Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune disorders represent a diverse group of more than 100 conditions. Some are common, others are rare, but one thing is certain: Women have a significantly higher risk of developing an autoimmune disorder than men. The experienced doctors at Fairfield Family Health are experts in autoimmune disorders, accurately diagnosing the cause of your symptoms and using multifaceted treatments to restore your health. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Fairfield, Connecticut, or book an appointment online.

What is an autoimmune disease?

Your immune system normally protects your body by identifying and destroying germs, viruses, and other dangerous substances.

An autoimmune disease occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies part of your body as a danger to your health. Then, your immune system attacks healthy tissues, which causes harm rather than preventing it.

What are the most common autoimmune disorders?

Autoimmune diseases can affect every organ and system in your body. While some of these diseases affect men, about 75% of patients with an autoimmune disorder are women.

You may be familiar with a few of the most common autoimmune diseases:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Psoriasis
• Celiac disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Hashimoto’s disease
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Sjogren syndrome

 

Autoimmune diseases often run in families. However, one specific disease doesn’t affect all family members. Several members of your family can inherit an autoimmune disease, yet each of them could have a different condition.

What symptoms develop due to autoimmune disorders?

Each autoimmune disease has unique symptoms, but as a group, they cause inflammation and several similar symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Muscle aches
• Insomnia
• Abdominal pain
• Digestive problems
• Skin rash or itchy skin

 

These generic symptoms may contribute to the fact that on average, patients visit four doctors over three years before receiving an accurate diagnosis.

How are autoimmune diseases treated?

When you have a complex disease with bodywide inflammation and numerous symptoms, you need naturopathic doctors like the team at Fairfield Family Health. They thoroughly evaluate all the factors in your life that could contribute to your symptoms.

Your doctor takes time to explore your emotional health, environmental influences such as your exposure to chemicals, and every facet of your physical health. It’s also important to look for hidden infections like Lyme disease that cause inflammation and similar symptoms.

Once the underlying problems are identified, you receive a customized treatment plan that’s just as multifaceted as your symptoms. You may receive dietary and lifestyle recommendations, herbal medicine, low-dose immunotherapy, nutritional supplementation or homeopathic remedies.

As naturopathic doctors, the team at Fairfield Family Health understand that nutrition is the cornerstone of restoring and maintaining your health. You’ll receive a nutritional assessment, nutrition-based treatments such as vitamins, and the support you need to develop balanced meal plans.

Whether you notice a rash, develop flu-like symptoms, consistent joint pain or unexplained symptoms, call Fairfield Family Health to book an appointment.