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Autoimmune Disease

The human immune system is an astounding thing, but abnormalities in your immune function can cause widespread harm. At FoundationMED in Raleigh, North Carolina, diagnosing and treating autoimmune disease is an area of specialty.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the thyroid. This can lead to hypothyroidism.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the lining of the joints, leaving them swollen and painful.

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Psoriasis

The itchy, red skin caused by psoriasis can be frustrating, embarrassing and painful. Don’t suffer any longer.

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Eczema

Eczema is a broad term that can refer to several different conditions that cause the skin to be inflamed or irritated.

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease

When the intestines become inflamed due to the immune system attacking the body, symptoms can range from severe to mild.

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Your immune system acts to protect you from invasion by bacteria and viruses. When your immune system detects the presence of foreign invaders, it responds by mobilizing an army of specialized cells to fight off infection.

This system is incredibly efficient and effective. However, the benefit of a strong immune system relies on your body’s ability to distinguish between friend and foe. Autoimmune disease is a condition marked by an inability to properly distinguish dangerous cells from healthy cells.

People with an autoimmune disease suffer from an internal battle between their own immune system and their healthy tissues.

Autoimmune disease can take many forms, and it is often classified according to the types of cells under attack. Some examples include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Type I diabetes
  • Psoriasis
  • Systemic lupus
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Graves’ disease
  • Eczema
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

This is far from a comprehensive list. There are many types of autoimmune disease, some of which are more well known than others.

Many types of autoimmune disease present similar symptoms. Some things to keep an eye out for include:

  • Low-grade fever
  • Difficulty maintaining concentration
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling or redness in skin and joints
  • Hair loss
  • Persistent rashes
  • Aching muscles

Certain types of autoimmune disease bring their own unique list of symptoms. Because these symptoms are so common among other medical conditions, it’s important to seek a professional diagnosis any time you notice significant changes in how your body functions.

The team at FoundationMED practices functional medicine, an approach that seeks to not only treat your symptoms but also determine the root cause of your areas of concern. This unique way of looking at autoimmune disease offers a path toward lasting relief and not just a quick-fix means of dealing with individual symptoms.

For example, research suggests a link between autoimmune disease and conditions like leaky gut, methylation deficiencies, and toxin influences. Working with doctors who are well versed in these issues and their optimal treatment paths can help you find lasting relief. Book your appointment today online or by phone to learn more.

FoundationMED Does More

We work to assess and address the multiple issues that together can conspire to negatively affect your health and wellbeing. We call that “root cause” analysis – and it is reflected in our name: FoundationMED.

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