Autoimmune disease: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Lupusfoto.jpg|Autoimmune disease|thumb]] | {{SI}} {{Infobox medical condition | ||
[[File:Rheumatoid Arthritis.JPG|Autoimmune disease|thumb]] | | name = Autoimmune disease | ||
| image = [[File:Lupusfoto.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = [[Systemic lupus erythematosus]] is a common autoimmune disease. | |||
| field = [[Rheumatology]], [[Immunology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Fatigue (medical)]], [[fever]], [[malaise]], [[joint pain]], [[rash]] | |||
| complications = [[Organ damage]], [[increased risk of infections]], [[cardiovascular disease]] | |||
| onset = Varies by specific disease | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = [[Genetic predisposition]], [[environmental factors]], [[infections]] | |||
| risks = [[Family history]], [[female sex]], [[certain infections]], [[smoking]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Blood test]], [[antibody test]], [[biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Infectious disease]], [[cancer]], [[allergic reaction]] | |||
| treatment = [[Immunosuppressive drug]], [[corticosteroids]], [[biologics]], [[physical therapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Varies by specific disease | |||
| frequency = Affects approximately 5-8% of the population | |||
}}[[File:Lupusfoto.jpg|Autoimmune disease|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Rheumatoid Arthritis.JPG|Autoimmune disease|left|thumb]] | |||
'''Autoimmune diseases''' are a group of disorders in which the [[immune system]] mistakenly attacks the body's own [[cells]] and [[tissues]], recognizing them as foreign. This abnormal immune response leads to chronic [[inflammation]], tissue damage, and functional impairment in various organs. There are more than 80 identified autoimmune diseases, each affecting different systems of the body. | '''Autoimmune diseases''' are a group of disorders in which the [[immune system]] mistakenly attacks the body's own [[cells]] and [[tissues]], recognizing them as foreign. This abnormal immune response leads to chronic [[inflammation]], tissue damage, and functional impairment in various organs. There are more than 80 identified autoimmune diseases, each affecting different systems of the body. | ||
== Mechanism and Pathophysiology == | == Mechanism and Pathophysiology == | ||
Under normal conditions, the immune system differentiates between self and non-self cells, targeting harmful invaders such as bacteria and viruses. In autoimmune diseases, this self-tolerance is lost, leading to an attack on the | Under normal conditions, the immune system differentiates between self and non-self cells, targeting harmful invaders such as bacteria and viruses. In autoimmune diseases, this self-tolerance is lost, leading to an attack on the body’s own healthy tissues. This immune dysfunction is often characterized by: | ||
* '''Activation of autoantibodies''' | * '''Activation of autoantibodies''' – Proteins that mistakenly target the body’s own cells. | ||
* '''Chronic inflammation''' | * '''Chronic inflammation''' – Persistent immune response causing tissue damage. | ||
* '''Dysregulated T-cell and B-cell function''' | * '''Dysregulated T-cell and B-cell function''' – Leading to excessive immune reactions. | ||
* '''Cytokine overproduction''' | * '''Cytokine overproduction''' – Increased inflammatory signals that exacerbate tissue damage. | ||
The specific organs or tissues affected depend on the type of autoimmune disease, with some being '''systemic''' (affecting multiple organs) and others being '''organ-specific'''. | The specific organs or tissues affected depend on the type of autoimmune disease, with some being '''systemic''' (affecting multiple organs) and others being '''organ-specific'''. | ||
== Types of Autoimmune Diseases == | == Types of Autoimmune Diseases == | ||
Autoimmune diseases are classified based on the affected organs and systems: | Autoimmune diseases are classified based on the affected organs and systems: | ||
=== Systemic Autoimmune Diseases === | === Systemic Autoimmune Diseases === | ||
These conditions affect multiple organs and tissues throughout the body: | These conditions affect multiple organs and tissues throughout the body: | ||
* '''[[Systemic lupus erythematosus]] (SLE)''' | * '''[[Systemic lupus erythematosus]] (SLE)''' – Affects the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs. | ||
* '''[[Rheumatoid arthritis]] (RA)''' | * '''[[Rheumatoid arthritis]] (RA)''' – Targets joints, leading to chronic inflammation and deformity. | ||
* '''[[ | * '''[[Sjögren’s syndrome]]''' – Primarily affects the salivary and tear glands, causing dryness. | ||
* '''[[Scleroderma]]''' | * '''[[Scleroderma]]''' – Causes fibrosis and hardening of connective tissues. | ||
* '''[[Vasculitis]]''' | * '''[[Vasculitis]]''' – Involves inflammation of blood vessels, leading to reduced circulation. | ||
=== Organ-Specific Autoimmune Diseases === | === Organ-Specific Autoimmune Diseases === | ||
These diseases target specific organs or systems: | These diseases target specific organs or systems: | ||
* '''Endocrine System:''' | * '''Endocrine System:''' | ||
* '''[[Type 1 diabetes mellitus]]''' | * '''[[Type 1 diabetes mellitus]]''' – The immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. | ||
* '''[[Hashimoto's thyroiditis]]''' | * '''[[Hashimoto's thyroiditis]]''' – Leads to hypothyroidism due to immune-mediated destruction of the thyroid. | ||
* '''[[ | * '''[[Graves’ disease]]''' – Causes hyperthyroidism by stimulating excessive thyroid hormone production. | ||
* '''Gastrointestinal System:''' | * '''Gastrointestinal System:''' | ||
* '''[[Celiac disease]]''' | * '''[[Celiac disease]]''' – The immune system reacts to gluten, damaging the small intestine. | ||
* '''[[ | * '''[[Crohn’s disease]]''' and '''[[ulcerative colitis]]''' – Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. | ||
* '''Neurological System:''' | * '''Neurological System:''' | ||
* '''[[Multiple sclerosis]] (MS)''' | * '''[[Multiple sclerosis]] (MS)''' – The immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibers. | ||
* '''[[Myasthenia gravis]]''' | * '''[[Myasthenia gravis]]''' – Antibodies block nerve signals to muscles, leading to weakness. | ||
* '''Dermatological Conditions:''' | * '''Dermatological Conditions:''' | ||
* '''[[Psoriasis]]''' | * '''[[Psoriasis]]''' – Causes rapid skin cell turnover, leading to scaly patches. | ||
* '''[[Vitiligo]]''' | * '''[[Vitiligo]]''' – Destroys pigment-producing melanocytes, causing skin depigmentation. | ||
== Causes and Risk Factors == | == Causes and Risk Factors == | ||
The exact cause of autoimmune diseases remains unclear, but research suggests a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. | The exact cause of autoimmune diseases remains unclear, but research suggests a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. | ||
* '''Genetic Predisposition''' – Family history increases susceptibility. | |||
* '''Genetic Predisposition''' | * '''Environmental Triggers''' – Infections, toxins, stress, and dietary factors can initiate immune dysfunction. | ||
* '''Environmental Triggers''' | * '''Hormonal Influence''' – More common in women, suggesting a role of estrogen and other hormones. | ||
* '''Hormonal Influence''' | * '''Dysbiosis''' – Altered gut microbiota may contribute to immune dysregulation. | ||
* '''Dysbiosis''' | |||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Autoimmune diseases exhibit a wide range of symptoms depending on the organ system involved. Common symptoms include: | Autoimmune diseases exhibit a wide range of symptoms depending on the organ system involved. Common symptoms include: | ||
| Line 56: | Line 64: | ||
* '''Neurological disturbances (e.g., numbness, tingling)''' | * '''Neurological disturbances (e.g., numbness, tingling)''' | ||
* '''Frequent infections due to immune system imbalance''' | * '''Frequent infections due to immune system imbalance''' | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosing autoimmune diseases can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions. Physicians use a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, including: | Diagnosing autoimmune diseases can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions. Physicians use a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, including: | ||
* '''[[Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test]]''' | * '''[[Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test]]''' – Screens for autoantibodies. | ||
* '''[[Rheumatoid factor (RF)]] and [[Anti-CCP]]''' | * '''[[Rheumatoid factor (RF)]] and [[Anti-CCP]]''' – Used in rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. | ||
* '''[[Thyroid function tests]]''' | * '''[[Thyroid function tests]]''' – Identify autoimmune thyroid disorders. | ||
* '''Tissue biopsies''' | * '''Tissue biopsies''' – Confirm specific autoimmune conditions affecting organs. | ||
* '''MRI and CT scans''' | * '''MRI and CT scans''' – Assess neurological and systemic involvement. | ||
== Treatment and Management == | == Treatment and Management == | ||
While there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, treatments focus on '''reducing immune system activity''', controlling symptoms, and preventing complications. | While there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, treatments focus on '''reducing immune system activity''', controlling symptoms, and preventing complications. | ||
=== Common Treatment Approaches === | === Common Treatment Approaches === | ||
* '''[[Immunosuppressive drugs]]''' | * '''[[Immunosuppressive drugs]]''' – Reduce immune overactivity (e.g., corticosteroids, methotrexate, azathioprine). | ||
* '''[[Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]] (NSAIDs)''' | * '''[[Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]] (NSAIDs)''' – Relieve pain and inflammation. | ||
* '''[[Biologic therapies]]''' | * '''[[Biologic therapies]]''' – Target specific immune pathways (e.g., TNF inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis). | ||
* '''[[Corticosteroids]]''' | * '''[[Corticosteroids]]''' – Suppress inflammation but require careful long-term use. | ||
* '''Plasmapheresis''' | * '''Plasmapheresis''' – Removes harmful autoantibodies in severe cases. | ||
* '''Lifestyle modifications''' | * '''Lifestyle modifications''' – Diet, exercise, and stress management can improve symptoms. | ||
== Emerging Research == | == Emerging Research == | ||
Ongoing research aims to better understand autoimmune diseases and develop novel therapies, including: | Ongoing research aims to better understand autoimmune diseases and develop novel therapies, including: | ||
* '''Precision medicine''' | * '''Precision medicine''' – Tailoring treatments based on genetic and molecular profiles. | ||
* '''Stem cell therapy''' | * '''Stem cell therapy''' – Investigating regenerative approaches for immune system repair. | ||
* '''Gut microbiome research''' | * '''Gut microbiome research''' – Studying the role of intestinal bacteria in autoimmunity. | ||
* '''Vaccine-based immune modulation''' | * '''Vaccine-based immune modulation''' – Developing therapies to retrain the immune system. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* '''[[Autoimmunity]]''' | * '''[[Autoimmunity]]''' | ||
Latest revision as of 17:08, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Autoimmune disease | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fatigue (medical), fever, malaise, joint pain, rash |
| Complications | Organ damage, increased risk of infections, cardiovascular disease |
| Onset | Varies by specific disease |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, infections |
| Risks | Family history, female sex, certain infections, smoking |
| Diagnosis | Blood test, antibody test, biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Infectious disease, cancer, allergic reaction |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Immunosuppressive drug, corticosteroids, biologics, physical therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies by specific disease |
| Frequency | Affects approximately 5-8% of the population |
| Deaths | N/A |
Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells and tissues, recognizing them as foreign. This abnormal immune response leads to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and functional impairment in various organs. There are more than 80 identified autoimmune diseases, each affecting different systems of the body.
Mechanism and Pathophysiology[edit]
Under normal conditions, the immune system differentiates between self and non-self cells, targeting harmful invaders such as bacteria and viruses. In autoimmune diseases, this self-tolerance is lost, leading to an attack on the body’s own healthy tissues. This immune dysfunction is often characterized by:
- Activation of autoantibodies – Proteins that mistakenly target the body’s own cells.
- Chronic inflammation – Persistent immune response causing tissue damage.
- Dysregulated T-cell and B-cell function – Leading to excessive immune reactions.
- Cytokine overproduction – Increased inflammatory signals that exacerbate tissue damage.
The specific organs or tissues affected depend on the type of autoimmune disease, with some being systemic (affecting multiple organs) and others being organ-specific.
Types of Autoimmune Diseases[edit]
Autoimmune diseases are classified based on the affected organs and systems:
Systemic Autoimmune Diseases[edit]
These conditions affect multiple organs and tissues throughout the body:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) – Affects the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – Targets joints, leading to chronic inflammation and deformity.
- Sjögren’s syndrome – Primarily affects the salivary and tear glands, causing dryness.
- Scleroderma – Causes fibrosis and hardening of connective tissues.
- Vasculitis – Involves inflammation of blood vessels, leading to reduced circulation.
Organ-Specific Autoimmune Diseases[edit]
These diseases target specific organs or systems:
- Endocrine System:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus – The immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis – Leads to hypothyroidism due to immune-mediated destruction of the thyroid.
- Graves’ disease – Causes hyperthyroidism by stimulating excessive thyroid hormone production.
- Gastrointestinal System:
- Celiac disease – The immune system reacts to gluten, damaging the small intestine.
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
- Neurological System:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) – The immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibers.
- Myasthenia gravis – Antibodies block nerve signals to muscles, leading to weakness.
- Dermatological Conditions:
- Psoriasis – Causes rapid skin cell turnover, leading to scaly patches.
- Vitiligo – Destroys pigment-producing melanocytes, causing skin depigmentation.
Causes and Risk Factors[edit]
The exact cause of autoimmune diseases remains unclear, but research suggests a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.
- Genetic Predisposition – Family history increases susceptibility.
- Environmental Triggers – Infections, toxins, stress, and dietary factors can initiate immune dysfunction.
- Hormonal Influence – More common in women, suggesting a role of estrogen and other hormones.
- Dysbiosis – Altered gut microbiota may contribute to immune dysregulation.
Symptoms[edit]
Autoimmune diseases exhibit a wide range of symptoms depending on the organ system involved. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Muscle weakness
- Skin rashes
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Neurological disturbances (e.g., numbness, tingling)
- Frequent infections due to immune system imbalance
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosing autoimmune diseases can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions. Physicians use a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, including:
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test – Screens for autoantibodies.
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) and Anti-CCP – Used in rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.
- Thyroid function tests – Identify autoimmune thyroid disorders.
- Tissue biopsies – Confirm specific autoimmune conditions affecting organs.
- MRI and CT scans – Assess neurological and systemic involvement.
Treatment and Management[edit]
While there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, treatments focus on reducing immune system activity, controlling symptoms, and preventing complications.
Common Treatment Approaches[edit]
- Immunosuppressive drugs – Reduce immune overactivity (e.g., corticosteroids, methotrexate, azathioprine).
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Relieve pain and inflammation.
- Biologic therapies – Target specific immune pathways (e.g., TNF inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis).
- Corticosteroids – Suppress inflammation but require careful long-term use.
- Plasmapheresis – Removes harmful autoantibodies in severe cases.
- Lifestyle modifications – Diet, exercise, and stress management can improve symptoms.
Emerging Research[edit]
Ongoing research aims to better understand autoimmune diseases and develop novel therapies, including:
- Precision medicine – Tailoring treatments based on genetic and molecular profiles.
- Stem cell therapy – Investigating regenerative approaches for immune system repair.
- Gut microbiome research – Studying the role of intestinal bacteria in autoimmunity.
- Vaccine-based immune modulation – Developing therapies to retrain the immune system.
See Also[edit]
- Autoimmunity
- List of autoimmune diseases
- Chronic inflammatory diseases
- Immunology
- Personalized medicine
Rheumatologic diseases[edit]
Arthritis is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints. Rheumatic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Rheumatologic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles.
| Rheumatology and | Connective Tissue Diseases |
|---|---|
| Ankylosing spondylitis | Arthritis |
| Arthritis and Rheumatic diseases | Autoimmune diseases |
| Autoinflammatory diseases | Behçet’s disease |
| Bursitis | Giant cell arteritis |
| Gout | Juvenile arthritis |
| Knee problems | Lupus |
| Osteoarthritis | Polymyalgia rheumatica |
| Psoriatic arthritis | Reactive arthritis |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | Scleroderma |
| Sjögren’s syndrome | Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus) |
| Tendinitis | Rheumatologic diseases |
| Hypersensitivity and autoimmune diseases (279.5–6) | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
