Auto Immune conditions

In order to diagnose the condition, the doctor may suggest some of the following: Physical examination Blood tests – To measure levels of antibodies (IgA, IgG) and to detect nutritional deficiencies (iron levels) Stool sample – To detect fat in stool, since this disease prevents fat from being absorbed from food. The fat is excreted from the body. Biopsy – Tissue will be taken from the small intestine to check for damage to the villi. The doctor inserts an endoscope through the mouth and in to…

Symptoms  Digestive problems – Abdominal bloating, pain, gas, diarrhoea, pale stools and weight loss Dermatitis herpetiformis – Severe skin rash Iron deficiency anaemia – Low blood count Growth problems and failure to thrive Musculoskeletal problems – Bone and joint pains, muscle cramps Seizures Tingling sensation in the legs – Caused by low calcium levels and nerve damage  Apthous ulcers – Sores in the mouth Missed menstrual periods Digestive symptoms are more common in infants and…

Causes of celiac disease Normally, the body’s immune system is designed to protect it from foreign invaders. But when people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune system forms antibodies to gluten, attacking the intestinal lining, causing inflammation in the intestine and damaging the villi (hair-like structures seen on the lining of the small intestine). If the villi are damaged, the person cannot absorb nutrients properly and ends up with malnourishment. Are you at…

What is celiac disease? Celiac Disease or Coeliac Disease is also known as celiac sprue or gluten sensitive enteropathy. This is a digestive and autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the lining of the small intestine when foods with gluten are eaten.  Gluten is a form of protein found in some grains like rye, barley, wheat etc. Intake of gluten containing foods causes damage to the intestine and makes it hard for the body to absorb nutrients like fat, calcium, iron and folate.  …

There is no known method to preventing this condition. But if you do observe any of the symptoms or have any risk factors, you are advised to seek early diagnosis and treatment.  

There are several types of lupus: 1. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the form of the disease that most people are referring to when they say “lupus”. The word “systemic” means the disease can affect many parts of the body. Although SLE usually first affects people between the ages of 15 and 45 years, it can occur in childhood or later in life as well.  2. Discoid lupus erythematosus is a chronic skin disorder in which a red, raised rash appears on the face, scalp, or elsewhere. The…

Although the exact cause of lupus and other autoimmune diseases is unknown, most believe that lupus results from both genetic and environmental stimuli. Since lupus is known to occur within families, doctors believe that it is possible to inherit a genetic predisposition to lupus. It is probable that having an inherited predisposition for lupus makes the disease more likely only after coming into contact with some environmental trigger. The higher number of lupus cases in females than in males…

Each person with lupus has slightly different symptoms that can range from mild to severe and may come and go over time. Usually the joint and muscle pain, rashes on skin are seen all the time but the intensity of the symptoms decrease with treatment. Painful or swollen joints and muscle pain Unexplained fever Red rashes, most commonly on the face Chest pain upon deep breathing Unusual loss of hair Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress (Raynaud's phenomenon) Sensitivity to the sun…

As signs and symptoms vary considerably from person to person, there is no single diagnostic test that can confirm lupus. In addition, signs and symptoms tend to change over time and are similar to those of other disorders and diseases. These fluctuations in disease activity make lupus extremely challenging to diagnose. The doctor may suggest some of the following: Complete blood count (CBC) to detect anaemia, low platelet count, and low white blood cell count. Antibody tests that includes…

There is no cure for lupus. However, treatment options to control symptoms are available. Most people with lupus can lead active, healthy lives. Treatment plans should meet the individual patient's needs and may change over time. To develop a treatment plan, the doctor tries to: Prevent flares Treat flares when they do occur Minimise complications Mild forms of the disease may be treated with:  NSAIDs for joint symptoms, after talking with your doctor  Corticosteroid creams for…