Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Conditions such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Scleroderma are examples of autoimmune diseases. Early detection and management are crucial to controlling symptoms and preventing long-term complications.

 Risk Factors:

• Family history of autoimmune diseases
• Women are more likely than men
• Appear in early adulthood but can develop at any age.
• Environmental Triggers such as infections, chemicals, and stress
• Having one autoimmune disease increases the risk of developing others.

Symptoms:

• Fatigue or malaise
• Joint pain and swelling
• Skin rashes or lesions
• Muscle weakness
• Digestive issues
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Unexplained weight loss
• Recurrent infections
• Sensitivity to cold or heat

Prevention and Early Detection:

• Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, exercise, and stress management can help manage symptoms.
• Autoimmune Disease Awareness: Being proactive about monitoring unusual symptoms that may indicate an autoimmune issue.
• Routine Screening: Early testing through blood tests like ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) and HEp-2 by IFA (Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay) to detect autoimmune markers.
• Regular Check-ups: Monitoring for early symptoms and genetic predispositions.

Diagnosis and Staging:

• ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test: Antibodies against the nucleus of cells, often present in autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.
• HEp-2 by IFA (Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay): Identifies autoantibodies in the blood by using HEp-2 cells as a substrate. It is commonly used to diagnose autoimmune diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, and Sjogren's syndrome.
• ESR and CRP: Tests to measure inflammation levels in the body, helping to assess the severity of autoimmune conditions.
• Other Specific Autoantibody Tests: Depending on the suspected autoimmune disease, other tests like rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-dsDNA may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Why Regular Screening Matters?

Autoimmune diseases can be challenging to diagnose because symptoms often mimic those of other conditions. Early detection through specific tests like ANA and HEp-2 by IFA helps identify these diseases before they cause irreversible damage to organs and tissues. Timely diagnosis and treatment can improve quality of life and prevent complications such as joint deformities, organ failure, and chronic pain.