In Houston, Texas, autoimmune disorders are affecting many people. They can have devastating effects on your body. They occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body, causing inflammation and tissue damage. The most common autoimmune disorders are Goodpasture syndrome and Crohn’s disease. Luckily, Houston Plasmapheresis specialists can offer a helping hand. Plasmapheresis is an effective treatment for these disorders. Let’s dig in.
What Are Autoimmune Disorders?
Autoimmune disorders occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. This can lead to inflammation and tissue damage. The most common autoimmune diseases are Goodpasture syndrome and Crohn’s disease.
What is Plasmapheresis?
Plasmapheresis is a medical procedure that removes plasma from the blood. The plasma is then replaced with fresh plasma or albumin. This procedure is used to treat autoimmune disorders.
The primary aim of plasmapheresis is to eliminate the antibodies that are destroying the immune system. This procedure can help to improve the symptoms of autoimmune disorders. It is essential to seek help from a specialist if you struggle with an autoimmune disease.
Who Should Undergo Plasmapheresis?
Plasmapheresis is most often recommended for people with severe autoimmune disorders that are not responding to other treatments. It may also be recommended for people at risk of developing an autoimmune disease, such as those with a family history of the condition.
How to Prepare for the Procedure
If you are scheduled to undergo plasmapheresis, you can do a few things to prepare for the procedure. Here are some tips:
- Drink plenty of fluids before the procedure.
- Avoid eating anything for six hours before the procedure.
- Bring a list of medications you are taking with you to the hospital.
- Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Tell the doctor if you have any allergies.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The plasmapheresis procedure usually takes about two to three hours. Typically, the process works through the same procedure as dialysis. However, the facility must employ modern technology to be successful. It not only makes it effective but also safe.
Do You Need Multiple Procedures?
Most people only require one or two procedures to treat their autoimmune disorder successfully. However, some people may need more procedures if their disease is not responding to other treatments.
Your doctor will make evaluations and decide on the number of sessions you need for your plasma to be free from antibodies. This analysis matters in achieving a total solution for the autoimmune condition.
What is the Recovery Time?
The recovery time for plasmapheresis varies depending on the person and the condition being treated. Most people will require a few sessions of plasmapheresis to see results. The entire treatment process usually takes several weeks.
It is essential to work closely with your doctor to make the best lifestyle adjustments possible. Some tips to follow include drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding eating processed foods, and getting adequate resting time.
Plasmapheresis is the procedure used to treat autoimmune disorders. The primary aim of plasmapheresis is to eliminate the antibodies that are destroying the immune system. This procedure can help to improve the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. It is essential to seek help from a specialist if you struggle with an autoimmune disorder.
