- "An autoimmune disease is a condition that results from an anomalous response of the immune system, wherein it mistakenly targets and attacks healthy, functioning parts of the body as if they were foreign organisms."
These conditions arise when the immune system attacks the body's own cells and tissues.
Immunology basics: An introduction to the immune system, including the different types of immune cells and the general mechanisms involved in immune responses.
Autoimmunity: An overview of what autoimmunity is and how it can lead to autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune diseases: A discussion of the different types of autoimmune diseases, including their symptoms, causes, and possible treatments.
Genetics and autoimmune diseases: An exploration of the genetic factors that may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases.
Environmental triggers: An examination of the non-genetic factors that may play a role in triggering autoimmune diseases, such as infections, diet, and lifestyle factors.
Immunodeficiency: A discussion of how immunodeficiency, or an impaired immune system, can contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases.
Immunotherapy: An overview of the various types of immunotherapy that are used to treat autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmunity and cancer: A discussion of the link between autoimmunity and cancer, including the role of the immune system in both.
Clinical trials: An introduction to clinical trials for new autoimmune disease treatments, including how they work and how to get involved.
Patient advocacy: An overview of patient advocacy groups, organizations, and online resources that can provide support and information to people with autoimmune diseases.
Alternative and complementary therapies: An exploration of alternative and complementary therapies that some people with autoimmune diseases may find helpful.
Preventing autoimmune diseases: An overview of preventative measures that may reduce the risk of developing autoimmune diseases, such as avoiding triggers and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Public health and autoimmune diseases: An examination of the public health implications of autoimmune diseases, including their impact on healthcare systems and society as a whole.
Immunology research: An introduction to current research efforts focused on understanding autoimmune diseases and developing effective treatments.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints, causing inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): It is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple systems in the body like the skin, joints, kidneys and other organs. Symptoms may include a facial rash, joint pain or swelling, chest pain, fever and fatigue.
Multiple sclerosis: It is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system causing fatigue, muscle weakness, and problems with coordination.
Type 1 diabetes: It is an autoimmune disease of the pancreas where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, making it difficult to control blood sugar levels.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis: It is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland, causing an underactive thyroid gland ( hypothyroidism).
Graves' disease: It is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland, causing an overactive thyroid gland ( hyperthyroidism ).
Sjogren's syndrome: It is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the glands that produce tears and saliva, leading to dryness in the mouth and eyes.
Celiac disease: It is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine, causing an inability to digest gluten, a protein present in wheat, barley and rye which leads to intestinal inflammation.
Psoriasis: It is an autoimmune disease of the skin, causing patches of skin cells to build up, leading to redness and scaling.
Crohn's disease: It is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the digestive system, causing inflammation in the small intestine, colon and other parts of the digestive system.
- "It is estimated that there are more than 80 recognized autoimmune diseases, with recent scientific evidence suggesting the existence of potentially more than 100 distinct conditions."
- "Nearly any body part can be involved."
- "Symptoms of autoimmune diseases can significantly vary, primarily based on the specific type of the disease and the body part that it affects."
- "Symptoms are often diverse and can be fleeting, fluctuating from mild to severe, and typically comprise low-grade fever, feeling tired, and general malaise."
- "However, some autoimmune diseases may present with more specific symptoms such as joint pain, skin rashes (e.g., urticaria), or neurological symptoms."
- "The exact causes of autoimmune diseases remain unclear and are likely multifactorial, involving both genetic and environmental influences."
- "While some diseases like lupus exhibit familial aggregation, suggesting a genetic predisposition, other cases have been associated with infectious triggers or exposure to environmental factors."
- "Some of the most common diseases that are generally categorized as autoimmune include celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, Graves' disease, inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), multiple sclerosis, alopecia areata, Addison's disease, pernicious anemia, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus."
- "Diagnosing autoimmune diseases can be challenging due to their diverse presentations and the transient nature of many symptoms."
- "Treatment modalities for autoimmune diseases vary based on the type of disease and its severity."
- "Therapeutic approaches primarily aim to manage symptoms, reduce immune system activity, and maintain the body's ability to fight diseases."
- "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and immunosuppressants are commonly used to reduce inflammation and control the overactive immune response."
- "Despite these treatments often leading to symptom improvement, they usually do not offer a cure and long-term management is often required."
- "In terms of prevalence, a UK study found that 10% of the population were affected by an autoimmune disease."
- "Women are more commonly affected than men."
- "Autoimmune diseases predominantly begin in adulthood, although they can start at any age."
- "The initial recognition of autoimmune diseases dates back to the early 1900s."
- "Since then, advancements in understanding and management of these conditions have been substantial."
- "though much more is needed to fully unravel their complex etiology and pathophysiology."