At autoimmune diseases are those that originate in the immune system , which begins to produce antibodies against components of our own organism. The body starts to confuse its own proteins with invading agents, starting to attack them.
“There is no specific cause we believe that there is a genetic predisposition, associated with several factors that would work as trigger for triggering these diseases or even for the aggravation of them, such as sun exposure, smoking, stress and infections”, explains Nafice Costa Araújo, president of the Paulista Society of Rheumatology (see interview in the video above ).
The various autoimmune diseases affect up to 8% of the world population. They have no cure, but they can be treated and controlled, avoiding sequelae and reducing the risk of complications.
The matter will be discussed extensively in this week’s episode of CNN Vital Signs . The program, presented by cardiologist Roberto Kalil, will air this Sunday (26), at 7:30 pm, reinforcing the diversified content with the brand CNN Soft .
Arthritis, lupus and psoriasis
THE rheumatoid arthritis is one of the diseases that will be addressed in the program. The most prevalent disease in rheumatology affects 1% of the Brazilian population. Systemic lupus erythematosus has a prevalence between 100 and 150 thousand people in the country. Psoriasis affects around 5% of Brazilians.
“Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects many joints, including those of the hands and feet”, explains Ricardo Xavier, president of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology.
In severe cases, the disease attacks internal organs, affects the lining of joints, and causes painful swellings. Over time, the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. While there is no cure, physical therapy and the use of medication can help to slow the progression of the disease.
“In the last 25 years, there has been an advance in the knowledge of the disease, of how these immune cells cause this inflammation without any sense because they are dysregulated and, with that, the possibility of developing drugs that block this inflammatory process and decrease inflammation and control the development of this damage and pain that the patient has”, explains Xavier.
According to the specialist, there are still gaps in identifying which drugs are ideal for each patient. “This is the next frontier that we have to be able to use the best treatment for a given patient. Today it’s a lot of trial and error, I choose a treatment and see if it responds, if it improves or not, I move on to a second option, a third option,” he explains.
already the lupus It is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
“Symptoms vary, but can include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and fever,” says Nafice. Although there is no cure for lupus current treatments seek to improve quality of life by controlling symptoms and reducing crises.
“This starts with lifestyle modifications, including diet and sun protection. Other disease control measures include medications such as anti-inflammatories and steroids,” he explains.
THE psoriasis It is a disease in which skin cells build up and form dry, itchy scales and patches. Possible causes include infections, stress, and exposure to cold.
The most common symptom is skin irritation, but rashes on the nails or joints can also occur. The treatment is aimed at removing the scales and preventing the cells from growing as quickly. Ointments, light therapy, and medications can offer relief to patients.
“It does not have a specific cause, it is a disease that we classify as multifactorial, that is, different factors can lead to its emergence, such as a genetic factor”, explains Ricardo Romiti, coordinator of the Psoriasis Outpatient Clinic at Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine. Medicine at the University of São Paulo (USP).
Source: CNN Brasil
