Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases (pronunciation: /ˌɔːtoʊɪˈmjuːn dɪˈziːz/) are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system attacks its own cells and tissues, mistaking them for foreign invaders. The etymology of the term comes from the Greek words "auto" meaning self, and "immune" referring to the body's immune system.

Types of Autoimmune Diseases

There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases. Some of the most common ones include:

Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

Type 1 diabetes: This is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.

Psoriasis: This is a common skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. It causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin.

Multiple sclerosis: This is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).

Systemic lupus erythematosus: This is an inflammatory disease that can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain.

Causes

The exact cause of autoimmune diseases is unknown. However, it's believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals or infections, may trigger the immune system to attack the body's own cells and tissues.

Symptoms

Symptoms of autoimmune diseases can vary widely, depending on the specific disease and the parts of the body that are affected. They may include fatigue, muscle aches, low-grade fever, difficulty concentrating, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, hair loss, and skin rashes.

Treatment

Treatment for autoimmune diseases generally focuses on reducing immune system activity. This may involve the use of medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), immunosuppressants, and biologics. Physical therapy, exercise, and a healthy diet may also be recommended.