By Dr. Megon Bresciani, Allergist-Immunologist at Aventino Medical Group, Rome
Understanding the Immune System and Its Dysfunctions
Autoimmune diseases represent a complex and fascinating area of modern medicine. In these conditions, the immune system—normally tasked with defending the body against viruses, bacteria, and other external threats—makes a critical error in identification and begins attacking healthy tissues. This phenomenon, known as the loss of immune tolerance, underlies common conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Studies published in leading international journals, including The Lancet and Nature Reviews Immunology, show that early and targeted diagnosis can significantly slow disease progression. The allergist-immunologist plays a key role in detecting these immune alterations and guiding an accurate diagnostic process, working closely with other medical specialists.
Early Diagnosis and Immunological Markers
A crucial aspect of managing autoimmune diseases is identifying specific biomarkers that signal an altered immune response. These markers, detectable through targeted blood tests or radiological imaging, allow for early intervention—often before irreversible tissue damage occurs.
Depending on which systems are affected by the autoimmune process, the allergist-immunologist collaborates with rheumatologists, dermatologists, endocrinologists, neurologists, and even nutritionists, whose involvement is often recommended in managing inflammation. Having these skills available within a single medical center facilitates diagnosis, while a shared, multidisciplinary evaluation enables effective and cutting-edge treatment strategies.
Therapeutic Approaches and Personalized Care
Once the involved immune mechanisms are identified, the goal becomes to modulate the immune response in a targeted way. Options include immunosuppressive medications, new-generation biological therapies, and innovative protocols validated by clinical studies.
The allergist-immunologist also considers potential allergic comorbidities, such as rhinitis or dermatitis, which may complicate the clinical picture and require additional treatment. Reducing inflammation, preserving organ function, and improving the patient’s quality of life are tangible goals of this integrated approach.
Conclusions
The role of the allergist-immunologist in autoimmune diseases is therefore central—not only in correctly identifying the condition, but also in coordinating the input of multiple specialists to define personalized therapeutic strategies and prevent future damage. Relying on experienced professionals and a multidisciplinary team ensures comprehensive care, always aligned with the most up-to-date scientific evidence.
👉 Learn more on our dedicated Allergology page at Aventino Medical Group