New Delhi, Jan 14 (NationPress) The rise in autoimmune diseases is becoming increasingly evident, particularly among women, with the current winter season and elevated pollution levels potentially aggravating their symptoms, according to an expert from the All India Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi.

Dr. Uma Kumar, who is the Professor and head of the Rheumatology department at AIIMS, elaborated that autoimmune diseases arise from a multifaceted process, which can be localized to a specific organ or can be systemic in nature.

Limited autoimmune diseases affect only one organ, like the pancreas, whereas systemic diseases impact several organs. Common examples include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, and IgG4-related diseases, among nearly 60 others, which are more frequently diagnosed in women.

“These conditions can manifest at any age, but they are predominantly found in women of reproductive age. Factors such as female hormones and immune-related genetics on the X chromosome contribute to this. The female-to-male ratio is higher in younger individuals and tends to equalize after menopause,” Kumar stated.

The ratio can start at around 9:1 during adolescence and young adulthood, eventually becoming 1:1 when women reach 70 or older.

“Women often face neglect due to societal misconceptions that these diseases are either hereditary or infectious, which is false. Consequently, many women endure their conditions in silence, leading to severe mental health challenges,” Kumar commented.

The expert pointed out that symptoms frequently intensify during winter due to factors like cold weather, decreased atmospheric pressure, increased joint stiffness, reduced sunlight exposure, vitamin D deficiency, weight gain, low mood, pollution, and a rise in viral infections.

Air pollution is identified as a significant trigger. Research indicates elevated inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and even autoantibodies in otherwise healthy individuals exposed to high levels of pollution, particularly those residing near busy roadways. This provides compelling evidence linking air pollution to an increased risk of autoimmune diseases.

Chronic mental stress and inadequate sleep further exacerbate inflammation and disease severity, with night-shift workers being particularly at risk. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable uptick in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, underscoring the influence of environmental and lifestyle factors.

Lifestyle modifications are critical as well. Unhealthy dietary choices, smoking, tobacco use, and obesity all contribute to the risk. Obesity, in particular, is a chronic inflammatory condition that heightens the likelihood of autoimmune disease.

Another contributing factor is the enhanced diagnostic capabilities and growing awareness among healthcare providers, patients, and the general public. Awareness campaigns initiated over a decade ago have resulted in increased recognition of these diseases.

Kumar remarked that while autoimmune diseases are manageable, they typically necessitate lifelong treatment, akin to managing diabetes or hypertension.

“No single symptom or diagnostic test can definitively identify these conditions. Symptoms can vary widely, encompassing fatigue, fever, joint pain, skin rashes, hair loss, dryness in the eyes or mouth, kidney issues, neurological problems, or recurrent pregnancy loss. Since autoantibodies can also be present in healthy individuals, testing without medical oversight can lead to confusion,” she warned.

The expert cautioned against the unsupervised use of steroids and painkillers, as these are not universally necessary for all autoimmune diseases.

Lifestyle changes are vital. Ensuring sufficient sleep, managing stress, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can help mitigate flare-ups,” Kumar noted, acknowledging the positive impact of yoga on reducing inflammation and enhancing sleep quality among those with autoimmune diseases.