What causes autoimmune diseases? Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system turns on itself, attacking organs and tissues in a state of confusion. Despite there being so many types of autoimmune conditions, researchers do not know their exact cause. Genetics, medications, hormones, and infections are viewed as potential triggers. Many patients with symptoms of autoimmune diseases can significantly benefit from early detection.
There are over 100 types of autoimmune diseases — that we know about. Some are well-known, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Others, however, show up with symptoms that offer no logical explanation while leaving medical professionals stunned.
Where do these conditions come from? How do you know if you have one? This article explores what causes autoimmune diseases.
What is an Autoimmune Disease?
An autoimmune disease, in a nutshell, is when your immune system begins attacking the body rather than protecting it and keeping it healthy. In a state of confusion, it can be tough for the immune system to tell the difference between what is part of the body — and what is the invader.
Experts do not know the reason why the immune system reacts in the manner it does, but it does so in a long list of autoimmune diseases.
- Psoriasis
- Crohn’s disease
- Celiac disease
- Graves’ disease
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Type 1 diabetes
- Vasculitis
And that is just to name a few.
Autoimmune conditions can affect at least one, though often more, types of organ or tissue. It can cause destruction, abnormal growths of an organ, or even change its function.
Some of the most commonly impacted areas of the body include:
- Muscles and joints
- Connective tissue
- Endocrine system, such as thyroid or pancreas
- Blood vessels
- Red blood cells
- Skin
Here is some additional information about autoimmune diseases, including what causes them.
What Causes Autoimmune Diseases?
There is no definitive cause of autoimmune disease. Rather, researchers have a few theories on what may trigger them.
Medication
Certain medications may be linked to the inception of an autoimmune disease. Often, they appear as side effects that aren’t so pleasant. While any medication may be the culprit, pay attention to how you feel with prescriptions used to manage blood pressure and cholesterol as well as some antibiotics.
Genetics
As with most things medical, genetics appears to play a role in autoimmune diseases. They often run in families. So, while it may not necessarily be a cause, there is a greater risk for those who have relatives struggling with these disorders.
Hormones
There is some speculation that hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, can play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases.
Infections
Things like bacteria, viruses, and toxins – all known as antigens – can make their way into the body, causing the immune system to produce antibodies against them. Generally, this will result in the antigens being destroyed.
Unless you have an autoimmune condition.
It is thought that some antigens may cause some confusion within the immune system. While the antibodies are created to fight, they may be unable to distinguish who they are fighting. Some experts believe that an infection could set this series of events off in an individual who is predisposed to autoimmune disorders.
Signs of an Autoimmune Disease
There are many signs and symptoms of autoimmune disease. The problem is that there are so many different types of these conditions — and they all have different symptoms.
So, how do you know if you have an autoimmune disease? Below are a few of the most common signs that your immune system may be having a negative response:
- Fatigue
- Frequent fevers
- Feeling of malaise or general feelings of being unwell
- Joint pain, including swelling
- Rashes or redness of skin
- Digestion issues, stomach pain
- Swollen glands
These symptoms are pretty vague and can encompass many conditions, autoimmune or otherwise. This is why it is always so important to work with your medical team to get to the root cause of your illness.
Lyme Disease and Autoimmune Disease
It is not uncommon for Lyme disease to be diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. Does that mean that it is a trigger?
Infections by bacteria were previously mentioned as potential causes of autoimmune trouble. Lyme disease is a condition that is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted through tick bites. Therefore, it is very possible that the bacteria can be responsible for the way the body responds to the infection.
An Autoimmune Response vs. An Autoimmune Disease
Lyme disease can cause the body to create antibodies and begin attacking itself as well as the antigen. However, this does not mean that the patient necessarily has an autoimmune disease. Instead, they could be having an autoimmune response to the bacteria. Researchers believe it could just be mimicking an autoimmune condition.
Unfortunately, making the connection is often tough which results in symptoms being left untouched. Or, doctors may end up treating the symptoms rather than getting to the root cause of the condition.
If left untreated, the symptoms that go along with an autoimmune disease can skyrocket and leave patients uncomfortable and feeling helpless, reducing their quality of life. Some may develop debilitating ailments, such as chronic joint pain, thyroid disease, neuropathy, and so much more known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.
Treatment for Autoimmune Disease at Lyme Mexico
It can be tough getting through each day when dealing with a painful condition — especially when it makes your zest for life significantly decline.
Dr. Omar Morales and the team at Lyme Mexico are known for their successful treatment of complex conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, Lyme disease, PANDAS, Morgellons, chronic fatigue, and more.
If you are willing to travel outside the country, such as outside the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand, to see the latest alternative treatments, you may find yourself getting the relief you have been searching for.
Contact us today to become a patient of Lyme Mexico.
Conclusion
While the cause of autoimmune diseases may be elusive, the treatment of them is not. Regardless of the type of autoimmune condition or whether you received it due to genetics, hormones, or an infection like Lyme disease, the key is to get to the root cause rather than just trying to mask the symptoms with medication.
Treatment for autoimmune diseases is available.