimWell, a virtual weight-loss and rheumatology practice based in Richmond Heights, Ohio, and serving adults living in Ohio, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah and Colorado, Dr. Carmen Gota, MD, offers excellent autoimmune disease care. If you suspect you have diabetes, psoriasis, or inflammatory bowel disease, or if you’re looking to improve symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, or skin problems, the practice offers prompt and effective treatments. To book an appointment, call the practice today or reach out online.

What are autoimmune diseases? 

Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system is overactive, causing it to attack and destroy healthy body tissue by mistake.

Your immune system naturally creates antibodies that protect you against dangerous substances like viruses and toxins. With autoimmune disorders, your immune system can't differentiate between harmful and healthy cells. 

What are the types of autoimmune diseases?

The ten most common autoimmune diseases include: 

• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Psoriasis
• Psoriatic arthritis 
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Lupus
• Type 1 diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Scleroderma
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Thyroid diseases

The exact cause of most autoimmune diseases is not usually known, although autoimmune conditions have been linked to medications, genetics and viral infections. Smoking, obesity, exposure to chemicals, and being female increase your risk of an autoimmune condition. 

What are the symptoms of autoimmune diseases?

Signs vary by disease, but symptoms common to many include:

• Fatigue
• Frequent fevers
• Persistent malaise 
• Skin problems (redness or rashes)
• Abdominal pain
• Digestive issues
• Joint swelling and pain
• Swollen glands

Most autoimmune diseases are chronic, but symptoms can improve with treatment. 

How do you diagnose and treat autoimmune diseases?

Dr. Gota starts by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. She may run various blood tests or perform imaging tests, like an ultrasound or an X-ray, to better understand your condition. 

SlimWell provides a holistic treatment approach that maintains your body's ability to fight disease, while consistently reducing your symptoms.

Medication

Immunosuppressive medicines, like corticosteroids and nonsteroidal drugs, reduce your immune system's abnormal response. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers and interleukin inhibitors are also helpful for some diseases.

Anti-inflammatory drugs can help regulate your immune system while maintaining healthy organ function, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ease stiffness, swelling, and overall pain levels. 

Painkillers; medications for depression, anxiety, and sleep issues; and creams for rashes may also be useful. You may also need supplements to replace a substance your body lacks due to your condition — like vitamin B12 or insulin. 

Lifestyle changes

Exercise and physical therapy may be helpful to improve the movement of bones, joints, or muscles affected by your condition. 

Quitting smoking, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and a nutritious diet can significantly improve your symptoms. 

To book an autoimmune disease consultation and learn more, call SlimWell today or reach out online.