Avoid infections when you have an autoimmune disease
MANY OF US have an autoimmune disease. Our immune system protects us from disease and infection. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) explains, “But if the immune system malfunctions, it mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Called autoimmune disease, these attacks can affect any part of the body, weakening bodily function and even turning life-threatening.”
Scientists know about more than 80 autoimmune diseases. Some are well known, such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, while others are rare and difficult to diagnose. With unusual autoimmune diseases, patients may suffer years before getting a proper diagnosis. Most of these diseases have no cure. Some require lifelong treatment to ease symptoms.
Getting an infection can cause the body to try to get rid of the infection by activating the immune system to fight it off. But with an autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells and can cause disease symptoms to activate.
With many illnesses, patients might be unaware of even having an infection. Watching for a cut that might seem to swell or watching out for feet cuts or skin problems might help a person stay ahead of an infection if they check it out with a medical professional.
Another way to check infections is by monitoring our oral health, an often critical part of our body’s health. Someone with an existing health condition might find it difficult to brush and floss their teeth and get checked for gum disease or cavities. If we get a bacterial infection in our mouths, or in our teeth and gums, it might cause systemic spread. Having a person check out our oral health is quite important, and early detection can save us many health problems down the line.
A friend of mine just recovered from a hip replacement. She was so relieved to go home that she said, “I’ve had enough medical appointments for a year!” She said she would not go to a dentist or an ophthalmologist unless she had pain. Infections can occur anywhere in our bodies, and following up with a medical check can be a preventive way to avoid disease flareups.
The organs of the immune system include our tonsils and adenoids, thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, appendix, and bone marrow.
There are several factors that might contribute to having an autoimmune disease: heredity, white blood cells, lifestyle, hormone influence, and environmental factors. When someone with an autoimmune disease gets an infection, his or her immune system responds by attacking healthy cells and organs. This can cause autoimmune symptoms to flare up. For example, their rheumatoid arthritis might worsen, and they might experience more pain and mobility challenges during this time. Those with multiple sclerosis might become weaker with their mobility or experience more numbness.
Collectively, these diseases affect more than 24 million people in the United States. An additional eight million people have auto-antibodies, blood molecules that indicate a person’s chance of developing autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are affecting more people for reasons unknown. Likewise, the causes of these diseases remain a mystery.
People might be aware of a UTI (urinary tract infection) or an infected cut or post-surgical infection that becomes red, hurts, or bleeds. It is critical to get it checked out so the immune system does not attack the wrong parts of the body.
My dentist, Dr. Tracey Poole, DDS, believes there is a lack of education about the link between oral health and total body health: heart, diabetes, low birth rates, and premature births. A patient who has gum disease can be at greater risk for stroke, heart disease, and other health problems. The slogan of many dentists today is quite true: Healthy mouth, healthy body.
I have learned that preventing infections is a simple but critical way of taking care of my total health. It’s easier to stay aware of and keep on top of infections than to have my immune system bring on a flareup of disease. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Sister Karen Zielinski is the Director of Canticle Studio. Canticle Studio is a part of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH’s overall advancement effort and has a mission of being a creative center where artists generate works, products, and services in harmony with the mission of the Sisters St. Francis. She can be reached at kzielins@sistersosf.org or 419-824-3543. ✲
