2024 Autoimmune Community Summit Session Recap
At the recent Autoimmune Community Summit, Dr. Iazsmin Ventura, faculty physician at the University of Chicago talked to us about how Our Warming Planet is leading to an increase in autoimmune disease.
Research shows that ANA (anti-nuclear antibodies) have been on the rise since the 1980s. ANAs are a sign of autoimmunity and are often what rheumatologists test for to determine if you have an autoimmune disease. In fact 42 million people are suspected to have a positive ANA. Autoimmune diseases aren’t just the result of ANAs though. They result from an interaction of a combination of genetic mutations with interaction from environmental factors like our lifestyle, ecosystem, social relationships, and exposure to chemical and physical hazards.
How does the environment play a role?
Because of the quick changes and rates in autoimmune diseases occurring it is more likely that environmental exposures and daily life habits are more likely the cause of these changes than genetics. Environmental changes include but are not limited to diet, chronic stress, pollution, sleep deprivation, obesity, and climate change.
Here are some examples:
Particulate matter exposure has been proven to cause autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Air pollution has decreased the protective stratospheric ozone layer increasing exposure to UV B which increases the risks of Lupus, Dermatomyositis and Sjorgens.
Extreme weather events increase psycho stress causing flares in autoimmune disease.
So what can we do about it?
Educate rheumatologists and autoimmune patients.
Conduct more research on the effect of climate change on the immune system.
Practice sustainability in health care.
If you have an autoimmune or rheumatic disease, take a survey on the impact of weather on disease.
Visit reactrheum.org to learn more.
Recordings from the 2024 Autoimmune Community Summit are available on YouTube.
Resources:
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