The links between autoimmune diseases, infections and the
environment are complex and mysterious.
But "Spondylo-arthropathies," a group of common inflammatory
rheumatic disorders, appear to be triggered by environmental
factors.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune
disease afflicting more than 2 million Americans.
The disorder causes your body's own immune system to attack your
joints, leading to pain, deformities and a substantial loss of
mobility.
One root cause of arthritis is extreme stress, and some
medications, such as the birth control pills, might be linked in
some cases to the onset of lupus.
Environmental pollution is also a concern for those predisposed
to an autoimmune disease. Second-hand smoke, food chemicals or
chemicals in the air, jet fuel fumes, UV exposure and other
forms of environmental pollution are amongst the triggers
considered to provoke the onset of autoimmune diseases.
Hairspray and lipstick are also known to be occasional
triggers.