Timely diagnosis of auto-immune diseases is crucial because when undetected it could lead to destruction of an entire organ in the body. As symptoms vary depending on the type of disease, it often goes undetected till it reaches the final stage.
In this regard, a seminar was organised by Bio-Rad Labs and St John’s Medical College here on Thursday to create awareness among doctors, pathologists and researchers. Some of the latest findings on the disease were discussed.
Auto-immune disorders occur when the body’s immune system mistakes the body’s cells as foreign and mount an attack.
Fatigue and dizziness are some of the common symptoms.
“How common the ailment is in India cannot exactly be quantified because many a times, it goes undetected in the beginning stages. Symptoms are lingering but not striking,” said Dr Usha Kini, head of department of pathology, St John’s Medical College.
That is why diagnosis is an important aspect, she said. With the kits available, it is possible to detect the disease in the early stages. On why the body’s immune system turns against the body’s cells, Dr Kini said, “We do not have a clear idea. It is believed some previous bacterial or viral infection could trigger it.”
There are over 40 diseases classified as either definite or probable auto-immune diseases.
They affect around 5 per cent of the population, mostly women.