Rising Autoimmune Disorders in Children: The Unseen Impact of Lifestyle Choices and the Pandemic in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Physicians in the city are observing an increase in autoimmune disorders among youngsters, now impacting 1 in 10, with a startling 20% yearly rise since the pandemic started.
Pediatric specialists link this escalation in autoimmune issues such as Type 1 diabetes, juvenile arthritis, and Celiac disease to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences. These factors have also resulted in an uptick in instances of food and environmental allergies, eczema, and lactose intolerance.
What constitutes an autoimmune disorder? Autoimmune disorders occur when an individual’s immune system is excessively active, leading it to attack and harm the body’s own tissues.
Dr. Sameera S Rao, pediatric consultant and neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, highlighted the connection between environmental and lifestyle elements: “Heightened exposure to toxins like mercury, pesticides, and industrial pollutants, along with poor dietary and lifestyle choices, have triggered alterations in the immune system. For every 10 children we encounter in the hospital, one is diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. Consumption of processed foods, the presence of chemical additives, and less exposure to microbes in early years may lead to immune system overreaction, paving the way for autoimmune problems,” she elaborated.
The pandemic has inflicted enduring impacts on children’s well-being, remarked Dr. Yogesh Kumar Gupta, pediatric consultant at Fortis Hospital. “Before Covid, we observed one case every three months. Currently, we identify at least two cases monthly — a rise of 20-25%. Viral infections, including Covid-19, can serve as autoimmune triggers for genetically susceptible children. The overuse of antibiotics and disruptions in gut microbiota have all added to this increase,” Dr. Yogesh explained.
Dr. Sampat Kumar Shettigar from Kinder Women’s Hospital discussed the implications of diminished microbial exposure and lifestyle changes. He stated, “More indoor activities, vitamin D shortages, pollution, and illnesses such as Epstein-Barr virus have emerged as significant issues. Early exposure to microbes is crucial for immune system regulation. Over-sanitized environments, coupled with increased consumption of processed foods, diminish this exposure, promoting immune overactivity. Autoimmune conditions like Type 1 diabetes frequently develop during pivotal age ranges, specifically 4-7 and 10-14 years.”
While the rising rates of incidence raise concerns, advancements in medical diagnostics also contribute to the issue, asserted Dr. Chandrika Bhat from Rainbow Children’s Hospital. “We are identifying autoimmune diseases more often due to heightened awareness and improved diagnostic technologies. Compared to previous times, we have a greater number of pediatric rheumatologists available, which might add to the increase,” she stated.
These chronic autoimmune conditions can significantly affect the quality of life for children who require lifelong immunosuppressants or anti-inflammatories, yet with enhanced awareness and appropriate counseling for both parents and children, management strategies can be effective, according to experts.
BOX 1:
Common autoimmune disorders in children
– Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune assault on insulin-generating cells
– Juvenile arthritis: Resulting from genetic tendencies and immune system malfunction
– Celiac Disease: Immune response to the gluten protein, resulting in inflammation damaging the lining of the small intestine.
Source: Dr. Sameera S Rao, consultant – pediatrician and neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals