More than 80 known autoimmune diseases affect millions of people in the United States. Autoimmune diseases may damage any organ or body system, causing a wide range of symptoms. Traditional medicine focuses on treating the symptoms of these diseases. At TrueCARE Integrative Medicine in Glenview, Illinois, we take an integrative approach to care, focusing on finding and treating the root cause of your autoimmune disease.
What are autoimmune diseases?
Autoimmune diseases include a wide range of conditions that occur because of a malfunction in the immune system. Normally, your immune system protects your body from disease and germs by attacking foreign invaders.
With an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks your own body, causing damage to your organs. Examples of autoimmune diseases include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Type 1 diabetes
- Psoriasis
- Lupus
- Thyroid diseases
- Multiple sclerosis
- Vasculitis
Though researchers are still investigating what causes the immune system to malfunction, they theorize a combination of genetic and environmental factors trigger the reaction.
What are the symptoms of autoimmune diseases?
Symptoms of autoimmune diseases vary, depending on the type and affected body part. However, some of these conditions cause similar symptoms, such as:
- Joint pain
- Low-grade fever
- Rashes
- Swollen glands
- Digestive problems
- Fatigue
Because these symptoms are common in many health conditions, people with an autoimmune disease may struggle to get accurate diagnoses.
If you have symptoms from an unexplainable cause and can’t get the help you need, schedule a consultation with Ms. Patel at TrueCARE Integrative Medicine.
What can I expect during an evaluation for autoimmune diseases?
Ms. Patel takes a personalized and integrative approach to care. She aims to find the root cause of your symptoms so she can develop the most effective treatment plan.
After a 15-minute pre-visit phone call, Ms. Patel conducts a thorough in-office evaluation. She reviews your symptoms, medical history, family history, daily routine, and usual diet during the visit.
She performs a physical exam and runs lab tests to find diagnostic data that might explain the root cause of your symptoms. Testing might include a check of food sensitivity, gut health and the balance of microorganisms in your large intestine.
An imbalance in these microorganisms may affect immune health and play a role in triggering autoimmune disease.
What are the treatments for autoimmune diseases?
Ms. Patel uses a combination of traditional Western medical treatments with alternative therapies to help you gain control over your health and autoimmune disease.
Treatments for autoimmune diseases might include:
- Nutrition therapy
- Nutritional supplements
- Exercise routine
- Stress management
- Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)
- Weight management
- Lifestyle coaching
- Disease-specific prescription medication
Ms. Patel doesn’t want to treat your symptoms. Instead, she partners with you and provides therapies that address the root cause of your symptoms.
Are you looking for a more personalized approach to managing your autoimmune disease? Call TrueCARE Integrative Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.