Is it True That You Can Prevent Autoimmune Disease With a Health Check?

According to Dr. Sepri, detecting immune diseases in a person can be very difficult, especially since the symptoms of the disease are not specific, so they can resemble other diseases. "Please also note that the trip to diagnose autoimmune diseases is very long. If the symptoms appear clear and specific, of course the diagnosis is much easier. This also applies the opposite, "explained Dr. Sepri.

In general, sufferers of autoimmune diseases will experience continuous hair loss, joint pain, susceptibility to infection, easy pain and fatigue, and skin disorders. However, in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus eryrhematosus (SLE) and Graves' disease, there are some special signs.

For example, people with lupus usually have a butterfly-shaped red or purplish rash found on their nose and cheeks. Whereas in patients with Graves' disease, although not always found in all cases, prominent eyes (exophthalmus) can be his trademark. This condition makes the eyes difficult to close so that they are prone to irritation.

Some autoimmune diseases that are often encountered include: type 1 diabetes mellitus, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, complex sclerosis (multiple sclerosis), Addison's disease, psoriasis, and many more.

The causes of autoimmune diseases are still being investigated by experts. However, some suspect that diet, history of infection, and exposure to certain chemicals can play a role in the occurrence of the disease.

In addition, it is also known that there is a group that has a higher tendency to experience autoimmune diseases. For example, some autoimmune diseases are more common in certain women or races. In addition, diseases such as complex sclerosis and lupus can also be influenced by genetic factors.

Detection of autoimmune diseases is different from ordinary health checks

Still regarding the detection of autoimmune diseases, Dr. Sepri also said that the detection was different from usual medical check-ups. This is what makes autoimmune diseases fall into the category of diseases that are quite complex to detect.

Dr. Karti also added that if autoimmune diseases were diagnosed, the treatment time would be long. This is because autoimmune diseases cannot really be cured. Treatment can only control the immune response that is too active and reduce the inflammation that occurs. Drugs used to treat this condition include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, immune-suppressing drugs, and certain treatments to relieve symptoms of swelling, fatigue, and rashes on the skin.

"If the sufferer consumes a balanced nutritious diet and exercise regularly, it can make him feel better," Dr. Karti added.

Regular health checks are still important

Although regular medical check-ups cannot detect autoimmune diseases, this health check is still important to do regularly. Recommendations from Dr. Sepri, people who are over 30 years old should do regular health checks at least once a year.

"Regular health checks can detect other dangerous diseases. So, at least by doing it regularly, you can reduce the fatal risk of a disease that (for example) already exists, "said dr. Sepri. In addition to physical health tests, Dr. Sepri also recommends that you do a blood test and pap smear screening (for women only).

In conclusion, autoimmune diseases cannot be prevented by just doing regular health checks. As mentioned earlier, this disease can only be detected after the sufferer has experienced a characteristic symptom for some time, even with a long diagnosis process. However, you are still advised to do a health check regularly to help detect the possibility of other dangerous diseases.

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