Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are a broad group of conditions where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. They include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroid disease (Hashimoto's, Graves'), type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, vitiligo, and many others. Most affect women more than men, often starting in young adulthood.

Common autoimmune conditions in India

• Hashimoto's (hypothyroidism) — extremely common in Indian women. See Hypothyroidism.
• Rheumatoid arthritis — see Rheumatoid Arthritis.
• Lupus (SLE) — more common and often more severe in South Asians. See Lupus.
• Type 1 diabetes — see Type 1 Diabetes.
• Psoriasis — see Psoriasis.
• Vitiligo — see Vitiligo.
• Coeliac disease — see Coeliac Disease.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, UC) — see Crohn's Disease, UC.
• Multiple sclerosis — see MS.
• Ankylosing spondylitis — see AS.

Shared patterns

• Flares and remissions — activity comes and goes.
• Genetic predisposition + environmental trigger (infection, smoking, stress, pregnancy, hormones).
• Clusters — one autoimmune disease raises the risk of others (e.g. Hashimoto's + vitiligo + type 1 diabetes).
• Women are more commonly affected than men.

How they're managed

• Disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs), steroid-sparing immunosuppressants, and biologics — under a rheumatologist, dermatologist, gastroenterologist, or neurologist depending on the disease.
• Vaccinate before starting immunosuppression — flu, pneumococcal, Hep B, HPV, MMR if eligible, and tetanus/COVID boosters.
• Treat infections early — immunosuppression increases infection risk.
• Bone health — calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise; bone density monitoring with long-term steroids.
• Mental health — depression and anxiety are common; treat them alongside the disease.
• Don't stop medicines when you feel well — that's often when flares are being prevented.

Avoid

• Unregulated "autoimmune cures" in India — pastes, injections, "steroid-free" powders — many are contaminated with high-potency steroids, causing dependency and Cushing's syndrome.
• Starting or stopping immunosuppressants without your specialist.
• Ignoring infections — a simple cough or UTI can become serious on immunosuppression.