Winter, pollution, changing lifestyle surging autoimmune diseases in women

The prevalence of autoimmune diseases is increasing especially in women and the ongoing winter season along with high pollution may be worsening the symptoms said an expert from the All India Medical Sciences AIIMS Delhi on WednesdayDr Uma Kumar Professor and head of department of Rheumatology AIIMS explained that autoimmune diseases develop through a complex process which may be limited to a single organ or be systemicWhile limited diseases involve only one organ such as the pancreas systemic conditions affect multiple organs These include rheumatoid arthritis systemic lupus erythematosus scleroderma Sjoumlgrenrsquos syndrome IgG4related diseases and many others with nearly 60 diseases in this category These are more prevalent in womenldquoThese diseases can occur at any age but are more common in women of reproductive age Female hormones and immunerelated genes on the X chromosome play a role The femaletomale ratio is high in younger ages and becomes nearly equal after menopauserdquo Kumar saidThe ratio may be 91 to begin with during adolescence and young age and later turn 11 when women turn 70 or more than 60Women are often neglected due to social misconceptions that these diseases are hereditary or contagious which is incorrect As a result many women suffer silently leading to significant mental health issues Kumar saidThe expert noted that symptoms often worsen in winter ldquodue to cold temperatures reduced atmospheric pressure increased joint stiffness reduced sunlight vitamin D deficiency weight gain low mood pollution and higher rates of viral infectionsrdquoAir pollution is a significant trigger Studies have shown increased inflammatory markers oxidative stress and even autoantibodies in healthy individuals exposed to high pollution levels especially those living close to busy roads This provides strong evidence linking air pollution to autoimmune disease riskChronic mental stress and poor sleep also increase inflammation and worsen disease activity Nightshift workers are at higher risk PostCOVID there has been a noticeable rise in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions further supporting the role of environmental and lifestyle factorsLifestyle changes also play a major role Unhealthy food habits smoking tobacco use and obesity all contribute Obesity itself is a chronic inflammatory state that increases the risk of autoimmunityAnother reason is improved diagnostic facilities and greater awareness among doctors patients and the public Since awareness initiatives began more than a decade ago recognition of these diseases has increasedFurther Kumar said that autoimmune diseases are treatable but usually require lifelong management similar to diabetes or hypertensionldquoThere is no single symptom or test that can diagnose these conditionsSymptoms vary widely and may include fatigue fever joint pain skin rashes hair loss dryness of eyes or mouth kidney involvement neurological symptoms or recurrent pregnancy loss Because autoantibodies may also be present in healthy individuals testing without medical guidance can be misleadingrdquo she saidThe expert warned against taking steroids and painkillers without medical supervision as they are not required for all autoimmune diseasesLifestyle modification is essential Adequate sleep stress control regular physical activity smoking cessation and weight management help prevent flares said Kumar while also noting the benefit of yoga in reducing inflammation and improving sleep among autoimmune disease patientsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever