đ§ Ask The Expert: Protecting Your Familyâs Health â Understanding Autoimmune Risks & Prevention
Have you ever wondered if certain recurring symptoms like constant fatigue, joint pain, unexplained rashes, could be signs of something more serious? đ§Ź Autoimmune diseases often go undiagnosed for years, silently affecting women and even young children. Left unchecked, they can lead to long-term complications that impact daily life, fertility, and overall health. Do you know the early warning signs? Are you doing enough to reduce your familyâs risk? You're not alone, and nowâs your chance to get trusted, expert advice. Drop your questions now and Dr. Anindita Santosa, Consultant Rheumatologist and Founder of Aaria Rheumatology, will be answering them on June 17th. đ June 17th (Tue) đ 4â5 PM (SGT) đ @ theAsianparent App đŠ Ask away in the comments below! Donât wait until symptoms become something more serious, knowledge could be the key to early prevention and peace of mind. Letâs protect our families, one question at a time đŞâ¤ď¸ #AskTheExpert #AutoimmuneAwareness #theAsianparentSG


Doc, ever since I gave birth, Iâve been sleeping really late almost every night⌠and honestly, I can feel my body not as fit as before. My hair is falling a lot, I fall sick easily, always feel sleepy, and also have random itches, especially around the tummy area. After reading this, Iâm a bit scared⌠should I go for a check-up? How do I even check for autoimmune issues?
Read moreis it true untreated allergy can lead to autoimmune? i've been told that we have to "train" our allergy, exposing it to the trigger bit by bit so we won't have it again. but i've also heard that actually allergy doesnt work that way
Note from expert: Allergy and autoimmunity both involve the immune system, but in very different waysâone overreacts to harmless things, the other attacks your own body. Untreated allergies donât turn into autoimmune diseases, but they can worsen quality of life and increase inflammation. As for âtraining your allergy,â yesâthere is such a thing as desensitization (like allergy shots or sublingual tablets). But itâs a medical process, done in a safe, controlled setting. Trying to expose yourself to triggers on your own can backfire and cause severe reactions. Always talk to an allergist before trying that route!
Doc how do I know if my fatigue is normal âparent tiredâ or actually something wrong with my immune system? I believe we feel tired all the time... but how to know if its something serious
Note from expert: Parenting is exhaustingâbut autoimmune-related fatigue feels different. Itâs like running on empty even after sleep, and often comes with other signs: joint pain, brain fog, hair loss, or frequent infections. If your fatigue affects your daily function, or comes with other unexplained symptoms, itâs worth getting a medical check-up. Blood tests can help rule out thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, or autoimmune conditions. Listen to your bodyânormal tiredness recovers with rest; immune-related fatigue doesnât.
I heard supplements like vitamin D or omega3 can help, and also that exercise might lower the risk, is that true ah? Can these really help with preventing or managing autoimmune problems?
Note from expert: "Vitamin D helps regulate immune responses, and low levels have been linked to conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and MS. Omega-3 fatty acids (like from fish oil) can reduce inflammation and may ease joint stiffness in some autoimmune diseases. Exercise is another powerful toolâit improves circulation, reduces stress hormones, and boosts feel-good endorphins. Regular moderate activity (think walking, swimming, yoga) can lower chronic inflammation and may reduce the risk of developing certain autoimmune conditions. BUTâand hereâs the important bitâthese are supportive strategies, not stand-alone cures. They work best with your prescribed treatment plan, not instead of it. Think of them like bonus points for your immune system." Regular movement, even gentle forms like walking or stretching, can help regulate immune responses, reduce joint pain, and boost energy. Itâs not about intense workoutsâitâs about consistency and tuning into your bodyâs limits. Exer
Hi doc... my girl always say she tired even after sleeping full night leh... could it be something more serious? I thought she was just lazy, but reading all these... I'm scared
Note from expert: Kids arenât usually lazy by natureâif they say theyâre tired a lot, it could be their bodyâs way of asking for help. Consider checking for iron deficiency, thyroid function, or infections like EBV. Rarely, fatigue can be an early sign of autoimmune conditions, especially if there are other symptoms like joint pain, weight loss, or swollen glands. Itâs best to start with a pediatrician who can run some basic tests. It might turn out to be nothingâbut itâs always better to check early than ignore and regret later.
My joints always pain one, especially in the morning. Thought it's just old already but my cousin say could be autoimmune. How to know ah?
Note from expert: Pain thatâs worse in the morning and improves throughout the day is a classic pattern in inflammatory arthritis. Itâs different from osteoarthritis, which tends to worsen with activity. Blood tests like ESR, CRP, rheumatoid factor (RF), and anti-CCP antibodies can help. An early diagnosis makes a huge differenceâdonât brush it off as just aging. Even young people can get autoimmune arthritis!
Doc is it true... I heard stress is really a big trigger for autoimmune? Then how to manage stress when parenting already so stressful?
Note from expert: Chronic stress affects your immune systemâit increases inflammation and may trigger or worsen autoimmune flares. While we canât avoid stress (especially as parents!), we can build in buffers: sleep, mindfulness, regular exercise, asking for help, and taking even short breaks for yourself. Stress doesnât cause autoimmune disease directly, but itâs like gasoline on a fire if one is already brewing. So managing stress isnât selfishâitâs survival.
My son always get random rashes, come and go. PD say allergy, but sometimes no trigger leh. Autoimmune can look like that or not?
Note from expert: To know whether a rash is from allergy, infection, or something autoimmune, we need to consider how the rash looks, how long it lasts, and if it comes with other symptomsâlike fever, fatigue, joint pain, or swollen glands. Autoimmune rashes often have specific patterns and may not itch. If the rashes are frequent, unpredictable, or come with systemic signs, it's worth seeing a doctor for more tests. A basic workup might include allergy tests, full blood count, and sometimes an ANA test to screen for autoimmune issues. You're not overthinking itâitâs smart to follow up if things donât add up.
can woman with autoimmune condition get pregnant doc?? will it affect the mother's health? and more, will it affect the baby?
Note from expert: Autoimmune diseases donât automatically prevent pregnancy. The key is to achieve good disease control before conception. Some medications may need to be stopped or switched before trying for a baby. And while there are some risks to both mom and babyâlike preterm birth or neonatal lupusâthese can often be mitigated with close monitoring by a rheumatologist and obstetrician. With the right care, most pregnancies proceed smoothly and babies are born healthy. So yes, itâs absolutely possibleâjust donât DIY it!
My skin sometimes breakout with red patches, itchy but not like eczema. Autoimmune can affect skin like that???
Note from expert: Autoimmune skin rashes can show up in many formsâsome may mimic eczema or allergies but behave differently. Lupus, dermatomyositis, or vasculitis can present with redness, rashes, or sensitivity to sunlight. If the rash appears with fatigue, joint pain, or lasts longer than usual, itâs worth seeing a dermatologist or rheumatologist. They may suggest a biopsy or blood tests like ANA. Just because itâs not eczema doesnât mean itâs autoimmuneâbut recurring unexplained rashes deserve a closer look.
Consultant Rheumatologist, Founder of Aaria Rheumatology