Understanding Autoimmune Disease Treatment - Plexus

2. Understanding Autoimmune Diseases Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. With over 80 different autoimmune diseases identified, these conditions can impact various organs and systems, leading to diverse symptoms. How the Immune System Works The immune system protects the body from infections, illness, and diseases caused by foreign substances like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. In autoimmune diseases, a healthy immune system attacks the body instead of protecting it, leading to serious and widespread consequences.

3. Types of Autoimmune Diseases There are over 80 types of autoimmune diseases, but the presentation will focus on the most common ones. Suggestion: A table or chart categorizing the diseases: Autoimmune Diseases of Joints and Muscles, Nervous System, Skin, Digestive Tract, Endocrine System, and Others.

4. Autoimmune Diseases of Joints and Muscles • Rheumatoid arthritis • Psoriasis • Psoriatic arthritis • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) • Sjörgen’s syndrome Symptoms: Inflammation, aches and pains in muscles, muscle weakness, stiffness, swelling, and pain in joints. Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System • Myasthenia gravis • Multiple sclerosis Symptoms: Insomnia, headaches and migraines, blurry vision, anxiety and depression, cognitive impairment, dizziness, numbness, tingling, and lightheadedness.

5. Autoimmune Diseases of Joints and Muscles • Rheumatoid arthritis • Psoriasis • Psoriatic arthritis • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) • Sjörgen’s syndrome Symptoms: Inflammation, aches and pains in muscles, muscle weakness, stiffness, swelling, and pain in joints. Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System • Myasthenia gravis • Multiple sclerosis Symptoms: Insomnia, headaches and migraines, blurry vision, anxiety and depression, cognitive impairment, dizziness, numbness, tingling, and lightheadedness. Autoimmune Diseases of the Skin • Dermatomyositis • Psoriasis Symptoms: Inflammation, dry skin, dry mouth, dry eyes, rashes, hair loss, itching.

6. Autoimmune Diseases of the Digestive Tract • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) • Celiac disease Symptoms: Bloody stool, abdominal pain, constipation, bloating, nausea, acid reflux, and food sensitivities. Autoimmune Diseases of the Endocrine System • Graves’ disease • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis • Addison’s disease Symptoms: Fatigue, weight changes, changes in skin and hair, muscle weakness, joint pain, irregular menstrual cycles, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, swelling, and vision troubles. Other Autoimmune Diseases • Type 1 diabetes • Autoimmune vasculitis • Pernicious anemia

7. Traditional Autoimmune Disease Treatments Medications: • Immunosuppressive medications (e.g., azathioprine, methotrexate) • Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, corticosteroids) Challenges While these treatments manage symptoms, they present the following challenges: • Symptom Management Only: Primarily focus on alleviating symptoms rather than addressing the root cause of the disease • Immune System Suppression: Treatments, like immunosuppressants, lower the body's immune response, making patients more susceptible to infections • Side Effects: Gastrointestinal issues, weight gain, mood swings, and an increased risk of osteoporosis or diabetes • Long-Term Dependency: Patients often need to take these medications for life, leading to potential long-term health complications • Incomplete Relief: Some patients may experience only partial relief, with ongoing pain, fatigue, or other symptoms • Resistance: Over time, the effectiveness of some medications may diminish, requiring higher doses or alternative therapies • Quality of Life: The chronic nature of autoimmune diseases, combined with the side effects of treatment, can negatively impact the overall quality of life

8. Comprehensive Approach at Plexus At Plexus, we believe a combination of medications, certain lifestyle changes, and tailored therapeutic interventions can help manage autoimmune diseases. Let’s take a closer look at these. Medications • NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen): Reduce inflammation and pain • Corticosteroids: Powerful anti-inflammatory drugs for severe symptoms • Immunosuppressants (e.g., Azathioprine, Methotrexate): Suppress the immune system to prevent attacks on the body • Biologics: Target specific parts of the immune system, including interleukin pathways • Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors: Interfere with inflammatory pathways, effective for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis Lifestyle Changes • Diet: Anti-inflammatory foods, Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and herbal remedies (turmeric, ginger) support immune function • Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise reduces inflammation and improves overall health • Stress Management: Yoga, meditation, and counseling help manage stress, which can exacerbate autoimmune conditions • Vitamin D: Modulates the immune system and reduces inflammatory cytokines, supported by sunlight and diet

9. Physical Therapy • Exercise Programs: Personalized regimens (e.g., walking, yoga, swimming) to reduce stress and improve well-being Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy • Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): Provide long-term relief, manage symptoms, and address the root causes • Key Features: Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation, and tissue regeneration to repair damaged organs and systems • Benefits: Addresses the root cause, slows disease progression, improves quality of life

10. Specific autoimmune conditions may require other management strategies too. Let’s take a look at these below. Autoimmune Kidney Disease Treatment • Lupus Nephritis, IgA Nephropathy: Require specialized treatments to prevent kidney damage • ACE Inhibitors and ARBs: Control blood pressure and reduce proteinuria • Severe Cases: May require dialysis or kidney transplantation Autoimmune Liver Disease Treatment • Autoimmune Hepatitis, Primary Biliary Cholangitis, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Require targeted therapies to manage liver inflammation • Azathioprine: Often used with corticosteroids as an immunosuppressant • Ursodeoxycholic Acid: Improves bile flow in primary biliary cholangitis • Severe Liver Damage: May necessitate a liver transplant

11. Autoimmune Lung Disease Treatment • Sarcoidosis, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis: Require specific treatments for respiratory symptoms • Oxygen Therapy: Needed for significant respiratory impairment • Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Exercise and breathing techniques improve lung function and quality of life Autoimmune Skin Disease Treatment • Psoriasis, Vitiligo, Pemphigus: Require treatments for skin lesions and inflammation • Corticosteroids: Commonly reduce skin inflammation • Calcineurin Inhibitors: (e.g., Tacrolimus) Used for sensitive areas like the face • Immunosuppressants: Methotrexate and cyclosporine for severe cases • Biologics: Target TNF-alpha and interleukins for psoriasis • Phototherapy: Specific light wavelengths reduce skin lesions in psoriasis and vitiligo Severe Cases: Surgery may be needed to repair or replace damaged tissues or organs (e.g., joint replacement for severe rheumatoid arthritis).

12. To know more about rehabilitation programs for autoimmune conditions, reach out to our team in Bangalore and/or Hyderabad today. Bangalore: +91 82299 99888 Hyderabad: +91 78159 64668 Email: info@plexusnc.com Website: www.plexusnc.com