In short, the answer to the question of whether autoimmune disorders are curable is “no.” No treatment methods have proved effective in curing immune disorders. However, many help to control overactive or underactive immune responses, reduce inflammation, manage pain and relieve other symptoms.
Autoimmune diseases are those in which the immune system attacks healthy organ cells and tissues. Unfortunately, not only are researchers unsure of the exact cause of autoimmune disorders but also, they have not yet identified an effective cure. Instead, healthcare teams strive to manage the condition, treat inflammation and ease symptoms.
Though specific medications and treatments will depend largely on the autoimmune disorder in question, and though medical teams must often work with patients to find the combination of methods that work best, most treatments fall into one of the following categories:
Over-the-counter medications are medications that do not require prescriptions and that you can purchase from your local drug store or pharmacy. Healthcare teams typically like to recommend OTC meds as the first course of treatment, as many of these low-dose drugs are effective for relieving mild symptoms of pain, discomfort swelling, stiffness, inflammation and fever. Common OTC drugs used to manage symptoms of autoimmune disorders include the following:
Some people need only OTC drugs to manage the symptoms of their diseases. You may find that your doctor has you try several before finding one that works best for your condition. Regardless of your situation, do not try OTC medications before talking to your doctor about possible side effects, as some NSAIDs do post serious health risks to immunocompromised individuals.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether OTC medications help, your doctor may prescribe prescription medications. Doctors often prescribe medications for immune disorders to help manage symptoms of pain, fever, swelling, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, fatigue, rashes, skin problems, digestive issues and more.
Prescription drugs typically cost more than OTC medications and come with more side effects. Types of prescription medications your doctor may prescribe and their side effects are as follows:
Immunosuppressants: As their name implies, immunosuppressants help to suppress different parts of the immune system. In a person with a hyperactive immune system, suppression can slow or inhibit destructive tendencies, control inflammation, and ultimately protect against further organ and tissue damage.
Though immunosuppressants are often the go-to therapy for persons with autoimmune disorders, they do come with several adverse side effects. Those include but are not limited to the following:
Drugs for Treating Pain: People who live with autoimmune disorders often live with considerable and/or chronic pain. Though most doctors will recommend NSAIDs before prescribing a pain reliever, prescription medications may be necessary in some cases. Many prescription medication plans for immunocompromised individuals include opioids, such as the following:
It is important to know, though, that long-term use of opioids can and often does lead to tolerance and eventual addiction. Opioids also have a range of side effects, including but not limited to sleepiness, drowsiness and constipation.
Drugs for Treating Fatigue: It is not uncommon for autoimmune disorders to cause fatigue. For this reason, many a treatment plan for immunocompromised individuals include fatigue-fighting medicines, such as vitamins and supplements, hormones, antidepressants and psychostimulants.
Medications for Other Symptoms: Depending on the immune disorder, an individual may experience a range of symptoms. To effectively manage these symptoms, medical teams may recommend one or more of the following:
Alternative, or complementary, medications are those that are not considered part of standard medical care. These include things like herbs, supplements, vitamins, massage, acupuncture, hypnosis and the like. Though many people claim to experience relief from alternative medicines, some natural remedies have been known to exacerbate or even cause health issues. For this reason, you should not start taking anything — natural or not — without first consulting with your doctor.
Lifestyle modifications are the most effective thing you can do to manage autoimmune disorders. With appropriate lifestyle changes, you can reduce inflammation throughout the body, manage symptoms and achieve whole-body comfort. You may also be able to slow the progression of the disease.
That said, making and sticking to lifestyle changes is easier said than done. Many people, especially those who led otherwise unhealthy lives prior to diagnosis, struggle to stick with strict dietary restrictions, move more, and/or avoid unhealthy vices. If you struggle, or if you think you might, know that you do not have to make these changes on your own. Your healthcare provider can work with you to develop a healthy living plan, refer you to specialists and provide recommendations for working through tougher times. Also, do not be afraid to reach out to friends and family for support. Finally, avoid making major changes all at once. Ease yourself into your new lifestyle so as to not overwhelm yourself, and to help the changes become more habit than necessity.
Though lifestyle changes look different for everyone, they typically pertain to the following four areas:
Depending on your disorder, your doctor may want to run tests to determine what, if any foods, cause or exacerbate your condition. Such tests can also determine if you have vitamin or mineral deficiencies you need to correct.
If, after making all these changes, you still struggle to fall and stay asleep, talk to your doctor about sleep aids or possible sleep disorders.
Autoimmune disorders can interfere with everything from a person’s ability to walk to his or her ability to perform standard job functions. Though you cannot cure your disorder, you can invest in therapies that will make everyday tasks easier for you, and that can help strengthen your muscles, bones and cognitive function. Three types of therapy to consider are as follows:
These types of therapy rarely come with adverse side effects and are almost always beneficial for managing the symptoms of autoimmune disorders.
Clinical trials for diseases and disorders that do not yet have cures are ongoing. While clinical trials can have promising results, it is important to note that they are risky. If you are interested in exploring unconventional options, ask your practitioner if there are any clinical trials currently going on for your condition. Also, be sure to thoroughly research the methods, results and possible side effects before signing up for anything.
Autoimmune disorders are incurable. However, that does not mean that there are not ways to slow or halt their progression. By taking appropriate medications, making healthy lifestyle changes and possibly participating in experimental treatments, you can effectively manage your disorder and its symptoms and, in the process, lead a healthy and high-quality life.