Are you showing signs of autoimmune disease in Des Moines, IA? You may have one of these disorders if you're dealing with chronic joint pain, inflammation, or fatigue without a clear reason why. When you consult the Iowa Kidney Physicians team, you will be under the care of experts who will properly diagnose your condition and help you manage it.

What Are Common Autoimmune Diseases?

An autoimmune disease causes the immune system to attack itself. As a result, healthy tissues may become swollen and inflamed, and painful breakouts and rashes may occur. Women are most susceptible to these diseases, as they have 80% of them. These diseases may often show up during a woman's childbearing years and can affect her reproductive health.

Lupus is a common disorder that results in widespread inflammation. It can affect the joints, heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, and skin. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause severe joint pain and damage. Some people may develop deformities from extreme forms of this disorder.

Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system and causes fatigue, numbness, memory issues, and paralysis over time. Sjogren’s syndrome is when the glands producing your saliva and tears are attached to the body. A common skin condition that results from autoimmune issues is psoriasis. When you have this condition, you may develop a silvery, scaly rash over the body.

How Can a Doctor Help?

 If you have an autoimmune disease in Des Moines, IA, the first step is to get a proper diagnosis.  Your doctor will run the necessary tests to check for signs of inflammation and autoantibodies. For women, many of these autoimmune diseases occur due to major changes in hormones that happen during childbirth or menopause. Therefore, a doctor who understands women's health can help you manage your hormones to reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups as much as possible.

While doctors have not found a cure for autoimmune diseases, their guidance and understanding of your body can help you live with it by reducing pain and regulating symptoms. Hormonal control can happen with proper medication and lifestyle adjustments such as dietary changes.

If you are showing signs that your body may be attacking itself, the doctors at Iowa Kidney Physicians can help you manage autoimmune disease in Des Moines, IA. Call our Methodist Plaza or West office at 515-336-6557 for more information.