Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

The Most Common Autoimmune disease is RA(Rheumatoid Arthritis).  Second most common is Sjogren's Syndrome.

Autoimmune diseases develop when the auto-reactive B lymphocytes (autoantibodies) and T lymphocytes described cause a pathological and/or functional damage to the organ/tissue containing the target autoantigen(s).

The treatment depends on the type of autoimmune disease. In most cases, the doctor will prescribe medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs to reduce inflammation.

A Rheumatologist treats arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that can cause the immune system to attack its joints, muscles, bones, or organs.

An Endocrinologist treats autoimmune diseases such as Diabetes, Graves, Addisons', Hashimoto and others.

Ocular Manifestations:  Ocular symptoms may include dry or red eyes, foreign body sensation, pruritus, photophobia, pain, visual changes, and even complete loss of vision. Because a number of these diseases may initially present with ocular symptoms, physicians ought to maintain a high index of suspicion to make a timely diagnosis.

Author
Paddy Kalish OD, JD and B.Arch

You Might Also Enjoy...

ANEURYSM

An aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50% of the vessel's normal diameter (width). An aneurysm may occur in any blood vessel, but is most often seen in an artery.

NITRIC OXIDE and Health

Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the critical components of the vasculature, regulating key signaling pathways in health. In macro-vessels, NO functions to suppress cell inflammation as well as adhesion.

SEPSIS

Sepsis is a serious condition in which the body responds negatively to an infection. The infection fighting processes turn on the body, causing the organs to work malfunction. Sepsis may progress to septic shock.

MERKEL CELL Carcinoma(MCC)

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that usually appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule, often on the Face, Eyelid, Head or Neck.

Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or by pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of a medical problem. It is not a medical condition by itself.

HEART FAILURE

HEART FAILURE is a condition in which the heart loses efficiency, leading to a chronic mismatch between the body’s need for oxygen and what it actually gets. There is chronic difficulty breathing, uncomfortable swelling in the arms or legs (or anywhere).