Can Autoimmune Disease Kill You?

Autoimmune disease is an illness in which the immune system incorrectly attacks the body’s organs, causing harm. Genetic, environmental, humoral, and dietary variables all contribute to the development of this disorder. Early and precise diagnosis is critical for successful immunosuppressive therapy. In this article, we will know the answer to, “Can autoimmune disease kill you?”.

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: What Are They?

An abnormal immunological response to self-antigens that causes tissue damage and dysfunction and affects individual organs or entire body systems such as the endocrine, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, or neurological systems is the common characteristic of autoimmune diseases, a clinically diverse group of more than 80 conditions.

They can affect nearly any portion of your body. “Alopecia areata” is an autoimmune skin illness that causes hair loss. Autoimmune hepatitis damages the liver. Diabetes Type 1 occurs when the immune system affects the pancreas. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system can target a variety of organs, including the joints, lungs, and eyes.

According to research, the prevalence of autoimmune illness is estimated to be between 3% and 9%, and during the past 30 years, its incidence has grown worldwide. 

Autoimmune illnesses are more common in women than in men. The total frequency is 2.7% in men and 6.4% in women. 

Can Autoimmune Disease Kill You?

The mortality rates linked with autoimmune disease activity are typically insignificant.

Infections are a major source of death and morbidity in patients suffering from autoimmune illnesses.

 The second cause of mortality in our research was organ involvement (renal failure, liver failure), which can be linked to the inflammatory activity of autoimmune illness in its many target organs. Finally, Cardiovascular disease was the minor cause of mortality in autoimmune disease deaths.

The Potential Risks and Complications of Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune illnesses can lead to life-threatening issues if not managed. They can cause serious tissue damage, raise the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, and limit general mobility.

Death is a complication of a neglected autoimmune disease that is left untreated. 

Managing Autoimmune Diseases to Reduce Fatal Outcomes

The course of treatment depends on illness, severity, and symptoms. In most circumstances, the objective of treatment is to suppress (inhibit) your immune system while relieving swelling, redness, and discomfort caused by inflammation. 

The treatment aims to:

Relieve symptoms

 Some people can relieve moderate symptoms with anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids or other medications to make you feel better. Some illnesses may require life-long therapy.

Replace vital substances that the body cannot produce anymore on its own.

Some autoimmune disorders, such as diabetes and thyroid disease, can impair the body’s capacity to produce the chemicals it requires to operate.

In diabetes, insulin shots are required to control blood sugar levels. 

Thyroid hormone replacement raises thyroid hormone levels in persons with underactive thyroid.

Suppress the immune system

 Include chemotherapy administered at lower dosages than for cancer treatment, as well as medicines used to prevent rejection in organ transplant patients. 

Anti-TNF therapies inhibit inflammation in some types of autoimmune arthritis and psoriasis.

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