The immune system plays a vital role in fighting off diseases that affect us. Every time a harmful organism such as a bacterium, a virus or a protozoan enters the body, specific cells and antibodies are recruited to destroy it or to neutralize its activity. Unfortunately, due to unknown reasons, the system may attack our own cells in a similar manner. This leads to what are known as autoimmune diseases. There are a number of important aspects on these auto immune disorders Charlotte residents should know.
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 an autoimmune condition that affects the intestines. There are two types: ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. The latter is the more aggressive type. The underlying problem with this condition is the presence of antibodies that are directed against the mucosal lining of the intestines. Patients will typically complain of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Management is by use of steroids and other immune suppressants.
The nervous system is also affected by a number of conditions. Multiple sclerosis affects nerve fibers throughout the body. Symptoms include weakness, visual impairment, incoordination, muscle spasms generalized pain. Myasthenia gravis is a condition in which autoantibodies prevent proper interaction between the nerves and muscles. Weakness worsens with increasing activity. The main treatment is a drug known as pyridostigmine. Another nervous system autoimmune condition is Guillain Barre Syndrome or GBS.
The thyroid gland is affected by two main conditions: Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis. In the former, antibodies increase thyroid gland stimulation and increase the amount of circulating thyroid hormone which effectively leads to hyperthyroidism. In the case of Hashimotos, the present antibodies cause hypothyroidism due to destruction of 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 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 an autoimmune condition that affects the intestines. There are two types: ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. The latter is the more aggressive type. The underlying problem with this condition is the presence of antibodies that are directed against the mucosal lining of the intestines. Patients will typically complain of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Management is by use of steroids and other immune suppressants.
The nervous system is also affected by a number of conditions. Multiple sclerosis affects nerve fibers throughout the body. Symptoms include weakness, visual impairment, incoordination, muscle spasms generalized pain. Myasthenia gravis is a condition in which autoantibodies prevent proper interaction between the nerves and muscles. Weakness worsens with increasing activity. The main treatment is a drug known as pyridostigmine. Another nervous system autoimmune condition is Guillain Barre Syndrome or GBS.
The thyroid gland is affected by two main conditions: Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis. In the former, antibodies increase thyroid gland stimulation and increase the amount of circulating thyroid hormone which effectively leads to hyperthyroidism. In the case of Hashimotos, the present antibodies cause hypothyroidism due to destruction of 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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