Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are caused by an abnormally functioning immune system attacking a person’s cells, tissues, or organs.

Tips & Links

• It is understood that this change in the immune system can be caused by environmental and genetic factors. There are approximately 80 known or labelled autoimmune conditions worldwide.
• Learn about the immune system, autoimmune diseases, and autoimmune disease testing from Healthlink BC. Some of the more common diseases are Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, psoriasis, and lupus.
• Be aware that some health conditions are not easy to diagnose, and some people live with symptoms and problems that are never diagnosed or labelled.
• These types of conditions are often treated by a specialist such as a rheumatologist.
• Be aware that gut health, stress, hormones, toxins, and infections can also impact the symptoms of autoimmune conditions.
• Ask how your health condition can impact your life, including its effects on your physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being; what is the prognosis or expected outcome of this condition; and what treatment options are available, such as medications, surgery, or therapies.
• Review the list of questions about any tests or treatments being recommended for you by your physician or nurse practitioner from Healthlink BC.
• Talk to your physician or specialist about which medications are covered by Fair PharmaCare for autoimmune conditions.
• Explore various strategies for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle when living with a chronic health condition from Healthlink BC.
• Learn how to use your Mywell Health planner to organize your health information. List all your health conditions in your health profile, collect handouts and print resources from a research-based websites.

Tools – Handouts & Videos