Winter Worsens Autoimmune Disease Risk For Women: AIIMS Expert

Women, especially the young in their reproductive age, account for seven out of 10 patients with autoimmune diseases, Dr. Uma Kumar, Professor and Head of the Department of Rheumatology at AIIMS Delhi, has warned, stressing the need for increasing awareness and early screening among females.

“To add to their agony is winter conditions combined with high air pollution, which just worsens symptoms and triggers disease activity. Psychological stress and sleep disruption also play a significant role,” she said.

Good news is that, despite their chronic nature, autoimmune diseases are treatable and manageable, often requiring lifelong care similar to diabetes or hypertension. Dr. Kumar emphasised that prevention and control depend heavily on lifestyle choices.

Autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions where the body mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. Common conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroiditis, psoriasis, and Sjögren’s syndrome. These diseases can affect joints, skin, blood vessels, and even internal organs like the heart or lungs.

Dr. Kumar explained that these conditions result from a complex interaction of genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, environmental exposure, and lifestyle factors. They may affect a single organ or involve multiple systems of the body, often leading to chronic illness and long-term disability if not recognised early.

“These diseases can occur at any age, but women are far more vulnerable during adolescence and early adulthood,” Dr. Kumar said. “Female hormones and immune-related genes located on the X chromosome play a critical role. In younger age groups, the female-to-male ratio can be as high as nine to one, gradually equalising after menopause.”

Beyond biological factors, social realities often worsen outcomes for women. Dr. Kumar cautioned that stigma and misinformation remain widespread. “Many women face neglect because of false beliefs that autoimmune diseases are hereditary or contagious. This leads to delayed care, emotional distress, and significant mental-health consequences,” she said.

Winter months, she noted, bring together several factors that can intensify symptoms. Cold temperatures contribute to joint stiffness and pain, while reduced sunlight exposure leads to vitamin D deficiency, fatigue, and low mood. Physical inactivity, seasonal weight gain, and a higher incidence of viral infections further stress the immune system.

Air pollution has emerged as a particularly alarming trigger. Studies show that exposure to polluted air is associated with increased inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and even the development of autoantibodies in otherwise healthy individuals. Those living near high-traffic areas face greater risk. “This evidence points to a strong link between air pollution and autoimmune disease risk and severity,” Dr. Kumar said.

Chronic stress fuels inflammation and can trigger disease flares, while disturbed sleep weakens immune regulation. Night-shift workers and those with irregular sleep patterns appear to be at higher risk. In the post-COVID period, doctors have observed a noticeable rise in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, underscoring how infections and environmental stressors can disrupt immune balance.

Lifestyle factors add to the burden. Smoking, tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and obesity significantly increase risk. Obesity itself is a chronic inflammatory state, Dr. Kumar explained, making individuals more susceptible to autoimmune disease and worsening existing conditions.

She acknowledged that rising numbers may partly reflect better awareness and improved diagnostic tools. “Over the past decade, greater awareness among doctors and patients has led to earlier recognition of these diseases,” she said. However, diagnosis remains challenging.

“There is no single symptom or test that confirms an autoimmune disease,” Dr. Kumar cautioned. Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, joint pain, skin rashes, hair loss, dry eyes or mouth, neurological problems, and even recurrent pregnancy loss. Autoantibodies may also be present in healthy individuals, making indiscriminate testing without medical guidance misleading.

She warned strongly against self-medication, particularly the unsupervised use of steroids and painkillers, which can cause serious complications and are not required for all autoimmune conditions.

Dr. Kumar emphasised that prevention and control depend heavily on lifestyle choices.

“Adequate sleep, stress management, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, and weight control can significantly reduce disease flares,” she said, adding that yoga and mind-body practices have shown benefits in lowering inflammation and improving sleep quality.

The warning, she stressed, is not meant to alarm but to encourage timely action. Early medical attention, informed choices, and healthier environments remain key to reducing the growing burden of autoimmune diseases, particularly for women during the challenging winter months.