New Delhi, Oct 13
Women, especially young, account for seven out of 10 patients with autoimmune diseases, said health experts, emphaising the need for increasing awareness and early screening among females.
Autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. Common conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroiditis, psoriasis, and Sjögren’s syndrome. These diseases can affect joints, skin, blood vessels, and even internal organs like the heart or lungs.
The condition is far more common among women, especially between the ages of 20 and 50, when hormonal and lifestyle factors are most active. Many times, with a lack of awareness and other burdens, women tend to ignore their symptoms, leading to worsening outcomes.
“In my outpatient clinic at AIIMS, almost seven out of every 10 patients with autoimmune diseases are women. We see a clear pattern -- women often come late because they overlook persistent symptoms,” said Dr. Uma Kumar, Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS, New Delhi.