Autoimmune diseases – an invisible threat on the rise

Autoimmune diseases are becoming an increasing public health concern worldwide, and Croatia is no exception. They represent a group of chronic conditions in which the immune system – whose role is to protect the body – starts attacking its own cells, tissues, and organs. The result is a variety of symptoms, depending on the affected system, which significantly reduce patients’ quality of life.

According to data from the World Health Organization and other relevant studies, more than 400 million people worldwide suffer from at least one autoimmune disease. In the past few decades, the number of patients has been steadily rising – some authors report a prevalence increase of 3% per year. This trend is particularly evident in Western countries, which has been linked to lifestyle, environmental factors, and improved diagnostics.

In Croatia, there is no official unified registry, but it is estimated that between 7% and 10% of the population has a diagnosed autoimmune disease. This means that nearly 400,000 people in our country live with this type of disorder.

Interestingly, autoimmune diseases affect women more frequently – the average ratio of affected women to men is 3:1, and in some diseases such as lupus, this ratio can reach 9:1. Hormones, particularly estrogen, are believed to play a role in the overactivation of the immune response. Genetic predisposition is also important – if a family member has an autoimmune disease, the risk for other members increases.

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The Most Common Autoimmune Diseases

To date, more than 80 different autoimmune diseases have been identified, with the most common including:

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – the most common cause of hypothyroidism in women
• Rheumatoid arthritis – chronic inflammation of the joints
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) – a systemic disease that can affect multiple organs
• Multiple sclerosis – autoimmune damage to the nervous system
• Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
• Type 1 diabetes
• Inflammatory bowel diseases – Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Celiac disease

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Standard Treatment Approaches

Currently, there is no cure for autoimmune diseases. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life. The most commonly used methods include:

• Immunosuppressants and corticosteroids – reduce immune system activity
• Biological drugs – targeted therapies, especially in rheumatology and gastroenterology
• Physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and psychological support
• Dietary interventions – in diseases such as celiac disease and IBD

Although many patients benefit from these treatments, it is important to note that they often come with side effects and long-term strain on the body.

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Room for an Integrative Approach

Research shows that early diagnosis and timely treatment significantly influence the course of disease. However, there is growing interest in complementary approaches that act synergistically with conventional therapy – this is where integrative medicine comes in.

Nutritional protocols, stress reduction (e.g., meditation, mindfulness), antioxidant therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) are increasingly mentioned in scientific publications as potential support in treatment.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% oxygen under increased pressure, which significantly raises the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and tissues. Although traditionally used for conditions such as decompression sickness, hard-to-heal wounds, and carbon monoxide poisoning, it is increasingly being studied for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential.

Some of the key mechanisms of HBOT relevant to autoimmune diseases include:

• Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation
• Enhancing mitochondrial function
• Improving microcirculation
• Promoting tissue regeneration

Preliminary studies show positive effects of HBOT in diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. For example, randomized studies conducted in Israel and the USA indicate symptom reduction and improved neurological function in multiple sclerosis patients after HBOT cycles.

In clinical practice, many patients report reduced fatigue, improved concentration, and fewer inflammatory episodes after HBOT.

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Is There Prevention?

For genetically predisposed individuals, prevention is not straightforward, but certain measures can reduce risk or delay disease onset. Recommendations include:

• A healthy diet – anti-inflammatory, focused on whole foods
• Regular physical activity
• Avoiding toxins (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides, tobacco smoke)
• Stress management – proven to influence immune response
• Adequate intake of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants

Additionally, early screening in individuals with a family history of autoimmune diseases may help with early detection and prevention of complications.

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Conclusion

Autoimmune diseases are among the most important challenges of modern medicine today. While a complete cure is not yet possible, modern medicine and integrative approaches – including HBOT – offer more and more opportunities to improve patients’ lives.

At our clinic, with a holistic approach that combines standard methods with hyperbaric therapy and personalized support, we strive to provide patients with the best of both worlds – scientifically grounded, yet comprehensive care.

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References

Zamboni L. et al. (2003). HBO Therapy in Autoimmune Murine Lupus.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12921756

Camporesi EM et al. (2017). HBOT Modulates Inflammation in Arthritis Mouse Models.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28783888

Topal Y et al. (2024). Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Experimental Arthritis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38965677

Cheng O-Y et al. (2021). HBOT Attenuates EAE in MS Model by Immunomodulation.
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/9/8/943

Hadanny A. et al. (2021). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Neurological and Inflammatory Diseases: Mechanisms and Applications.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8465921/

HBOT Clinic Idaho (2023). The Effects of HBOT on Rheumatoid Arthritis – Pilot Study.
https://journals.lww.com/jclinrheum/abstract/2021/12000/the_effects_of_hyperbaric_oxygen_on_rheumatoid.34.aspx

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Note: This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.