Autoimmune diseases are not caused by a specific gene mutation, but rather numerous genes are involved and work together to increase a person's susceptibility. Autoimmune diseases tend to cluster in families. If you have a genetic predisposition to autoimmunity, you may have twice or five times as much chance of developing autoimmunity as someone else. Although researchers believe there may be some association between autoimmune diseases and the environment, the relationship is not clear and much remains to be discovered. Controlling symptoms Most autoimmune diseases are chronic and few can be cured.
Treatment focuses on reducing the severity of the symptoms.
In some cases, symptoms may be reduced with steroidal or other anti-inflammatory medications. With severe diseases, it may be necessary to suppress the immune system with immunosuppressive medications. Coping with symptoms Until effective treatment or preventive measures are discovered, experts say that learning to cope with the disease is the best strategy. Developing coping mechanisms can be challenging and even frightening. You may not only question your own ability to cope but also the ability of those around you.