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Diagnosis & Treatment of
Autoimmune Diseases
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of an autoimmune
disease is based on an individual’s
symptoms, findings from a physical
examination, and results from
laboratory tests. Autoimmune
diseases are difficult to diagnose,
especially in the early stages of
the disease. In some cases a
specific diagnosis cannot be made;
the patient must continue to follow
up on the disease with frequent
consultations with a physician.
Although autoimmune diseases are
chronic, the course they take is
unpredictable. Patients should be
monitored closely by their doctors
so environmental factors or triggers
can be avoided.
Treatment
Autoimmune diseases are often
chronic, requiring lifelong care and
monitoring, even when the person may
look or feel well. Currently, few
autoimmune diseases can be cured or
disappear with treatment. However,
many people with these diseases live
relatively normal and healthy lives
when they receive the proper medical
care.
Physicians often help patients
manage the consequences of the
disease. For example, people
suffering from Type 1 diabetes will
be prescribed insulin to control
blood sugar levels. In some diseases
such as lupus or rheumatoid
arthritis, medication can
occasionally slow or stop the immune
system’s destruction of the kidneys
or joints. These medications are
called immunosuppressive medications
and sometimes can have serious side
effects. Ultimately, medical science
is striving to design therapies that
prevent and cure autoimmune
diseases.
Content Courtesy : www.4woman.gov
Note : Information herein is
provided for informational purposes
only and is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. You
should not use this information for
diagnosing or treating a medical or
health condition. If you have or
suspect you have a medical problem,
promptly contact your professional
healthcare provider. Please consult
your healthcare provider before
beginning any course of
supplementation or treatment.
Autoimmune Hepatitis Immune
Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Cerebral Atrophy
Aseptic Necrosis
Narcolepsy Baker
Cyst Behcet's
Syndrome
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