The immune system is an integral part of our protective mechanism. It is involved in every part of fighting off diseases in our bodies. This is done through recruitment of cells and antibodies that are designed to specifically target and destroy the specific offending organism. In some cases, the activation may occur due to the presence of some molecules in our own cells leading to autoimmune diseases. If diagnosed with auto immune disorders Charlotte residents need to know a number of things.
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 type 1, a metabolic disorder. Persons with this disorder have antibodies that attack and destroy insulin-producing cells in their pancreases. One of the theories purports that the antibodies are formed due to a viral infection that occurs in the pancreas. In the absence of insulin, the affected individual can no longer regulate their blood glucose levels and require lifelong insulin therapy.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another fairly common condition. The autoantibodies that are produced in this case attack the inner lining of joints resulting into chronic inflammation, pain and swelling. The condition mainly affects the small joints such as those of fingers and toes. In the absence of prompt intervention, progressive permanent joint damage with accompanying impairment of function occurs. Immune suppressants (both oral and injectable) are the main mode of management.
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.
One of the systems that is adversely affected is the nervous system. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which autoantibodies attack nerve fibers leading to loss of myelin, a protective sheath. The symptoms include incoordination, muscle spasms, visual impairment, weakness and generalized pain among others. Myasthenia gravis is caused by the presence of autoantibodies that affect the interaction between nerve fibers and muscles. Treatment is by a drug known as pyridostigmine. Gullain Barre Syndrome 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.
Many other systems may be affected. The skin may be involved in the case of conditions such as psoriasis, scleroderma and vitiligo. Multiple systems are involved in the case of systemic lupus erythematosus. Regardless of the type, treatment is based on immune system suppression. Other drugs may be administered as well for symptomatic relief.
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 type 1, a metabolic disorder. Persons with this disorder have antibodies that attack and destroy insulin-producing cells in their pancreases. One of the theories purports that the antibodies are formed due to a viral infection that occurs in the pancreas. In the absence of insulin, the affected individual can no longer regulate their blood glucose levels and require lifelong insulin therapy.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another fairly common condition. The autoantibodies that are produced in this case attack the inner lining of joints resulting into chronic inflammation, pain and swelling. The condition mainly affects the small joints such as those of fingers and toes. In the absence of prompt intervention, progressive permanent joint damage with accompanying impairment of function occurs. Immune suppressants (both oral and injectable) are the main mode of management.
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.
One of the systems that is adversely affected is the nervous system. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which autoantibodies attack nerve fibers leading to loss of myelin, a protective sheath. The symptoms include incoordination, muscle spasms, visual impairment, weakness and generalized pain among others. Myasthenia gravis is caused by the presence of autoantibodies that affect the interaction between nerve fibers and muscles. Treatment is by a drug known as pyridostigmine. Gullain Barre Syndrome 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.
Many other systems may be affected. The skin may be involved in the case of conditions such as psoriasis, scleroderma and vitiligo. Multiple systems are involved in the case of systemic lupus erythematosus. Regardless of the type, treatment is based on immune system suppression. Other drugs may be administered as well for symptomatic relief.
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