Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which, instead of protecting you, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body. It can affect any part or any organ of your body, but the causes are still unclear. Some of the commonly known autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes.
Considering the severity of autoimmune disease, many people ask – is autoimmune disease curable? In this article, we will answer this question and will also explore is autoimmune disease serious, and how long can you live with an autoimmune disease. So, sit back and read on, let’s dive deep into understanding the hero gone rogue.
Are Autoimmune Illnesses Curable?
Our immune system fights against foreign substances and microbes to protect our body from infection. But in some cases, the immune system considers its own body as a threat and damages the tissues; this condition is called autoimmune disease.
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for this condition. However, several treatments are available to help ease its symptoms. Here are some such approaches:
✔️ OTC (over-the-counter) medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can help relieve mild symptoms such as pain and inflammation. You can also use rash creams to ease skin irritations.
✔️ Prescription Medications
For more severe symptoms, your doctor may suggest prescription drugs. Immunosuppressive therapies like corticosteroids are found to be more effective in easing autoimmune conditions.
✔️ Insulin Injection
People who are suffering from type 1 diabetes may be advised to constantly monitor their blood glucose levels and take insulin injections to regulate them.
✔️ Sleeping Medications
Sleeping medications that have melanin content appear to have anti-inflammatory properties. It can help ease the inflammation and help you get a good night’s sleep amidst your pain and discomfort.
✔️ Experimental Approaches
Researchers are constantly exploring new therapies to restore immune tolerance. These approaches include deprogramming rogue cells or selectively wiping out problematic cells. Though the experimental approaches promise great results in the future, they are in their larval state.
Is auto-immune disease serious?
Autoimmune diseases are a leading cause of chronic illness, affecting an estimated 50 million people in the United States. They can affect almost all parts of your body, including vital organs like kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain, leading to life-threatening complications and there are no proven cures
Common autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis would considerably affect your quality of life. It also needs constant monitoring and medical attention which can be exhausting at times. The medications used to ease the symptoms of autoimmune disorders also come with their risks and side effects.
So, while the severity can vary depending on your individual condition, autoimmune disorders are generally considered serious and chronic conditions that require lifelong medical care and monitoring.
How long can you live with autoimmune disease?
Though many of the autoimmune conditions can be fatal, people with the conditions live a long and fulfilling life. However, your life expectancy and quality of life can vary depending on the individual’s response to medical treatments and the severity of your condition. For example, people who are affected by type 1 diabetes can often live into their 60s and 70s.
However, severe and rapidly progressing autoimmune conditions like scleroderma, vasculitis, or certain types of myositis can significantly shorten life span if not controlled properly. Additionally, the conditions that primarily affect vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain can be life-threatening. Auto-immune diseases can also increase the risk of certain cancers and infections, which can further impact lifespan.
Are all autoimmune diseases lifelong?
Generally, autoimmune disorders are considered lifelong conditions that need constant monitoring and treatment. However, some autoimmune disorders such as juvenile dermatomyositis in kids can be cured so that the symptoms would never recur. Similarly, with proper care many kids grow out of conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Patients with autoimmune hepatitis can sometimes be treated successfully with immunosuppressants, leading to remission of the symptoms. But even when the disease and symptoms go away, the patients are required to closely monitor their health to immediately detect any further autoimmune response in their body.
Since remission and relapse of the conditions are common with autoimmune disorders, you should not discontinue your medications without consulting with your doctor.
Conclusion
Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks its own tissue. There are no specific explanations for why this happens and it generally doesn’t have any proven cure. You can manage the symptoms of your condition by using over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, immunosuppressants, insulin injections, sleeping medication, experimental approaches, etc.
Considering that the condition is virtually incurable and the need for constant medical attention, autoimmune diseases are considered serious and chronic illnesses. However, with proper monitoring and treatments, the patients can enjoy a long and “normal” life span. In some rare cases, the symptoms of the autoimmune condition can go away. But you shouldn’t stop the treatments before consulting your doctor.
References
- Autoimmune diseases. (2024).
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/autoimmune - Rheumatoid arthritis. (2022).
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rheumatoid-arthritis
