Your Strongest Ally: Understanding the Immune System

Your immune system is a powerful ally. It’s responsible for identifying and attacking organisms that invade the body and cause disease.

The immune system is the network of organs, cells and proteins that help your body fight against infections and keeps you healthy. When it works, it’s a beautiful thing.

Autoimmune diseases are conditions that result from “autoimmunity,” which is when an individual’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy tissues in the body.

“Autoimmune diseases can attack a single organ or multiple organ systems within the body, and range from mild in their severity to debilitating and disabling,” describes Dr. William Clare Jr., a board-certified internal medicine specialist at Beaufort Memorial Lady’s Island Internal Medicine, who works with patients to prevent, diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses. “These disorders can occur as a result of several factors, including genetics, environmental influences and gender.”

Understanding Autoimmunity 

There are more than 80 autoimmune diseases—each one with a slightly different mechanism of attacking the body.

According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), nearly a fifth of the U.S. population — or 50 million people — suffers from an autoimmune disease. More than 75 percent of those affected are women.

“It is clear there are some genetic risk factors that predispose you to developing autoimmunity,” says Dr. Clare. Researchers are trying to determine exactly why; it could be the interaction of specific genes and environmental factors that lead to autoimmune diseases, but scientists don’t yet know exactly how.

One thing researchers are trying to better understand is why autoimmune diseases are becoming more prevalent. Although autoimmune diseases run in families, the increase is occurring faster than genetics can account for.

Type 1 diabetes, for example, is increasing at a rate of 2 to 5 percent per year worldwide. Several studies looking at autoimmune disease prevalence shows the annual increase to be between 3 and 12 percent. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that attacks the pancreas and its ability to produce insulin, affecting about 1.25 million Americans.

The treatment for type 1 diabetes is daily insulin injections or an insulin pump to ensure the body gets the right amount of insulin to manage blood sugar levels, says Dr. Clare. It’s not a cure, but with daily insulin and good blood sugar control, a person with type 1 diabetes can live a long and healthy life.

Another common autoimmune disease is celiac disease, which occurs when the body’s immune response to gluten (a protein found in wheat and other grains) damages the lining of the small intestine, preventing the body from properly absorbing nutrients.

The treatment is a gluten-free diet, which works for most people. It’s possible to have celiac disease and not experience symptoms but still experience intestinal damage. Left undiagnosed and untreated, celiac disease can lead to other autoimmune disorders and long-term health problems. 

Age and the Immune System 

The immune system slows down with age, which makes it harder for the body to fight off illnesses and recover when they develop. Getting older also increases the risk of developing autoimmune diseases and reduces the system’s ability to correct cell defects, leading to a higher risk of cancer. 

“To keep your immune system strong as you age, there are a few key habits to incorporate into your lifestyle,” Dr. Clare advises, “including regular exercise, a healthy and balanced diet and getting enough sleep.” 

Living with an Autoimmune Disease 

For people with an autoimmune disease, managing the physical impact of their chronic condition is critical. But treating the problem is not the same as eliminating the disease. It’s important to have support and understanding from loved ones. If you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease—or any chronic condition—talk to your healthcare provider about a referral to a support group or a mental health expert who can help you cope with your thoughts and feelings. 

Need support managing a chronic condition? Search for a Beaufort Memorial physician or support group.