When a bacterial organism, a virus or a protozoan gains entry into the body, the immune system is activated to fight it off. The same also occurs when we suffer from cancerous and inflammatory conditions. In some cases, however, element in our own tissues activate the system and cause auto immune diseases. There are a number of facts on auto immune disorders Charlotte residents need to be aware of if they have been diagnosed with the condition.
To date, there are at least 80 autoimmune diseases that have been identified. In the united states alone, close to 50 million people are affected. For reasons that still remain obscure, these types of diseases are more common in women than men. Diagnosis is a bit challenging mainly due to the fact that they have similar patterns of presentation. A significant proportion of patients have more than one type.
One of the most widely studied conditions is diabetes mellitus type 1. This metabolic disorder is the result of absolute insulin deficiency. Autoantibodies attack the insulin-producing cells found in the pancreases and impair production of the hormone. It is believed that the formation of these autoantibodies is due to a number of factors including infection by a virus. Persons with the condition need insulin therapy for their entire life to keep blood sugar levels normal.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another common condition. In this case, the autoantibodies attack the lining of joints leading to sustained inflammation, swelling and pain. It typically involves the joints of fingers and toes. If treatment is not instituted promptly, joint damage occurs progressively and there is a possibility of permanent impairment of function. While there is no definitive treatment, immune suppressants offer relief and may halt progression.
Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition that affects the intestinal lining. Two broad subtypes exist: Chrons disease and ulcerative colitis. The cause of both subtypes is the presence of autoantibodies that affect various layers of the intestines. Affected persons tend to complain of diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, frequent spikes of fever, and weight loss among other complaints. Immune suppressing drugs such as steroids are often used to suppress these symptoms.
The nervous system may also be affected by a number of autoimmune condition. Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects peripheral nerves causing loss of the protective coat known as myelin. The symptoms include visual impairment, weakness, muscle spasms, pain and lack of coordination. Myasthenia gravis affects the nerve endings and impairs proper function of muscles. Pyridostignime is the drug of choice. Gullain Barre Syndrome, GBS is another example.
The thyroid gland is usually affected by Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis which tend to have opposite effects. Graves disease is associated with hyperthyroidism due to increased stimulation of the thyroid gland. In Hashimotos, on the other hand, hypothyroidism is the main characteristic and is due to destruction of active glandular cells.
There are many other types of conditions that affect various systems. The skin, for example, is involved in vitiligo, scleroderma and psoriasis. Multiple systems are involved in systemic lupus erythematosus while the blood is affected in pernicious anemia. In all cases, the principle of treatment is to suppress the immune system. Analgesic agents are also frequently prescribed to relieve the pain.
To date, there are at least 80 autoimmune diseases that have been identified. In the united states alone, close to 50 million people are affected. For reasons that still remain obscure, these types of diseases are more common in women than men. Diagnosis is a bit challenging mainly due to the fact that they have similar patterns of presentation. A significant proportion of patients have more than one type.
One of the most widely studied conditions is diabetes mellitus type 1. This metabolic disorder is the result of absolute insulin deficiency. Autoantibodies attack the insulin-producing cells found in the pancreases and impair production of the hormone. It is believed that the formation of these autoantibodies is due to a number of factors including infection by a virus. Persons with the condition need insulin therapy for their entire life to keep blood sugar levels normal.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another common condition. In this case, the autoantibodies attack the lining of joints leading to sustained inflammation, swelling and pain. It typically involves the joints of fingers and toes. If treatment is not instituted promptly, joint damage occurs progressively and there is a possibility of permanent impairment of function. While there is no definitive treatment, immune suppressants offer relief and may halt progression.
Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition that affects the intestinal lining. Two broad subtypes exist: Chrons disease and ulcerative colitis. The cause of both subtypes is the presence of autoantibodies that affect various layers of the intestines. Affected persons tend to complain of diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, frequent spikes of fever, and weight loss among other complaints. Immune suppressing drugs such as steroids are often used to suppress these symptoms.
The nervous system may also be affected by a number of autoimmune condition. Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects peripheral nerves causing loss of the protective coat known as myelin. The symptoms include visual impairment, weakness, muscle spasms, pain and lack of coordination. Myasthenia gravis affects the nerve endings and impairs proper function of muscles. Pyridostignime is the drug of choice. Gullain Barre Syndrome, GBS is another example.
The thyroid gland is usually affected by Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis which tend to have opposite effects. Graves disease is associated with hyperthyroidism due to increased stimulation of the thyroid gland. In Hashimotos, on the other hand, hypothyroidism is the main characteristic and is due to destruction of active glandular cells.
There are many other types of conditions that affect various systems. The skin, for example, is involved in vitiligo, scleroderma and psoriasis. Multiple systems are involved in systemic lupus erythematosus while the blood is affected in pernicious anemia. In all cases, the principle of treatment is to suppress the immune system. Analgesic agents are also frequently prescribed to relieve the pain.
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