In October, MedlinePlus.gov provided concise and critical facts to know about autoimmune disorders. With more than 80 types of these disorders presently listed, a brief definition of the problem follows: “An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake.”
What causes this response? It is known that the immune system’s blood cells help protect against harmful substances, such as bacteria, viruses, toxins, cancer cells and blood and tissue outside the body. All of these substances contain antigens. The immune system then produces antibodies to fight and destroy these antigens. With an autoimmune disorder, unfortunately, your immune system does not pick up on the difference between healthy tissue and harmful antigens. As a result of this difficulty, the body begins a reaction that destroys normal and healthy tissues. MedlinePlus explains that, “The exact cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown.” The computer site continues, “One theory is that some microorganisms (such as bacteria or viruses) or drugs may trigger changes that confuse the immune system.” It is thought that genetically predisposed individuals can become more prone to autoimmune disorders. Once again, stress can play an important role in developing the chronic or acute inflammations.
Here are three results of autoimmune disorders’ mistakes:
1. The destruction of body tissue
2. Abnormal growth of an organ
3. Changes in organ function
Seven areas affected by autoimmune disorders involve the following:
1. Blood vessels
2. Connective tissues
3. Endocrine glands such as the thyroid or pancreas
4. Joints
5. Muscles
6. Red blood cells; and
7. Skin.
An individual may have more than one autoimmune disorder at the same time. Here is a list of a few common autoimmune disorders: Multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Celiac disease (gluten problems), Lupus (attacks body’s own tissues), Bowel problems IBD), Pernicious anemia, Psoriasis, Alopecia Areata (hair loss), Chronic peptic ulcer, Active hepatitis (liver disorder), Parkinson’s Disease (a partly immune disorder), and Vasculitis (blood circulation).
Symptoms are based on the type and location of the response. They might include joint pain, general ill feeling/fatigue, fever, and rash. It is important to have the acute or chronic episode checked out by medical personnel. Diagnostic tests used are Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, Autoantibody tests, Complete blood count (CBC) with white blood cell differential (CBC with WBC differential), Comprehensive metabolic panel, C-reactive protein (CRP), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and Urinalysis.
Treatment goals include:
1. To control the autoimmune process
2. Maintain the body’s ability to fight disease
3. Reduce symptoms. These treatments might include: Supplements to replace body lacking substances such as insulin for diabetes 1; Blood transfusions if blood is affected; and Physical therapy to help with movement if the bones, joints, or muscles are affected. Targeted meds to reduce the immune system’s abnormal response might include corticosteroids (prednisone) and nonsteroid drugs, along with other medications.
MedlinePlus summarizes their article with the following four sentences: “The outcome depends on the disease. Most autoimmune diseases are chronic, but many can be controlled with treatment. Symptoms of autoimmune disorders can come and go. When symptoms get worse, it is called a flare-up.” Possible complications of autoimmune diseases (according to google.com) can include cancer, bone and joint damage, heart disease and blood vessel damage, development of other autoimmune diseases, and frequent infections (such as bronchitis and pneumonia).
