One of the medical conditions that are difficult to treat is an autoimmune disease because it causes various symptoms that are hard to diagnose. Similarly, the disease can affect any part of the body. For this reason, most people with an autoimmune disease will be in and out of the hospital because every visit, the symptoms they present with are difficult. All they are given is symptomatic relief before a proper diagnosis is made. Therefore, if you suspect that you might have an autoimmune disease and are interested in seeking a proper diagnosis, autoimmune disease Edmond specialists provide a solution to all your concerns. They usually take a proactive and investigative approach to health, which focuses on identifying the cause of your autoimmune disease to provide symptomatic relief and healing. Let’s learn more about autoimmune diseases below.

What is an autoimmune disease?

An autoimmune disease occurs when there is an abnormal functioning in your immune system. Usually, the primary function of your immune system is to produce antibodies whose purpose is to destroy invaders like disease-causing microorganisms which cause illnesses. But when you have an autoimmune disease, the immune system detects your body cells as harmful and starts attacking them. The cause of autoimmune diseases is unknown, but researchers argue that they may occur due to environmental and genetic factors. 

What are examples of autoimmune diseases?

Generally, various examples of autoimmune conditions include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, pernicious anemia, lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or Crohn’s disease. Normally, autoimmune diseases can attack any part of your body. For instance, in rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system usually attacks your joints, leading to inflammation and joint pain. While in type 1 diabetes, your immune system attacks pancreas cells that produce insulin. There are no specific symptoms of autoimmune disease because it can affect any part of the body, making it hard to come up with a diagnosis.

What happens during an evaluation for autoimmune disease?

Your health care providers usually take a comprehensive and proactive approach to care. They usually combine various diagnostic technologies and tools. They also use conventional medicine with tools and tests from functional medicine to help determine the root cause of your condition. During your first visit, the health care provider inquires more about your health, usual routine, and lifestyle. He also reviews your health problems and symptoms to help develop a treatment plan for you. A physical examination and specific lab tests are performed to help identify the underlying cause of your condition.

What types of treatment can help an autoimmune disease?

The type of treatment given depends on your symptoms, diagnosis, and results obtained from the lab. Your health care provider then creates a customized treatment plan that focuses on dealing with the root cause of your disease. Your treatment plan may include an exercise program, lower dose immunotherapy, personalized nutrition care plan, low dose naltrexone, nutritional supplements, stress management, thyroid hormone balancing, disease-specific medication, or medical weight loss management.

An autoimmune disease can be hard to diagnose and treat. Therefore, if you are looking for the best diagnostic tests to help determine if you have an autoimmune disease, you can get started by booking your appointment at The Lamkin Clinic today. You can also visit their website for additional information.