The risk of autoimmune diseases increases significantly during the winter season, with women being more vulnerable than men, medical experts warned during a recent expert meeting held in the national capital.

 Doctors discussed the growing incidence of autoimmune disorders, their symptoms, underlying causes, and ways to prevent long-term complications, noting that seasonal changes during colder months can adversely affect the body’s immune response.

According to experts, a noticeable rise in autoimmune cases is observed during winter as the immune system becomes more susceptible to dysfunction.

Patients commonly report symptoms such as persistent fatigue, weakness, dryness of the mouth and eyes, itching upon exposure to sunlight, skin rashes, and muscle pain.

These symptoms, doctors cautioned, are often ignored in the early stages, leading to delayed diagnosis and progression of the disease.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Uma Kumar, Head of the Rheumatology Department at AIIMS, said that several factors are contributing to the increasing burden of autoimmune diseases.

She explained that lifestyle changes, rising air pollution, widespread vitamin D deficiency, and hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism are playing a crucial role in triggering immune-related conditions.

She added that during winter, reduced sunlight exposure further worsens vitamin D deficiency, weakening immune regulation.

Experts highlighted that women are affected by autoimmune diseases far more frequently than men. Dr. Kumar noted that sex hormones significantly influence immune functioning, making women biologically more prone to autoimmune disorders.

This hormonal influence increases the chances of the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and organ damage.

Autoimmune diseases develop when the body fails to recognize its own protein structure and begins to treat it as a foreign threat.

This abnormal immune response can affect multiple organs and systems, often leading to long-term health complications.

Doctors warned that individuals with autoimmune disorders are at a higher risk of developing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and coronary artery disease. Currently, more than 60 autoimmune diseases have been identified worldwide.

Medical experts also pointed out that women suffering from autoimmune conditions face a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications, including recurrent miscarriages, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and continuous medical care.

They emphasized that timely intervention, regular monitoring, and lifestyle modifications can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for patients.

Health professionals advised people to remain alert to persistent symptoms during the winter season, maintain a balanced diet, ensure adequate vitamin D levels, and seek medical attention without delay.

Early detection and appropriate treatment, they stressed, remain the key to preventing severe complications associated with autoimmune diseases.