Rising Autoimmune Diseases: Expert Insights on Winter Impact and Women's Health
Increasing Autoimmune Disease Prevalence
New Delhi, Jan 15: The incidence of autoimmune disorders is on the rise, particularly among women, with the current winter season and elevated pollution levels potentially exacerbating symptoms, according to a specialist from All India Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi.
Dr. Uma Kumar, who leads the Rheumatology department at AIIMS, elaborated that autoimmune diseases arise from a multifaceted process, which can either be localized to a single organ or be systemic in nature.
Localized conditions affect only one organ, like the pancreas, while systemic diseases impact multiple organs. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, and IgG4-related diseases, totaling nearly 60 different disorders, with a higher prevalence in women.
“These conditions can manifest at any age, but they are particularly common among women of reproductive age. Factors such as female hormones and immune-related genes located on the X chromosome contribute to this trend. The female-to-male ratio is significantly higher in younger populations, evening out post-menopause,” Kumar explained.
Initially, the ratio can be as high as 9:1 during adolescence, but it approaches 1:1 as women reach their 70s or beyond.
"Women often face neglect due to societal misconceptions that these diseases are hereditary or contagious, which is a fallacy. Consequently, many women endure their suffering in silence, leading to serious mental health challenges," Kumar added.
The expert pointed out that symptoms frequently intensify during winter months due to factors such as cold weather, decreased atmospheric pressure, increased joint stiffness, lack of sunlight, vitamin D deficiency, weight gain, low mood, pollution, and higher incidences of viral infections.
Air pollution is a major contributing factor. Research indicates that exposure to high pollution levels, particularly near busy roads, can elevate inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and even autoantibodies in otherwise healthy individuals, establishing a strong correlation between air pollution and the risk of autoimmune diseases.
Chronic mental stress and inadequate sleep can also heighten inflammation and exacerbate disease symptoms, with night-shift workers being particularly vulnerable. Following the COVID pandemic, there has been a notable increase in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, underscoring the influence of environmental and lifestyle factors.
Lifestyle choices significantly impact these diseases. Poor dietary habits, smoking, tobacco use, and obesity are all contributing factors. Obesity, in particular, is a chronic inflammatory state that raises the likelihood of developing autoimmune disorders.
Another factor is the advancement in diagnostic capabilities and heightened awareness among healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public. Since awareness campaigns began over a decade ago, the recognition of these diseases has improved.
Dr. Kumar emphasized that while autoimmune diseases are manageable, they typically require lifelong treatment, akin to diabetes or hypertension.
“There is no singular symptom or test that can definitively diagnose these conditions. Symptoms can vary widely and may include fatigue, fever, joint pain, skin rashes, hair loss, dryness of eyes or mouth, kidney issues, neurological symptoms, or recurrent pregnancy loss. Testing for autoantibodies without medical supervision can lead to misleading results,” she cautioned.
The expert advised against the unsupervised use of steroids and painkillers, as they are not necessary for all autoimmune diseases.
"Lifestyle changes are crucial. Ensuring adequate sleep, managing stress, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent flare-ups," Kumar noted, highlighting the positive effects of yoga in reducing inflammation and enhancing sleep quality for those with autoimmune conditions.