What is an autoimmune disease?
Autoimmune disease occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own healthy cells and tissues. Instead of defending your body against harmful invaders like viruses or bacteria, the immune system targets its own body parts. This malfunction can affect one part of the body or multiple systems, leading to chronic inflammation and a variety of symptoms.
There are over 80 known autoimmune diseases, including:
- Psoriasis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Hashimoto’s disease
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases, and you may be at higher risk if they run in your family.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling. It primarily affects the lining of the joints, but can also affect other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs, and blood vessels. RA is a chronic condition, meaning it lasts long term and can progress over time, sometimes leading to joint damage or deformities if not properly managed.
- Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear on the joints, rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that results in the breakdown of cartilage and bone in the affected joints. It commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists, and knees, but it can involve almost any joint in the body.
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:
- Joint pain: RA often causes pain in the joints, particularly those in the hands, wrists, and knees. Pain tends to be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Swelling: Inflamed joints can become visibly swollen and tender to the touch.
- Stiffness: Joint stiffness is particularly common in the morning or after rest and can last for several hours.
- Fatigue: Chronic tiredness is common in people with RA and can significantly affect daily activities.
- Fever: Low-grade fever may be present, especially during flare-ups.
- Loss of joint function: Over time, RA can lead to decreased joint mobility, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
- Rheumatoid nodules: These are firm lumps that can form under the skin near affected joints.
Because RA is an autoimmune disease, it can also have systemic effects and cause symptoms outside of the joints, such as dry eyes or mouth, lung issues, or inflammation in the heart or blood vessels.
Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-Related Autoimmunity
COVID-19 induces a distinct immune response that may facilitate the development of autoimmune diseases like RA. Some of the key features of the immune dysregulation observed in COVID-19 include:
- Over-activation of NK cells and CD8+ T cells – These cells are critical components of the immune response, but their overactivation can lead to tissue damage and inflammation, which may trigger autoimmune reactivity.
- Dysregulation of B cells and T cells – Both B cells and T cells are central to the development of autoimmune diseases, and their dysfunction in COVID-19 patients may promote the onset of RA and other autoimmune conditions.
- Bystander activation of autoreactive B cells – This phenomenon, observed in some COVID-19 patients, could play a significant role in the emergence of new-onset autoimmune diseases following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
What happens during a rheumatoid arthritis consultation?
During a consultation for rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Quraishi will take a thorough medical history and ask detailed questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and family history. She will also observe to assess your joints for signs of inflammation, tenderness, and stiffness.
Additional lab work may likely be recommended to help analyze how much inflammation and any underlying causes. This comprehensive evaluation helps Dr. Quraishi develop an individualized treatment plan based on your specific symptoms, lab results, and overall health.
What are rheumatoid arthritis treatments?
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis focuses on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, preventing joint damage, and improving overall quality of life. Dr. Quraishi’s approach is holistic and aims to address the root causes of the disease, not just the symptoms.
Treatment may include:
- Personalized nutrition plan: Certain foods can either promote or reduce inflammation. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help manage RA symptoms. Dr. Quraishi may recommend avoiding inflammatory foods, such as refined sugars or processed meats.
- Nutritional supplements - Therapeutic-grade supplements at therapeutic doses, such as fish oil (omega-3s), turmeric (curcumin), and antioxidants, can support immune function and reduce inflammation.
- Herbal medicine - Certain herbs, like ginger, boswellia, and nettle leaf, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and may help alleviate RA symptoms.
- Exercise program - Low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, or walking can help maintain joint function and reduce stiffness.
- Stress management - Chronic stress can exacerbate autoimmune conditions, so Dr. Quraishi may guide you through relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness practices.
- Detox and cleanse - Periodic detoxification can help reduce the burden on your immune system and support overall health.
- Hydrotherapy - Warm baths or using cold packs can soothe inflamed joints and alleviate pain.
- In addition to these naturopathic treatments, Dr. Quraishi may collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as rheumatologists, to ensure you receive comprehensive care. Regular follow-ups and lab tests will be performed to monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.
Conclusion
Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex disease influenced by genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Dysbiosis—an imbalance in the gut microbiome—appears to play a significant role in the development and progression of RA by disrupting immune tolerance and promoting systemic inflammation. Viral infections, including EBV and SARS-CoV-2, also contribute to autoimmune disease onset through mechanisms like molecular mimicry, bystander activation, and immune dysregulation. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the potential for viral infections to trigger or exacerbate autoimmune diseases, highlighting the need for further research into the connections between infections, the microbiome, and autoimmune pathogenesis.
For a holistic, personalized approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions, call the office of Humaira Quraishi ND, MS, or book an appointment online today.
Author
Dr Humaira Q
