The term "autoimmune" blends the Greek word “auto,” meaning self, with “immune,” relating to the body’s defence system. Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system, which is supposed to protect you from outside threats, gets confused and starts attacking your own body. Instead of defending against viruses or bacteria, it mistakenly targets healthy tissues and organs. This self-sabotage leads to inflammation and damage, manifesting in a variety of symptoms depending on the affected organs.

Why Should We Care About Autoimmune Diseases?

Autoimmune diseases are on the rise globally, now the fourth leading cause of death among women and affecting more people than heart disease in the USA. In Africa, these conditions are increasingly prevalent but still poorly understood. The physical and psychological toll on patients and their families can be profound, making it crucial to raise awareness and improve understanding.

What Causes Autoimmune Diseases?

The causes of autoimmune diseases remain one of medicine’s great mysteries, but scientists have some clues:

• Genetics: If autoimmune diseases run in your family, you might have a genetic predisposition. Your immune system is more likely to overreact due to inherited traits.
• Environmental Triggers: Even with a genetic predisposition, autoimmune diseases often need an environmental trigger to set off the immune system’s attack. Possible triggers include:
• Infections: Bacterial and viral infections might provoke autoimmune responses. While some theories suggested that parasitic infections could protect against these diseases, rising cases in Africa challenge this idea.
• Medications: Certain drugs, like antibiotics or antihypertensives, can trigger autoimmune reactions.
• Hormones: Autoimmune diseases often affect women, particularly those of childbearing age, suggesting hormonal influences may play a role.
  

Autoimmune diseases can be categorized based on their scope and affected organs:

• Localized Conditions: Affect a single organ. For example:
• Type 1 Diabetes: Impacts the pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production.
• Graves' Disease: Affects the thyroid gland, disrupting hormone balance.
• Multiple Sclerosis: Damages the protective sheath of nerve cells, causing issues like vision problems and limb weakness.
• Systemic Conditions: Affect multiple organs simultaneously or sequentially. For example:
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Can impact the skin, joints, kidneys, and more.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Primarily targets the joints but can also affect other body systems.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms vary widely based on which organs are involved but may include:

• General: Persistent fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
• Skin: Rashes, hair loss, and mouth ulcers.
• Joints and Muscles: Pain, swelling, and weakness.
• Neurological: Memory loss, vision issues, and seizures.
• Other: Recurrent miscarriages, fluid build-up around the heart or lungs, and anaemia.
  

Diagnosing autoimmune diseases involves:

• Clinical Evaluation: An in-depth history and physical examination by a healthcare provider.
• Tests and Scans: Blood tests, kidney and thyroid function tests, imaging (like X-rays and MRIs), and biopsies help identify specific conditions.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Managing autoimmune diseases often requires a multi-faceted approach:

• Medications: To suppress the overactive immune system, treatments may include steroids, cytotoxic drugs (such as methotrexate), and newer biologics (like Rituximab).
• Hormone Replacement: For conditions like thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes, hormone replacement may be necessary.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve pain and inflammation.
• Palliative Care: Chronic autoimmune conditions benefit from a comprehensive care team, including counsellors, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.

Understanding autoimmune diseases is essential for raising awareness and improving care. By spreading knowledge and supporting those affected, we can make a significant difference. Stay informed and be a part of the movement to improve lives and fight autoimmune conditions.