The immune system is composed of organs, cells, and antibodies that are meant to protect your body from bacteria, free radicals, parasites, and viruses. However, when the immune system malfunctions on a biological level, the result is the development of a systemic autoimmune disease.

An autoimmune disorder is the result of the immune system accidentally attacking your own cells instead of protecting them. This negatively impacts different tissues and organs within the body, often resulting in symptoms such as pain, rash, inflammation, nausea, headaches, dizziness, etc.

There are over 100 known autoimmune diseases, with some of the most recognizable ones being lupus, chronic inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease.

To date, it’s unknown why the immune system does this and further research is still being completed.

Clinical and research studies are still being completed to try and understand what causes systemic autoimmune disease as the precise cause is unknown.

However, it’s been discovered that there are certain risk factors that may increase your chances of getting an autoimmune disease. These include:

● Already have an active autoimmune disease.
● Being female.
● Experiencing frequent infections.
● Exposure to environmental toxins.
● Genetics, especially if you have an immediate relative with an autoimmune disease.
● Obesity.
● Taking certain medications.

It’s important to talk to your primary care physician if there is a history of autoimmune disease that runs in your family so that it can be screened for appropriately.

Those with systemic inflammation will often start experiencing uncomfortable symptoms. You may experience multiple symptoms at once or you may experience certain symptoms at different intensities. These signs include:

● Abdominal pain.
● Acid reflux.
● Difficulty sleeping.
● Frequent infections.
● Gastrointestinal issues.
● Joint stiffness.
● Muscle pain.
● Persistent fatigue.
● Skin rashes.
● Tendonitis.
● Unexplained fever.
● Unexplained weight gain or weight loss.

It’s important to consult with your doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms or suspect that you may have an autoimmune disease. They will perform the necessary examinations and blood tests to determine if there is system inflammation happening within the body. More specialized tests are available to help identify the exact cause of your inflammation.

Unfortunately, there is no single test that can be used to diagnose an autoimmune disease. Instead, a doctor will use your medical history, your current symptoms, multiple tests, and a physical examination to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Often times a physician will perform an antinuclear antibody test (ANA) when symptoms suggest an autoimmune disease. A positive result suggests that you may have an autoimmune disease though more testing will be required to determine the exact type. These tests look for specific autoantibodies and types of inflammation associated with specific autoimmune diseases.

While there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, treatment controls your body’s overactive immune response and allows you to better manage and minimize symptoms.

At RejuvaMed, we offer safe, professional, and effective care to help you manage the symptoms associated with your autoimmune disease. If you’d like more information or have questions about our services, or would like to book in for an appointment, contact us at your earliest convenience – we would love to help you determine if the treatments we offer are right for you. We serve patients from Wesley Chapel FL, Land o Lakes FL, Lutz FL, New Tampa FL, Tampa Palms FL, Zephyrhills FL, San Antonio FL, Dade City FL, Tampa FL, and surrounding areas.