As many as 50 million Americans are affected by autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease will develop within the immune system, the defense system of the body against diseases and sickness. When an autoimmune disease occurs, the immune system sees healthy cells as foreign and the healthy cells are attacked. Essentially, there are around 80 types of autoimmune diseases. Many types have similar symptoms so a diagnosis can be hard to come by or may take time.

With autoimmune disease, there will be periods of remission where few or no symptoms are seen, as well as flare-ups where symptoms will be worse. Treatment options today focus on relieving the symptoms and preventing any complications as there is no curative therapy in place.

With around 80 autoimmune diseases, many are more common than others. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common issue involving the immune system that sees the inflammation of joints and surrounding tissue. Celiac disease is another example of an autoimmune disease. With celiac disease, the patient has a reaction from gluten that will cause damage to the small intestine.

Inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, Hashimoto’s disease, pernicious anemia, and vitiligo are even more examples of common autoimmune diseases. Because these conditions have varying symptoms, it is important to find the right treatment option for the condition of the patient.

Consider chronic conditions, autoimmune diseases have no cure. Treatment involves the patient trying to find the best way to control the symptoms of the disease, especially when a flare-up occurs. Alternative therapies that patients try to help with autoimmune disease issues include acupuncture, hypnosis, and herbal medications. Medical options for treatment include anti-inflammatory medication for joint issues, pain medication, hormone replacement therapy, blood transfusions and physical therapy.

Another treatment option includes IV therapy. Intravenous therapy is a safe way to deliver nutrients to the body. This therapy type will assist patients who suffer from autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Chron’s disease. IV therapy delivers substances to the body that are directly absorbed into the circulatory system. The substances will by-pass the GI tract which increases the absorption of the nutrients. IV therapy is designed based on the patient and can contain minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients to assist with the condition of the patient.

When diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, it is important for the patient to research and learn more about their condition and treatment options. Trying IV therapy and other alternative methods can assist with relieving painful or uncomfortable symptoms.