NEW DELHI: Autoimmune diseases are affecting women in disproportionately large numbers, particularly during their reproductive years, and winter conditions combined with worsening air quality are further aggravating the problem, a senior specialist from AIIMS Delhi has cautioned.
Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroiditis, psoriasis and Sjögren’s syndrome can affect joints, skin, blood vessels and vital organs including the lungs, heart and kidneys. Left undetected or untreated, they can lead to prolonged illness and disability.
Women account for nearly 70% of autoimmune disease patients, with the highest vulnerability seen among adolescents and young adults, said Dr. Uma Kumar, Professor and Head of the Department of Rheumatology at the AIIMS, Delhi. She underlined the urgent need for greater awareness, timely diagnosis and proactive screening among women.
“Psychological stress and sleep disruption also play a significant role in triggering the disease,” she said.
Dr. Kumar explained that these diseases stem from a complex interaction of genetic susceptibility, hormonal influences, environmental exposures and lifestyle habits. Some autoimmune disorders target a single organ, while others affect multiple systems, making diagnosis and management particularly challenging.
“These diseases can occur at any age, but women are far more vulnerable during adolescence and early adulthood,” Dr. Kumar said. “Female hormones and immune-related genes located on the X chromosome play a critical role. In younger age groups, the female-to-male ratio can be as high as nine to one, gradually equalising after menopause.”
Beyond biology, social and cultural factors often deepen the burden for women. Dr. Kumar warned that stigma and misinformation remain common, leading to neglect and delayed care. “Many women face neglect because of false beliefs that autoimmune diseases are hereditary or contagious. This leads to delayed care, emotional distress and significant mental-health consequences,” she said.
Seasonal changes during winter create a perfect storm for symptom flare-ups. Cold weather contributes to joint stiffness and pain, while reduced exposure to sunlight can result in vitamin D deficiency, fatigue and low mood. Physical inactivity, weight gain and a rise in viral infections during winter months further strain the immune system.
Air pollution has emerged as a major environmental trigger. Research shows that prolonged exposure to polluted air is associated with higher levels of inflammation, oxidative stress and even the appearance of autoantibodies in otherwise healthy individuals. People living near busy roads or industrial areas face an even higher risk. “This evidence points to a strong link between air pollution and autoimmune disease risk and severity,” Dr. Kumar said.
Chronic psychological stress and disturbed sleep patterns also worsen immune dysfunction. Night-shift workers and individuals with irregular sleep cycles are more vulnerable to disease flares. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians have noted a marked rise in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, reinforcing the role of infections and environmental stressors in disrupting immune balance.
Lifestyle choices significantly influence risk and disease progression. Smoking, tobacco use, poor diet and obesity are major contributors. Obesity, Dr. Kumar pointed out, is itself a state of chronic inflammation, increasing susceptibility to autoimmune disorders and intensifying symptoms in those already affected.
She acknowledged that the apparent rise in cases may partly reflect improved awareness and better diagnostic tools. “Over the past decade, greater awareness among doctors and patients has led to earlier recognition of these diseases,” she said. Yet diagnosis remains complex.
“There is no single symptom or test that confirms an autoimmune disease,” Dr. Kumar cautioned. Symptoms can range from fatigue, fever and joint pain to skin rashes, hair loss, dry eyes or mouth, neurological issues and recurrent pregnancy loss. Autoantibodies may also be detected in healthy individuals, making indiscriminate testing without expert guidance misleading.
Dr. Kumar strongly advised against self-medication, particularly the unsupervised use of steroids and painkillers, which can cause serious side effects and are not necessary for all autoimmune conditions.
While these disorders are chronic, she stressed that they are manageable with proper medical care, often requiring lifelong treatment similar to diabetes or hypertension. Prevention and control, she emphasised, depend largely on everyday choices.
“Adequate sleep, stress management, regular physical activity, smoking cessation and weight control can significantly reduce disease flares,” she said, adding that yoga and other mind-body practices have been shown to lower inflammation and improve sleep quality.
The message, Dr. Kumar stressed, is one of caution rather than alarm. With early medical attention, informed decision-making and healthier living environments, the growing impact of autoimmune diseases — particularly among women during winter — can be significantly reduced.
For any query, contact indiahealthbuddy@gmail.com
#autoimmune #diseases #aiims #aiimsdelhi #drumakumar #women #health
