Clinical immunologists treat people who have conditions caused by the immune system not working properly. In autoimmune disorders, the immune system recognises its own tissue as foreign by mistake. It produces an immune response and then can damage your own body’s tissues.
In immunodeficiencies, there may be a reduced population of immune cells. Another issue is the reduced production of antibodies. These problems lead to recurrent infections or malignancies.
Some of the conditions treated by immunologists are extremely rare, and others are very common in the community. The ability to treat immunological conditions has exponentially improved over the past decade, and this is likely to continue. Many medications have been developed to treat specific diseases. In the past, often non-selective immunosuppression was the only option. This is leading to better outcomes. Often these more specific drugs are highly effective. They also cause reduced toxicity and fewer treatment related complications.
In some cases, a trial of “first-line” medication is necessary. Only after this trial can a person qualify for these newer medication options. This can be a Medicare requirement in order for the medication to be available on the PBS.
Vasculitis
Vasculitis is a general term for a group of uncommon diseases that feature inflammation of the blood vessels. Vasculitis is characterised by inflammation and damage to the walls of blood vessels which leads to organ disease. Each vasculitic disease has specific patterns of blood vessel involvement. It also involves particular organs. Additionally, there are laboratory test abnormalities. As blood vessels are found in all parts of the body, many different systems or organs can be affected.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE or Lupus)
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or “Lupus” is an autoimmune disease that can affect any tissue in the body. However, it might also be limited. For instance, it may affect just a single organ such as the kidneys. The exact cause of SLE is still not known. There is an underlying genetic risk that makes people more at risk to develop autoimmunity. Then we assume that an environmental or infectious trigger stimulates the immune system. This could also be a combination of triggers. These triggers cause the immune system to start reacting to proteins that should be recognised as “self”.
SLE cannot be diagnosed on symptoms alone, and some people may have very few symptoms or non-specific symptoms. There are a number of criteria that are looked at together to make the diagnosis.
Contact us on 03 6221 9111 or reception@immuneclinic.com.au for information about making an appointment with Dr Newman