issue|Posted:8/25/22|Last Updated:8/25/22

Autoimmune Epidemic

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A healthy immune system defends the body against disease and infection. But if the immune system malfunctions, it mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Called autoimmune disease, these attacks can affect any part of the body, weakening bodily function and even turning life-threatening.
Type I diabetes
Type I diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the production of insulin in the pancreas. It usually begins in childhood or adolescence but can happen at any time in one's life, and requires lifelong treatment with insulin injections or an insulin pump. Symptoms may include frequent urination, increased thirst, and weight loss despite increased appetite.
By 2040, 2.1 million people are expected to be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The disease is growing at a rate of 2.9 percent per year, versus the population growth of 0.8 percent per year. There was a 21 percent increase in people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes between 2001 and 2009 under the age of 20. Sources https://beyondtype1.org/type-1-diabetes-statistics/
Addison disease
Addison disease is a disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, particularly cortisol and aldosterone. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and darkening of the skin. A study found a higher prevalence of Addison's disease in western Norway than has previously been reported anywhere. Findings support the hypothesis of a rising incidence of autoimmune adrenal insufficiency. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12072049/
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine, triggered by consuming gluten. It causes damage to the lining of the small intestine and can lead to malabsorption of nutrients. Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. One study conducted in the United States found that the prevalence of celiac disease increased from 0.21% in 1988-1994 to 0.58% in 2009-2010, a nearly threefold increase over a 22-year period. Another study in Italy found that the prevalence of celiac disease increased from 0.5% in 1987 to 2.7% in 2005, a more than fivefold increase over an 18-year period. The reasons for this increase are not entirely clear, but it is thought to be due in part to changes in dietary habits and increased awareness and diagnosis of the disease. Additionally, some researchers have suggested that environmental factors such as changes in gut microbiota or exposure to infections may be contributing to the rise in celiac disease cases.
Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory disease that affects the skin and muscles. It causes muscle weakness, skin rash, and can also affect internal organs like the lungs. A study in the United States found that the incidence of DM increased from 9.63 cases per million person-years in 1970 to 12.7 cases per million person-years in 1995, representing a nearly 30% increase over a 25-year period. Another study in Sweden found a similar increase in DM incidence, with the number of cases increasing from 2.5 per million person-years in the early 1990s to 6.5 per million person-years in the mid-2000s.
Graves disease
Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include weight loss, tremors, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety. A study in Italy found that the incidence of Graves' disease increased from 25.9 cases per 100,000 person-years in 1986-1990 to 38.6 cases per 100,000 person-years in 1996-2000, representing a 50% increase over a 10-year period. Another study in the United States found that the incidence of Graves' disease increased from 20.8 cases per 100,000 person-years in 1988-1994 to 32.0 cases per 100,000 person-years in 2000-2004, representing a 54% increase over a 16-year period. The reasons for the increasing incidence of Graves' disease are not entirely clear, but some researchers have suggested that changes in environmental factors, such as exposure to viral infections or changes in diet and lifestyle, may be contributing to the rise in cases. It is also possible that increased awareness and diagnosis of the disease may be playing a role. Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the epidemiology of Graves' disease, some evidence suggests that the incidence of the disease may be increasing in certain regions and populations.
Hashimoto thyroiditis
Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, causing it to become underactive and produce too little thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, depression, and cold intolerance. Some studies suggest that the incidence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis has doubled in the past 20-30 years. Factors such as genetics, environmental toxins, and iodine intake have been suggested as possible contributors.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and problems with coordination and vision. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Lancet Neurology in 2018, the global incidence of MS has increased from an estimated 2.1 cases per 100,000 people in the 1950s to 8.3 cases per 100,000 people in the 2010s. It is not entirely clear what is driving this increase, but some researchers have suggested that changes in environmental and lifestyle factors may be contributing factors. For example, there is some evidence to suggest that increased exposure to ultraviolet light, which can be associated with changes in outdoor activities and use of sunscreens, may be a risk factor for MS. Other potential factors that have been proposed include changes in diet, vitamin D levels, and infectious exposures. However, more research is needed to better understand the underlying causes of the increase in MS incidence.
Myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the muscles and nerves responsible for voluntary muscle movement. It can cause muscle weakness and fatigue, particularly in the face, throat, and eyes. There is no clear evidence to suggest that the incidence of myasthenia gravis (MG) has been increasing over time. The exact prevalence of MG is not well known, but it is estimated to affect approximately 14 to 20 individuals per 100,000 people worldwide. While there have been some reports of an increase in MG incidence in certain populations or regions, such as in Taiwan, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions from these studies as they may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as changes in diagnostic practices, increased awareness of the condition, or changes in underlying risk factors. Overall, more research is needed to better understand the epidemiology of MG and whether there has been any real increase in incidence over time.
Pernicious anemia
Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia that occurs when the body cannot absorb enough vitamin B12. This is often caused by an autoimmune disorder that attacks the cells that produce a protein necessary for vitamin B12 absorption. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, and tingling in the hands and feet. It is difficult to determine whether the incidence of pernicious anemia is increasing or not. Pernicious anemia is a rare condition that results from the body's inability to absorb vitamin B12, which can lead to anemia and neurological symptoms. The exact prevalence of pernicious anemia is not well known, but it is estimated to affect approximately 1 in 1,000 people in the United States. There is some evidence to suggest that the incidence of pernicious anemia may be increasing in certain populations, such as in older adults and in those with certain autoimmune disorders. However, this may be due to increased awareness and diagnosis of the condition, rather than a true increase in incidence. Overall, more research is needed to better understand the epidemiology of pernicious anemia and whether there has been any real increase in incidence over time.
Reactive arthritis
Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body. Symptoms may include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation and pain. It can also affect other parts of the body, including the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. The incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been found to vary widely between different populations and geographic regions. Some studies have reported an increase in the incidence of RA over time, while others have not found any significant change. For example, a study published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy in 2017 reported a significant increase in the incidence of RA in the United States between 1995 and 2007. The authors suggest that this increase may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, other studies have found conflicting results. A study in Sweden found that the incidence of RA remained relatively stable between 1990 and 2010, while a study in Spain reported a significant decrease in the incidence of RA between 1995 and 2005. Overall, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about trends in the incidence of RA, as there are many factors that can influence the reported rates of the disease. More research is needed to better understand the epidemiology of RA and any potential changes in incidence over time.
Sjögren syndrome
Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the glands that produce saliva and tears, leading to dry mouth and eyes. It can also affect other parts of the body, including the joints and internal organs. The incidence and prevalence of Sjögren's syndrome is difficult to estimate, as it is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. However, some studies suggest that the prevalence of Sjögren's syndrome may be increasing in certain populations, particularly among older adults and women. A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology in 2019 found that the prevalence of Sjögren's syndrome in the United States increased from 0.1% to 0.2% between 2005 and 2014, with the largest increases observed among women over the age of 60. However, the study authors noted that this increase may be partially attributed to improvements in diagnostic methods and increased awareness of the condition among healthcare providers. Overall, more research is needed to better understand the epidemiology of Sjögren's syndrome and whether there has been any real increase in incidence over time.
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and internal organs. Symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes. There is some evidence to suggest that the incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been increasing in certain populations over time. A study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology in 2019 reported a significant increase in the incidence of SLE in the United States between 2007 and 2016, particularly among women and certain racial/ethnic groups. The authors suggest that this increase may be due to improved diagnostic criteria, increased awareness of the disease, and changing environmental factors. Other studies have reported similar findings in different regions of the world. For example, a study in Japan found that the incidence of SLE increased significantly between 1983 and 2002, while a study in Iceland found a significant increase in incidence between 1975 and 1999. However, it is important to note that the true incidence of SLE is difficult to estimate, as the disease can be challenging to diagnose and is often underreported. Further research is needed to better understand the epidemiology of SLE and any potential changes in incidence over time.
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