An autoimmune disease
develops when your immune system, which defends your body against disease,
decides your healthy cells are foreign. As a result, your immune system attacks
healthy cells. Depending on the type, an autoimmune disease can affect one or many
different types of body tissue. It can also cause abnormal organ growth and
changes in organ function.
There are as many as 80 types of
autoimmune diseases. Many of them have similar symptoms, which makes them very
difficult to diagnose. It’s also possible to have more than one at the same
time. Autoimmune diseases usually fluctuate between periods of remission
(little or no symptoms) and flare-ups (worsening symptoms).
Autoimmune diseases often run in
families, and 75 percent of those affected are women.
The exact cause of autoimmune
disorders is unknown. One theory is that some microorganisms (such as bacteria
or viruses) or drugs may trigger changes that confuse the immune system.
Also, you may be more
susceptible to developing an autoimmune disease if you have a family member
with one.
Because there are so
many different types of autoimmune disease, the symptoms vary. However, common
symptoms are fatigue, fever, and general malaise (feeling ill). Symptoms worsen
during flare-ups and lessen during remission.
Autoimmune diseases
affect many parts of the body. The most common organs and tissue affected are:
·
joints
·
muscles
·
skin
·
red blood cells
·
blood vessels
·
connective tissue
DISGNOSIS
Ordinarily, your
immune system produces antibodies (proteins that recognize and destroy specific
substances) against harmful invaders in your body. These invaders include:
·
viruses
·
bacteria
·
parasites
·
fungi
When you have an
autoimmune disease, your body produces antibodies against some of your own
tissues. Diagnosing an autoimmune disease involves identifying the antibodies
your body is producing.
The following tests
are used to diagnose an autoimmune disease:
·
autoantibody tests: any of several tests that look for specific
antibodies to your own tissues
·
antinuclear antibody tests: a type of autoantibody test that looks for
antinuclear antibodies, which attack the nuclei of cells in your body
·
complete blood count: measures the numbers of red and white cells
in your blood; when your immune system is actively fighting something, these
numbers will vary from the normal
·
C-reactive protein (CRP): elevated CRP is an indication of inflammation
throughout your body
·
erythrocyte sedimentation rate: this test indirectly measures how much
inflammation is in your body
TREATMENT
Autoimmune diseases
are chronic conditions with no cure. Treatment involves attempts to control the
process of the disease and to decrease the symptoms, especially during flare-ups.
The following is a list of things you can do to alleviate the symptoms of an
autoimmune disease:
·
eat a balanced and
healthy diet
·
exercise regularly
·
get plenty of rest
·
take vitamin
supplements
·
decrease stress
·
limit sun exposure
·
avoid any known triggers
of flare-ups
Medical interventions
include:
·
hormone replacement
therapy, if necessary
·
blood transfusions, if
blood is affected
·
anti-inflammatory
medication, if joints are affected
·
pain medication
·
immunosuppressive
medication
PREVENTION
There is no known prevention for
most autoimmune disorders, it just occurs and can re stabilize on its own after
a period of time. Reoccurrence is eminent in same individual.
Self medication should be avoided
due to certain researches has shown drugs aid in autoimmune disorder. Take
medications ONLY prescribed by a qualified medical personnel. Tattoos can as well trigger autoimmune disorders for the skin due to chemicals used in the process.
COMMON
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
(1) Immune mediated or type 1- Diabetes mellitus
(2) Multiple sclerosis
(3) Rheumatoid arthritis
(4) Inflammatory bowel diseases
(5) Systemic lupus erythematosus
(6) Psoriasis
(7) Scleroderma
(8) Autoimmune thyroid disease
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