A 23-year-old real-estate agent named Tom Pegg found himself facing a life-altering situation after contracting a rare autoimmune disease during his vacation in Bali. Tom's story has not only captured headlines but also shed light on the mysterious nature of autoimmune diseases that can strike anyone, anywhere.
Originally from Cheshire, Tom Pegg returned to his home in Dubai in June after a memorable trip to Bali. Like many travelers, he initially experienced an upset stomach, which is common after such journeys. However, his condition took a severe turn for the worse in the following days.
His ordeal began with an alarming swelling of his eye, followed by his throat. Concerned for his health, he sought medical attention. Initially, doctors suspected an allergic reaction and administered an anti-histamine shot. However, within two days, Tom's situation deteriorated rapidly. Both his eyes swelled shut, and he struggled to breathe and speak.
Tom Pegg was rushed to Al Qaassimi Hospital, where doctors made a shocking diagnosis - Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks itself. This devastating illness turned the life of a young, healthy man upside down in a matter of days.
Tom's sister, Hollie Pegg, described the situation to The Independent as ‘really scary.’ She shared how her brother transformed from a charismatic and laid-back individual to a frail, helpless person who now resembled a little boy. Tom was placed in an induced coma for five days, during which his family rallied to be by his side. Unfortunately, his mother, Julia Royle, could not join them due to her ongoing battle with stage three breast cancer.
Tom Pegg's journey to recovery has been long and uncertain. He has spent approximately nine weeks in the hospital, relearning essential skills such as walking and talking. His progress was marked by a positive response to plasma exchange treatment, a procedure that filters the blood to remove harmful antibodies attacking the nerves. Tom regained the use of his limbs and eyes after temporarily losing his sight.
What are Autoimmune diseases?Autoimmune diseases are complex conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are over 100 known autoimmune diseases, including common ones like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
What are the symptoms of Autoimmune diseases?Autoimmune diseases encompass a wide range of conditions, yet they often share common symptoms. The John Hopkins Medicine includes some common symptoms that are, debilitating fatigue, painful joint swelling, skin problems, abdominal discomfort or digestive issues, recurring fevers, and swollen glands. The complexity of autoimmune diseases lies in the fact that they can manifest differently in each individual, making diagnosis and management challenging.
What are the causes and risk factors?The precise triggers behind autoimmune diseases remain a medical puzzle. However, several factors can increase the risk of their development. According to Healthline, gender plays a role, with individuals assigned female at birth between the ages of 15 and 44 being more susceptible. Genetics also contribute, although environmental factors, such as exposure to sunlight, toxins, cigarette smoke, infections like COVID-19, and even dietary choices, can heighten vulnerability. Furthermore, certain autoimmune diseases exhibit ethnic predilections. Additionally, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, including obesity or other autoimmune diseases, may face an elevated risk. The interplay of these factors underscores the complex nature of autoimmune diseases and the ongoing research aimed at unraveling their origins.
