Scleroderma is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect the skin, blood vessels, and internal organs. Two rheumatologists share expert insights on early warning signs, diagnostic challenges, treatment options, and advances in research, while highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and individualized care.
Carolyn Serraino
Misdiagnosed and Undiagnosed: Expert Insights on the Autoimmune Diagnosis Process
Diagnosing autoimmune diseases is often a complex and challenging process because autoimmune diseases vary widely. Identifying patterns and clusters of symptoms can help, but autoimmunity often relates to many factors including stress, deficiencies, toxic exposures, gut and immune dysfunction. As such, autoimmunity has a tendency to go undiagnosed — or misdiagnosed. Here, the Global Autoimmune Institute speaks with Dr. Francisco Contreras, Johannah Ruddy, M.Ed, and Dr. Henri Roca about the process of diagnosing autoimmune disease.
Sjögren Disease: More Than Dry Eyes and Mouth
Sjögren disease is more than dry eyes and mouth. Experts discuss its often-overlooked symptoms, why diagnosis can take years, available treatments, and emerging therapies that may change how the disease is managed.
Environmental Toxins and Autoimmune Disease
Environmental toxins are part of everyday life, but not all exposures carry the same risk. Learn how pollutants, household chemicals, and other toxins may affect immune health, who may be more vulnerable, and practical ways to reduce exposure.
Trauma and Autoimmune Disease: What the Research Shows
Research suggests trauma and PTSD may affect inflammation, immune function, and autoimmune disease risk. Here’s what scientists know about the connection.
Chemical Exposure and Autoimmune Disease: What the Research Shows
Which chemicals are linked to autoimmune disease? Experts explain what research shows about PFAS, pesticides, heavy metals, TCE, silica, and why proving causation is so difficult.
How to Support Someone with Autoimmune or Chronic Disease
Many people want to support a parent, sibling, friend, partner, colleague, or neighbor living with an autoimmune or chronic disease but are often unsure how to help, what to say, or how to respond to their health needs. They may worry about saying the wrong thing, asking too many questions, becoming a burden, or respecting […]
Navigating Immunosuppression and Infection Risk
Modern immunosuppressive therapies have transformed the treatment of autoimmune diseases, allowing many people to live healthier, more active lives. At the same time, these medications can increase susceptibility to certain infections, making prevention and early recognition especially important. As seasonal viruses, emerging infections, and vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks continue, many people taking immunosuppressive medications are left […]
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Autoimmune Diseases
If you have an autoimmune disease, should you be concerned about GLP-1 medications? Here’s what experts and current research say so far.
A Guide to Interpreting Clinical Trial Stories
How to evaluate pre-clinical research, clinical trial phases, study results, and key questions to ask with expert insights from Monica Wang and Sylvia Baedorf Kassis.