Being told that you’re dealing with an autoimmune disease can be overwhelming and you may not be sure what you’re dealing with or where to start your research. There are a few things that you should know about autoimmune diseases and how they can be managed. Your doctors at Iowa Kidney Physicians in Des Moines, IA, can explain some information you should know about autoimmune diseases and what you can expect.
What is an Autoimmune Disease?
An autoimmune disease is when your immune system accidentally attacks healthy parts of your body. With an autoimmune disease, instead of your body attacking foreign invaders, it can’t tell the difference between healthy cells and foreign invaders. Your immune system can start attacking healthy parts of your body and can identify joints or skin as foreign. There are autoimmune disorders that stay in one area of the body, and there are also others that can affect your entire body.
There is no known cause of autoimmune diseases, but your doctors in Des Moines, IA, can explain issues that may increase your risk. Autoimmune diseases often happen in women more often than men, and your risk is increased if certain ones run in your family.
There is no direct cure for autoimmune disease but there are ways to manage your symptoms and help you deal with issues like pain and inflammation. Your doctor might recommend anti-inflammatory drugs or immune-suppressing drugs to help with pain and inflammation and can also recommend other methods to help deal with symptoms. They may have you make changes to your diet and increase how often you exercise.
Contact Your Doctor Today
It’s important that you’re able to understand the basics of autoimmune diseases. Contact your doctors at Iowa Kidney Physicians in Des Moines, IA, to learn about autoimmune diseases and how you can manage yours. Call for more information today at (515) 336-6557 for the office on Pleasant Street and (515) 243-3161 for the office on SW 7th Street.