Anautoimmune diseaseis a condition in which your immune system attacks your body’s cells.
The primary goal of treating an autoimmune disorder is to control the immune response in your body.
Your treatment options usually involve reducing inflammation and other symptoms.
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when you’ve got been diagnosed, some autoimmune diseases can be difficult to treat.
You may need to try different options before finding the right combination that works for you.
Specific treatments will vary depending on the pop in of autoimmune condition you have and its severity.
Usually, OTC medications help relieve mild symptoms, such as pain.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help with inflammation, swelling, stiffness, fever, and pain.
Your healthcare provider may have you try different OTC drugs.
Some people need only OTC therapies to manage their disorders, butNSAIDs do pose some risks.
Prescription drugs usually cost more than OTC medications, and they may have moreside effects.
Work with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment option for you.
Immunosuppressant Therapies
Immunosuppressive therapies can treat many types of autoimmune diseases.
These medications target different parts of your immune system by suppressing it.
Immunosuppressants can help manage your condition and protect organ function, such as by controlling inflammation.
Some common immunosuppressants include low-dose chemotherapy and drugs to prevent rejection after organ transplants.
You usually get these medicines through an injection or an intravenous line.
One of the most common concerns is a higher risk of infection.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of adverse effects before taking any medicine.
Drugs for Treating Pain
Your healthcare provider will first recommend NSAIDs for treating mild pain.
Prescription pain medications usually include opioids such as:
Long-term use of opioids may lead to tolerance and addiction.
In addition, opioids can have side effects, including constipation, drowsiness, or sleepiness.
Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your medications if fatigue is a serious problem.
The goal of making these changes is to lower inflammation in the body and control other symptoms.
Keep in mind that making and sticking to lifestyle changes can take time and effort.
Your healthcare provider can make recommendations, but you must be willing to alter how you live.
Consider asking friends and family to help keep you accountable.
Healthy lifestyle changes are most successful when they’re established over time.
take a stab at limit trans fat, saturated fats, sugar, and salt.
Focus on eating lean protein and healthy fats.
The goal is to avoid processed foods with extra sugar and salt that do not have nutritional value.
In addition, limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Nourishing your body is essential for managing an autoimmune condition.
You may want to discuss specific dietary changes with your healthcare provider.
Tests can show if you have any nutritional deficiencies that require supplementation or additional diet modifications.
When you do not get enough sleep, it can make symptoms worse.
In general, most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
Your sleep requirements can vary.
make a run at fall asleep and wake up at the same hour every day.
In addition, make your bedroom comfortable and dark.
You want to avoid using electronic devices before bed.
Exercise
Exercise can help with fatigue and other symptoms of an autoimmune disease.
You want to perform regular physical activities that turn into a healthy habit.
However, it’s also important to be kind to your body and not overdo it.
When you exercise, your body makes endorphins that affect mood, helping you feel better.
Physical activity also improves flexibility, range of motion, muscle mass, and blood circulation.
You may have less pain and more energy after exercising.
You may even sleep better at night after working out during the day.
Although your stress-relief strategies will be personal, there are some general recommendations that can help.
Getting enough sleep, following a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can all help reduce stress.
venture to eliminate any sources of stress when it is possible.
The goal is to practice these techniques on a regular basis.
you’ve got the option to find ways to relieve stress on your own.
However, you may also benefit from joining a support group or seeing a therapist.
This may include herbs, supplements, or modalities like hypnosis, massage, or acupuncture.
Some people with autoimmune diseases may benefit from CAM and find relief from symptoms with it.
However, research on many supplements and methods is limited.
Many CAM substances and methods focus on the mind-body connection.
CAM techniques and products are designed to help the whole body.
There is also a strong focus on relaxation, nutrition, and stress reduction.
It is possible for certain elements of CAM to cause problems, such as herbs interfering with your medications.
Discuss your plans to use CAM treatments with a healthcare provider to confirm you do not encounter any issues.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a non-medication treatment option for autoimmune diseases.
It involves performing specific exercises with a trained physical therapist.
It can be especially useful for joint pain and muscle weakness.
A physical therapist can assist you in using the machine and maintaining muscle strength.
The goal of occupational therapy is to help you live an independent and productive life.
You may want to make changes in your house or at work if the occupational therapist recommends them.
Stiffness, weakness, and pain can make it difficult to do things.
Mind-Body Therapy
Mind-body therapy can include different products and methods that treat the whole body.
Usually, it involves relaxation techniques that work on both the mind and body.
Breathing, focusing, and moving are important parts of mind-body therapy.
The methods can range from doing art to trying hypnosis.
Some other examples include meditation, biofeedback, yoga, tai chi, and guided imagery.
You may want to experiment with different types of mind-body therapies to find the right one.
The techniques are usually safe for most people to try without the risk of side effects of complications.
Supplements and Herbs
There are many different types of supplements and herbs that you may find.
Some have been studied and show promise in helping those with autoimmune disorders.
However, there is a possibility that specific herbs and supplements can interfere with OTC and prescription medications.
You should discuss the types you plan to take with your healthcare provider.
Experimental Treatments
Experimental treatments have risks, but some are showing promise for treating autoimmune diseases.
You may be able to join a clinical trial or try an experimental medication.
Keep in mind that experimental treatments carry risks and may not work.
Since research on them is limited, it’s also possible to have an adverse event or reaction.
A Word From Verywell
Finding the right treatment for your autoimmune disease may take time.
You may have to try different options before you discover the right way to manage the condition.
Sometimes a combination of treatments is necessary to handle an autoimmune disease.
Your healthcare provider may recommend starting treatment with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter therapies.
If these methods and drugs are not enough, then you may need prescription medications.
Complementary and alternative medicine also offers different techniques for managing autoimmune diseases.
Discuss your options with a practitioner and be prepared to try different methods.
Autoimmune diseases take time and effort to manage.
It is important to remain positive and reduce stress as you look for treatments.
