Monsoon illnesses: Vaccines and diet tips for women to combat lupus, arthritis

As monsoons intensify in the Indian subcontinent medical experts warn that women are at a heightened risk of developing autoimmune diseases The rise has been linked to increased humidity moisture and a decrease in atmospheric pressure in the air that develops around this time of the yearShedding light on the various autoimmune diseases Dr Pratima Thamke a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist working with Motherhood Hospital Mumbai informs that ldquoWomen are more likely to develop diseases like rheumatoid arthritis multiple sclerosis scleroderma psoriatic arthritis lupus and thyroid disease during the monsoon seasonrdquoAutoimmune diseases develop when onersquos body tissues are attacked by the immune system Studies mention which ones show that this condition affects approximately 8 per cent of people worldwide of which 78 per cent are women But why specifically women we askIn response Dr Rajeev Gupta director of internal medicine at the CK Birla Hospital Delhi shares that ldquoWomen experience significant hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives particularly during puberty pregnancy and menopause These changes especially in oestrogen levels influence the immune system and make women more susceptible to mistakenly attacking their healthy tissues autoimmunityrdquoWith a focus on womens higher risk for autoimmune diseases health experts provide insights into common conditions their symptoms and how to address themCommon autoimmune diseases that women are prone toRheumatoid Arthritis RAMarked by persistent joint pain swelling and stiffness particularly in the hands wrists and knees this condition is triggered by an immune system attack on the synovium the lining of the membranes surrounding the joints often influenced by genetic and environmental factorsSystemic Lupus Erythematosus SLESymptoms of this condition include fatigue joint pain skin rashes and fever It also affects organs like the kidneys and heart Causes include an attack on healthy tissues by the immune system influenced by genetic predisposition hormonal changes and environmental triggers like sunlightHashimotos ThyroiditisThis condition exhibits symptoms like fatigue weight gain sensitivity to cold and depression due to an underactive thyroid When the immune system attacks the thyroid gland it leads to hypothyroidism exacerbating this diseaseMultiple Sclerosis MSSigns of this disease include numbness weakness balance issues and vision problems due to nerve damage This is usually triggered when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath protecting nerve fibers possibly causes by genetic susceptibility and environmental factors like viral infectionsPsoriasisA very common condition marked by red scaly skin patches that can be itchy or painful often on the elbows knee and scalp It is activated when Immune system dysfunction causes rapid skin cell productionGraves diseaseSymptoms of this condition include weight loss rapid heartbeat irritability and bulging eyes due to an overactive thyroid What causes this is when the immune system produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland to produce excessive hormonesSjogrens syndromeMarked by dry eyes and mouth joint pain and fatigue often associated with other autoimmune diseases like RA Under this condition the immune system attacks glands that produce moistureAlso read Respiratory Infections swine flu dengue malaria on the rise as monsoon beginsVaccine to prevent autoimmune diseasesDuring the monsoon season high humidity and stagnant water enhance the chances of acquiring infections Its crucial to consider vaccinations that help prevent common monsoonrelated illnesses Here are some vaccines recommended by Dr Puneet Mashru who works as a consultantrheumatologist with Sir H N Reliance Foundation HospitalInfluenza vaccineThe flu can be more severe for individuals with autoimmune diseases Annual flu shots are recommended to protect against seasonal influenzaPneumococcal vaccinePneumonia is a significant risk during the monsoon The pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent infections caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniaeHepatitis A and B vaccinesHepatitis A and B can be contracted through contaminated water or food which is more common during the monsoon Vaccination helps protect against these viral infectionsTyphoid vaccineTyphoid fever is a risk due to waterborne bacteria Typhoid vaccines are recommended especially in areas where typhoid is prevalentCholera vaccineIn areas prone to cholera outbreaks this vaccine can help prevent infection caused by contaminated waterDietary tips to heal from autoimmune diseasesFoods to eatHerbs like garlic ashwagandha nettle reishi mushrooms have antiinflammatory propertiesOther antiinflammatory foods include leafy greens colourful fruits ginger turmeric nuts chia seedsFruits and vegetables rich in essential vitamins and mineralsWhole grains oats fruits and vegetables are rich in fibreLean proteins chicken greek yoghurt fish legumes beans lentilsAdditional TipsStick to natural sugars found in fruits and avoid products with added sugarsYour gut thrives on a diet rich in vegetables and fruitsComplement your diet with protein and nonrefined oils like those from nuts seeds avocados and olive oilFoods like sauerkraut kimchi kombucha and yoghurt if dairytolerant support gut healthEliminate foods that cause adverse reactions such as gluten or dairy based on lab tests if necessaryWhy do autoimmune diseases aggravate during monsoonsThamke informs that the increased humidity creates a conducive environment for the spread of bacteria viruses and fungi which are known to trigger autoimmune responses Furthermore for individuals with autoimmune diseases getting infected with these microorganisms can lead to heightened immune activity and subsequent flareupsThe bodys immune system already prone to misidentifying and attacking its tissues can become further dysregulated when dealing with external pathogens This heightened state of immune activity can result in worsening symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis lupus and psoriasisAdditionally the drop in atmospheric pressure during the monsoon season can influence the bodys physiological processes Lower pressure can lead to joint swelling and increased pain which is particularly problematic for individuals with autoimmune conditions affecting the joints like rheumatoid arthritisAlso during monsoons often there is lack of sunlight leading to vitamin D deficiency Vitamin D deficiency is potentially linked with various autoimmune diseases she addsWhen someone with autoimmune disease experiences flareups they may spot symptoms like their joints becoming stiff and swollen feeling unusually tired low level of energy skin rashes and redness and digestive issues like diarrhea stomach pain and nauseaTo manage these symptoms one should choose clothing fabrics that provide warmth to protect their joints from cold weather during the monsoon season To effectively combat these symptoms it becomes essential to maintain hygiene eat wellbalanced foods with essential nutrients and reduce stress Do not neglect these symptoms and immediately consult the doctor for expert guidance and tailored treatmentTreatments to tackle autoimmune diseasesGupta shares that treatments for autoimmune diseases are multifaceted aiming to manage symptoms control the immune response and improve the quality of life for patientsCommonly medications form the backbone of treatment strategies Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs NSAIDs and corticosteroids are frequently prescribed to reduce inflammation and reduce pain Diseasemodifying antirheumatic drugs DMARDs are used to slow the progression of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupusBiologic agents target specific components of the immune system and are particularly effective in cases where traditional medications fail These drugs include tumour necrosis factor TNF inhibitors and interleukin inhibitors which have revolutionised treatment outcomes for many autoimmune conditionsIn addition to pharmacological treatments lifestyle modifications and supportive therapies play a crucial role in managing autoimmune diseases Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health Physical therapy is often recommended to maintain joint flexibility and strength especially for conditions like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritisIn some cases patients may benefit from alternative therapies like acupuncture and dietary supplements although these should be approached with caution and under medical supervisionEnsuring sufficient sunlight and vitamin D during monsoonsThamke recommends spending more time outdoors especially in the morning when the sun is not too harsh which can ensure sufficient vitamin D During monsoon it becomes a rare sight to spot sunlight due to gloomy temperatures You can increase your vitamin D intake by eating foods that are rich in vitamins for effective results This includes vitaminrich foods like mushrooms green leafy vegetables cheese and dairy products like milk yoghurt and cheeseDisclaimer This information does not replace professional medical advice Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance