Autoimmune Disorder
What Is Autoimmune Disorder?
An autoimmune disorder, also known as an autoimmune disease, is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs. The immune system’s primary function is to defend the body against harmful invaders like viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. However, in autoimmune disorders, the immune system becomes dysregulated and loses its ability to distinguish between foreign invaders and the body’s cells and tissues.
What Causes Autoimmune Disorder?
The exact cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
- Genetics: Some people are more likely to develop autoimmune disorders if they have certain genes. These genes may make the immune system more likely to malfunction and attack healthy cells.
- Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors, such as infections, viruses, and toxins, may also trigger autoimmune disorders in people genetically predisposed to them.
Here are some other possible causes of autoimmune disorders:
- Age: Autoimmune disorders are more common in adults than in children.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop autoimmune disorders than men.
- Race: Some autoimmune disorders are more common in certain racial groups. For example, type 1 diabetes is more common in people of European descent.
- Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing some autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Stress: Stress can trigger or worsen autoimmune disorders.
It is important to note that not everyone with a genetic predisposition to an autoimmune disorder will develop the disease. And not everyone who is exposed to an environmental trigger will develop an autoimmune disorder. Many other factors play a role in the development of autoimmune disorders.
What Are The Examples Of Autoimmune Disorder?
Some common examples of autoimmune disorders include:
Rheumatoid arthritis
A chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the joints.
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
A systemic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs, including the skin, kidneys, heart, and joints.
Type 1 diabetes
An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
An autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system, leading to problems with mobility, coordination, and other neurological functions.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease
Autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid gland, leading to an underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid.
Celiac disease
An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption, causing damage to the lining of the small intestine.
What Are The Symptoms Of Autoimmune Disorder?
- Fatigue
- Joint pain and swelling
- Skin problems
- Abdominal pain or digestive issues
- Recurring fever
- Swollen glands
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Dry eyes
- Mouth sores
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Hair loss
- Vision problems
- Breathing problems
- Mouth sores
The symptoms of an autoimmune disorder can vary depending on the specific disease, but some common symptoms include:
It is important to note that not everyone with an autoimmune disorder will experience all of these symptoms. The severity of the symptoms can also vary from person to person.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. There is no cure for autoimmune disorders, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
What tests diagnose autoimmune diseases?
No single test can diagnose most autoimmune diseases. A doctor will order tests, review your symptoms, and conduct a physical examination to reach a diagnosis.
Doctors often use the antinuclear antibody test when symptoms indicate an autoimmune disease. A positive test means you may have one of these diseases, but it won’t confirm exactly which one you have or if you have one.
Other tests look for specific autoantibodies produced in certain autoimmune diseases. A doctor may also order nonspecific tests to check for the inflammation these diseases produce in the body.
How are autoimmune diseases treated?
Treatments can’t cure autoimmune diseases, but they can control the overactive immune response and bring down inflammation — or at least reduce pain and inflammation.
Drugs used to treat these conditions include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), and immunosuppressant drugs.
Other treatments may relieve specific symptoms, such as fatigue.
Eating a well-balanced or anti-inflammatory diet and regular exercise may also help you feel better.
How common are autoimmune diseases?
Many autoimmune diseases are more common in women than in men. The diseases are common — 1 in 15 people in the U.S. have an autoimmune disease. One million people in the U.S. have lupus, and 1.4 million have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are autoimmune diseases genetic?
Yes. Some autoimmune diseases run in families.
Are autoimmune diseases contagious?
No.
Are autoimmune diseases fatal?
Autoimmune diseases are among the top 10 causes of death in women in all age groups (up to age 64).
How long do autoimmune diseases last?
It varies. Some are easily treated, and some are not. Some autoimmune diseases can last a lifetime.
Can autoimmune diseases go away on their own?
There have been instances where an autoimmune disease disappears. However, most are chronic (meaning they last a long time if not a lifetime).
Can I live a normal life with an autoimmune disease?
Yes, but it may be more difficult if your symptoms are severe. Your healthcare provider can help you figure out how to manage your symptoms so that you can participate in your daily activities.
