Autoimmune diseases are difficult to live with and understand. They are challenging to diagnose and usually require lifelong treatment. Our Santa Monica based compounding pharmacy is here to give you the facts about autoimmune diseases.
What are they?
Our immune systems recognize healthy cells and fight off unhealthy cells. An autoimmune disease is a disease where a person’s immune system fights against its own healthy cells. These diseases can affect tissue in different parts of the body and the way different organs function.
How many are there?
Autoimmune diseases are more common than you think, with at least 80 known autoimmune diseases. Some of the most common are celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and type 1 diabetes. An estimated 50 million Americans have been diagnosed with autoimmune diseases.
Where do they come from?
Autoimmune diseases are not necessarily hereditary. Family members are more likely to develop the same autoimmune disease but it is caused by a person’s environment. However, it has not been proven exactly which environmental factors cause this type of disease.
How are they diagnosed?
Doctors have difficulty diagnosing autoimmune diseases because the symptoms are often the same as other diseases and sicknesses. The diseases usually affect many different parts of the body and symptoms can change frequently, making it harder for doctors to pinpoint the exact cause. Usually, patients will undergo many different treatments before their doctors identify an autoimmune disease.
What makes autoimmune diseases different?
Our Santa Monica based compounding pharmacy have found that allergies and autoimmune diseases are often confused because of their similar symptoms and treatments. People with allergies and autoimmune diseases may both react from foods similarly and both have to avoid those foods. The difference is that the allergic person’s body tries to fight against the allergen, while a person with an autoimmune disease’s body attacks itself.
About ABC Pharmacy of Beverly Hills
A Santa Monica based compounding pharmacy, ABC Pharmacy of Beverly Hills provides exceptional services during your visit. From when you enter and until you leave, you will be satisfied with how fast and caring the whole team is. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated.
