How do we treat an autoimmune disease?
It’s not about the disease, it’s about the terrain.
An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. The immune system usually guards against bacteria and viruses and can tell the difference between foreign cells and your own cells. However, an autoimmune disease is where the immune system mistakes part of your body as foreign. This could be your joints or skin.
At the Centre for Biological Medicine, Dr. Karim Dhanani and his team of professionals have access to cutting-edge treatments for a number of common autoimmune diseases. To learn about your options, contact us today and schedule an initial consultation!
Psoriasis
This is an overactive immune system issue where blood cells, referred to as t-cells, collect in the skin. The immune system activity means that these skin cells reproduce at a rapid rate, and this is how the scaly plaques are formed on the skin. They can range from mild to severe and cause issues like redness, cracked skin, and severe itchiness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
With this condition, the immune system produces antibodies that attach to the linings of joints. Immune system cells then attack the joints, and this results in inflammation, swelling, and pain. It is essential that this condition is treated because it will gradually cause permanent joint damage.
IBD
IBD, or inflammatory bowel disease, attacks the lining of the intestines. This causes issues like rectal bleeding, diarrhea, the need to go for an urgent bowel movement, pain in the stomach, fever, weight loss, and other issues. Two forms of IBD include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Addison’s Disease
This is a condition that affects the adrenal glands – the glands that produce cortisol and aldosterone, as well as androgen hormones. Having too little cortisol means that the body stores carbohydrates and sugar differently. Due to a lack of aldosterone, you will have excess potassium in the bloodstream and sodium loss. Weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and low blood sugar are all common symptoms.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is a condition where the immune system attacks nerve cells, causing symptoms like blindness, pain, weakness, muscle spasms, and poor coordination.
Treating Autoimmune Diseases
These diseases usually run in families. When you visit the Centre for Biological Medicine, we have on-site lab testing available so that we can effectively diagnose the conditions above and other autoimmune conditions. Every situation is unique, but generally speaking, when you decide to seek medical treatment, you may be able to manage any and all symptoms, such as pain, swelling, fatigue, and skin rashes. Plus, seeking professional treatment as soon as possible can help to ensure permanent, long-term damage is minimized. If you have one of the above autoimmune diseases, the right medical treatment with our qualified professionals at the Centre for Biological Medicine can help control the overactive immune response and bring down inflammation, or at least reduce pain and inflammation. If you’re ready to get your autoimmune condition under control, contact us today and set up a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!