Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 14: Autoimmune diseases are being reported with increasing frequency in India, particularly among women, and factors such as winter weather and rising air pollution are intensifying symptoms, according to a senior rheumatology expert from AIIMS Delhi.
Dr. Uma Kumar, Professor and Head of the Department of Rheumatology at AIIMS, said autoimmune disorders arise from a complex malfunction of the immune system and may affect either a single organ or multiple organs simultaneously. While some conditions target specific organs like the pancreas, systemic autoimmune diseases can impact joints, skin, kidneys, nerves, and other organs.
Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome and IgG4-related disorders fall under the systemic category, which includes nearly 60 identified conditions. These disorders are significantly more common in women.
Dr. Kumar explained that autoimmune diseases can develop at any age but are most prevalent among women of reproductive age. Hormonal factors and immune-related genes located on the X chromosome contribute to this trend. In younger age groups, the female-to-male ratio can be as high as 9:1, gradually narrowing after menopause and becoming almost equal in people over 60–70 years of age.
She also highlighted the social stigma faced by women with autoimmune diseases. Misconceptions that these conditions are hereditary or contagious often result in delayed diagnosis and treatment. “Many women suffer silently, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges,” she noted.
Seasonal changes play a crucial role in symptom flare-ups. Dr. Kumar said winter often worsens disease activity due to cold temperatures, reduced sunlight, vitamin D deficiency, joint stiffness, low mood, weight gain, higher pollution levels, and increased viral infections.
Air pollution, she added, is a major environmental trigger. Research has shown elevated inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and even the presence of autoantibodies in healthy individuals exposed to high pollution, especially those living near heavy traffic zones. This strengthens the link between pollution and autoimmune disease risk.
Lifestyle and environmental stressors further compound the problem. Chronic stress, disturbed sleep, night-shift work, smoking, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, and obesity all contribute to increased inflammation. Obesity, in particular, creates a persistent inflammatory state that raises the likelihood of autoimmune conditions. Post-COVID, doctors have also observed a noticeable rise in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
Dr. Kumar pointed out that better diagnostic tools and growing awareness among doctors and the public have also contributed to the higher detection rates seen over the past decade.
While autoimmune diseases are manageable, she stressed that most require long-term treatment, similar to chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Diagnosis is often challenging, as there is no single symptom or definitive test. Common signs may include persistent fatigue, fever, joint pain, skin rashes, hair loss, dry eyes or mouth, kidney or neurological involvement, and recurrent pregnancy loss.
She cautioned against indiscriminate testing and self-medication. Autoantibodies can sometimes appear in healthy individuals, and misuse of steroids or painkillers without medical supervision can be harmful.
Emphasising prevention and control, Dr. Kumar said lifestyle modification is key to managing autoimmune diseases. Adequate sleep, stress management, regular physical activity, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and practices such as yoga can help reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality, and prevent disease flare-ups.