5 Common Autoimmune Diseases

How your doctors in Des Moines, IA, can help when you have an autoimmune disease

When you suffer from an autoimmune disease, it can affect your entire body, causing a wide range of symptoms, which can be mild to severe. Fortunately, your doctor is an expert at autoimmune diseases and can help you feel better and live better with an autoimmune disease.

The doctors at Iowa Kidney Physicians in Des Moines, IA, provide comprehensive medical services, including diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases. They have two convenient office locations in Des, Moines, IA, at Methodist Plaza and Riverpoint to help when you have an autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune diseases can be caused by:

  • Genetics
  • Viruses
  • Bacteria
  • Environmental toxins

The five most common autoimmune diseases are:

Lupus–which can cause damage to organs and tissues. Signs and symptoms of lupus include:

  • Fever
  • Hair loss
  • A red rash
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Muscle and joint pain

Multiple sclerosis–which can cause nerve damage and impaired transmission of nerve impulses. Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:

  • Blurred or double vision
  • Red-green color distortion
  • Memory problems
  • Muscle weakness
  • Partial or total paralysis

Thyroid disease–which includes Grave’s disease, causing the release of an excess hormone, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, causing less thyroid hormone production. Signs and symptoms of thyroid diseases include:

  • Bulging, puffy, or inflamed eyes
  • Light sensitivity, double vision, or eye pain
  • Frequently feeling cold or tired
  • Paleness, puffiness, and dry skin

Rheumatoid arthritis–which can cause joint inflammation and destruction. Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

  • Pain and swelling in the joints
  • Stiffness and joint deformity
  • Muscle weakness and loss of function

Psoriasis–which can cause overproduction of skin cells, leading to scaly patches of skin. Signs and symptoms of psoriasis include:

  • Red, scaly skin patches
  • Painful skin patches
  • Joint pain
  • Thick, pitted nails

Autoimmune diseases are treated in different ways depending on the disease. Treatment options include:

  • Medications including corticosteroids, immunosuppressives, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants
  • Referral to specialists including physical, occupational, or speech therapists
  • Patient counseling to help you and your family manage day-to-day living
  • Surgical treatment to relieve spine and peripheral nervous system symptoms

To learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of the five most common autoimmune diseases, talk with the experts. Call the doctors at Iowa Kidney Physicians in Des Moines, IA. You can reach them in Methodist Plaza at (515) 336-6557, or in Riverpoint at (515) 243-3161, so call now.