Here you will find all the important information as well as qualified specialists in autoimmune diseases. The term “autoimmune disease” encompasses various conditions caused by a misdirected immune response. As a result of this dysfunction, the immune system attacks parts of the body as if they were dangerous pathogens. A well-known example is multiple sclerosis (MS). In Western industrialized countries, autoimmune diseases affect about five percent of the population, with women bearing a higher risk. In recent years, medical research has succeeded in steadily improving treatment options and thereby enhancing patients’ quality of life. The exact triggers of each disease remain unknown, and there are currently no curative treatments. The German Society for Autoimmune Diseases (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Autoimmunerkrankungen e.V.) lists around fifty different clinical pictures on its website. Among the best-known diseases are:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Crohn’s disease
- Rheumatic fever
- Celiac disease (gluten intolerance)
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Causes of Autoimmune Diseases
It is not yet fully understood why, in certain cases, immune cells attack the body’s own tissues instead of fighting off pathogens. Some autoimmune diseases are triggered by antibodies resulting from allergic cross-reactions. In these cases, antigens from viruses or bacteria closely resemble the body’s own structures. The immune system is then unable to correctly identify the foreign structures.
In many cases, so-called autoantibodies can be detected: These are immune cells produced by the immune system that target very specific cells or tissues of the body itself and consequently trigger an autoimmune disease.
What symptoms are typical of autoimmune diseases?
- Abdominal pain
- Dry mouth
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Muscle pain
- Kidney pain
The Cause of the Disease: The Risk Factors Model
- Malfunctions during specific situations (such as infections or pregnancy)
- Genetic factors
- Environmental factors, such as stress or pollutants
- Loss of tolerance by the immune system
Malfunctions in the immune system may be caused by infections, medications, or even during pregnancy. When a virus enters the body, the immune system produces so-called antigens to fight the invader. If the virus has structures similar to those of the body’s own tissues, the antigens may also attack those tissues.
The renowned scientific journal *Nature* also published an international study on the role of genes. The findings suggest that a predisposition to an autoimmune disease is inherited within a family. However, parents do not directly pass the disease itself on to their children.
Environmental factors such as pollutants or stressful living conditions influence the severity of the disease and can either promote or inhibit its development. The hygiene hypothesis, for example, posits that excessive hygiene during childhood is harmful; it hinders the development of a healthy immune system. Another triggering factor is the loss of tolerance in the immune system. In medical terms, this refers to the body’s ability to distinguish its own tissue from foreign substances. If the immune system loses this ability, the body becomes a victim of its own immune response.
Treatment Options
- Medications that affect the immune system
- Stem cell therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Occupational and physical therapy
- Nutritional counseling
A central pillar of treatment is medication that suppresses the immune system. This immunosuppression presents challenges: While it protects the affected organs, the medication also prevents the body from defending itself against infections. Doctors therefore tailor the dosage very precisely to each individual case. Stem cell therapy is an ethically controversial option for treating autoimmune diseases. Stem cells have a unique characteristic: they do not have a fixed function, unlike skin cells or nerve cells. The type of cell they develop into depends on the environment in which they grow.
Psychotherapeutic support is also advisable to help patients cope with the diagnosis. Otherwise, there is a risk of mental health issues, such as an adjustment disorder or depression. After a flare-up, specialized occupational and physical therapy can help improve physical fitness and motor skills. For some autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease or diabetes, a diet is also an important part of treatment. Nutritional counseling helps patients create a balanced meal plan tailored to their individual needs.
Living with the Disease: Cure and Prognosis
Medicine has not yet found a cure for autoimmune diseases. However, there are numerous highly effective treatments available that positively influence the course of the disease and alleviate symptoms. Depending on the diagnosis, severity, and individual characteristics, the course of the disease varies from case to case. Diseases such as multiple sclerosis occur in relapses. The effects of a relapse either resolve completely (complete remission) or residual symptoms remain (partial remission).
As the disease progresses, the doctor may make an additional diagnosis. For example, diabetes often occurs alongside celiac disease. This type of disease changes the lives of patients and those around them. But you are not alone in this. An interdisciplinary team oversees treatment and helps patients cope with the physical and psychological effects. In addition, regional support groups and counseling centers help those affected lead a fulfilling life.
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Sources
- https://www.autoimmun.org/erkrankungen
- https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Autoimmunerkrankung
- https://www.deutsche-diabetes-gesellschaft.de/home.html
- https://www.dmsg.de/
- Stangel M, Mäurer M (Hg.): Autoimmunerkrankungen in der Neurologie: Diagnostik und Therapie. Springer Berlin Heidelberg 2018
- Ferencik M, Rovensky et al.: Kompendium der Immunologie: Grundlagen und Klinik. Springer Wien 2006
