Autoimmune disorder
Autoimmune disorder
An Autoimmune disorder (pronounced: aw-toh-ih-MYOON dis-OR-duhr) is a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. The etymology of the term comes from the Greek auto meaning "self" and immunis meaning "exempt", referring to the body's immune system attacking its own cells.
Types of Autoimmune Disorders
There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune disorders. Some of the most common include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This condition causes inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues.
- Type 1 diabetes: This disorder occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Lupus: This is a systemic disorder that can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and brain.
- Multiple sclerosis: This condition affects the central nervous system, causing problems with muscle control and strength, vision, balance, feeling, and thinking.
Causes
The exact cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown. However, it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may trigger an autoimmune response. Certain viruses and bacteria are also thought to play a role.
Symptoms
Symptoms of autoimmune disorders can vary widely, depending on the type of disorder and the part of the body that is affected. Common symptoms may include fatigue, fever, general ill-feeling, and joint pain.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of autoimmune disorders can be challenging, as symptoms can be vague and often mimic other conditions. Doctors typically use a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to diagnose these conditions.
Treatment
Treatment for autoimmune disorders generally focuses on reducing immune system activity, typically with medication. This can include corticosteroids, immunosuppressant drugs, and biologic agents.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Autoimmune disorder
- Wikipedia's article - Autoimmune disorder
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