Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues and cells.
Autoimmune Disorders
Some autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, and Hashimoto's disease. There are over 80 kinds of autoimmune diseases that around 50 million Americans are suffering from. In terms of costs, it takes over $100 billion each year to treat autoimmune diseases in the US.
Despite the number of autoimmune cases, it is mainly tricky, expensive, and frustrating to find help for these conditions. For one, diagnosis is largely challenging as several symptoms are similar to those of other medical conditions. Dr. Sam Li, the clinical director of the Emory University School of Medicine's Division of Rheumatology, explains that there are also no conclusive identifying tests in most cases.
On top of this, several autoimmune disease patients feel like they need to fight for them to be understood and believed, even by a medical practitioner. After getting diagnosed, several patients also end up having considerable payments to settle as they explore their treatment options.
Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroidism Challenges
One specific autoimmune disorder is Hashimoto's disease. It is the most common underlying cause behind hypothyroidism, which makes the thyroid insufficiently produce hormones necessary for metabolism regulation of the body. Both hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's do not have any cure. However, some medicines like levothyroxine can treat common symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, cold sensitivity, and hair loss.
When it comes to understanding hypothyroidism, lack of research investment and insufficient medical education hinder the general understanding of the condition. Antonio Bianco, a leading expert regarding the condition and an endocrinologist from the University of Chicago, noted those patients end up angry when their symptoms do not positively respond to usual treatments. Endocrinologist Douglas Ross from Massachusetts General Hospital explains that they need to stay open to the possibility that something is missing.
Endocrinologist Brittany Henderson, who founded the Charleston Thyroid Center, explains that health insurers usually do not approve novel hypothyroidism treatment coverages. Henderson explains that insurance companies promote generics' use despite several patients not being treated well with such treatments.
Levothyroxine is among the US' top most prescribed medications every year. However, there is research that shows that the drug has been overprescribed among those experiencing mild hypothyroidism.
A recent study entitled "Hypothyroidism Prevalence in the United States: A Retrospective Study Combining National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey" explains that the claims database of a medical and pharmacy revealed that hypothyroidism prevalence went up from 9.5% (2012) to 11.7% (2019). Dr. Elizabeth McAnich, a thyroid expert and endocrinologist from Stanford University, explains that the diagnosis count will increase alongside the population's aging.
The increase in neurobiology could also explain the rise in notes that autoimmune thyroid disease research gets minimal funding. Because of this, the underlying mechanisms behind such dysfunctions are poorly understood.
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