Last Updated on January 3, 2025 by Analgesia team
Autoimmune Disease or Disorder
An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its healthy tissues and organs. Normally, the immune system protects the body from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. However, in the case of autoimmune diseases, the immune system fails to distinguish between foreign substances and the body’s cells, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
There are over 80 different types of autoimmune diseases, some of the more common ones that we are interested in are:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Causes joint inflammations, leading to pain and swelling.
- Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus): Can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.
- Type 1 Diabetes: The immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): As we discussed, it affects the central nervous system.
- Psoriasis: Causes red, scaly patches on the skin.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which affect the digestive tract.
Symptoms of autoimmune diseases can vary widely depending on the specific condition and the organs affected. Common symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and fever.
The exact cause of autoimmune diseases is not fully understood, but a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors is believed to play a role. While there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, treatments aim to reduce symptoms, control the autoimmune response, and maintain overall health.
If there’s a specific autoimmune disease you want to know more about or if you have any other questions, feel free to ask!