Symptom 8: Autoimmune Disorders
Our immune system is a marvel. Tasked with protecting us from countless external threats, it usually excels. However, for WAS children, this system can mistakenly turn inwards, attacking the very body it’s meant to protect. This unfortunate turn of events is the essence of autoimmune disorders. Imagine a city where the guards, instead of protecting the residents, start causing chaos. This analogy encapsulates the dilemma of autoimmunity.
Autoimmune disorders can manifest in numerous ways. One of the frequent occurrences is anemia. Here, the body’s misguided immune cells target its own red blood cells, leading to their depletion. This can cause symptoms ranging from fatigue to a racing heart. Other organs aren’t spared either. The kidneys, for instance, can suffer from autoimmune attacks, manifesting as conditions like nephropathy. In these cases, the body’s defense cells harm the filtration units of the kidneys, affecting their function.
Beyond the physical symptoms, one cannot ignore the emotional and psychological impact. Parents watch their child grappling not just with the primary WAS symptoms but also these additional challenges. It’s akin to fighting a battle on multiple fronts, where even a moment of respite seems elusive. For the child, frequent hospital visits, medications, and the accompanying side effects can take a toll on their mental well-being.(7)
