What Is Autoimmune Disease?

The immune system protects your body from diseases and helps you heal after injuries and infections. It works by identifying and eliminating germs that cells that aren’t supposed to be in your body, restoring health and proper functionality.

According to the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus, if you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system cannot distinguish between germs and your own cells and tissues. Your immune system then attacks your own cells, causing damage and blocking or disrupting necessary functions.

There are more than 80 different autoimmune conditions, and they can affect almost any part of the body. Though not as common as cardiovascular diseases or weight-related conditions, autoimmune diseases are widespread, affecting about 3% of the population in the U.S.

Here’s a look at the causes of autoimmune diseases and some of the varieties that affect the highest number of people.

What Causes Autoimmune Diseases?

Autoimmune conditions can come from different causes. Environmental factors can sometimes play a role, as can viruses or infections. Many are predisposed to certain autoimmune conditions because of their genetic makeup. Though the genes may not cause the illness by themselves, they could make it more likely that someone could develop an autoimmune condition when exposed to external factors.

Here are some of the most common of these factors:

• Viruses commonly cause immune deficiencies. For example, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
• Bacterial infections like Lyme disease and strep throat can damage the immune system, leading to long-term problems like chronic inflammation.
• Recreational drug use and long-term addiction can suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to diseases.
• Medication can cause some autoimmune disorders. For example, studies have linked lupus to a reaction to medicines.

The exact cause of autoimmune disorders can be difficult to determine because different factors affect immune health. Your environment, overall health, illness history, and genetics can all play a role in the development of these diseases.

What Are the Most Common Types of Autoimmune Diseases?

MedlinePlus says there are more than 80 different autoimmune diseases affecting all different areas of the body. Some of these are rare, but others are much more common. Here are seven of the most common autoimmune disorders.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects joints. It can occur throughout the body, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the hands, feet, knees, shoulders, and back. It can even affect the jaw.

RA happens when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing them to swell. Therefore, treatment usually focuses on reducing this inflammation and managing symptoms with a class of medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). You can also make lifestyle changes, such as starting physical therapy to maintain joint function and adopting an anti-inflammatory diet.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that starts when the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath covering nerve fibers. The resulting swelling leads to communication problems between the nerve center in the brain and the rest of the body. Without the correct electrical signals coordinating the nervous system, bodily systems aren’t able to function, and you can develop symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, and vision impairment.

MS is incurable, but treatment involving disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can manage symptoms and slow disease progression. You can also use rehabilitative therapies to improve the quality of life and mitigate some symptoms.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that causes high blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, hampering the body's ability to turn sugars into necessary energy. Type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body does not make enough insulin, is not considered an autoimmune disease.

Treatment for diabetes includes insulin injections, a strict diet, and daily monitoring of blood glucose levels. With careful therapy, you can prevent complications and avoid symptoms like fatigue.

Lupus

Lupus can affect multiple organs in your body and spread to the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart. The systemwide illness occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs, causing inflammation and, in severe cases, tissue damage.

Lupus is a chronic disease, and it does not have a cure. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms with drugs like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and immunosuppressants to control the immune system's over-response.

You can also make lifestyle modifications, using diet and exercise to improve overall health and limit the impact of lupus on your body.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is actually a group of digestive disorders, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These illnesses occur when the immune system attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation.

IBD symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and unexplained weight loss. Treatment usually consists of medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. Dietary changes can also limit the impact of these illnesses, though surgery may be necessary in extreme cases.

Psoriasis

[Psoriasis](https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis#:~:text=Psoriasis%20is%20a%20chronic%20(long,can%20be%20affected%20as%20well.) occurs when an overactive immune system attacks healthy skin cells. The destruction of healthy skin speeds up the cellular growth cycle and results in thick, red patches of skin covered with silvery scales. These patches can cover the body or occur in a specific area, and they are often itchy or irritated.

Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms with topical ointments, light therapy, and oral medications to reduce inflammation.

Vasculitis

Vasculitis is a relatively rare autoimmune disease that involves inflammation of blood vessels. The swelling restricts blood flow, potentially causing damage to organs and tissues due to lack of circulation.

Symptoms vary depending on the organs affected, but they often include fatigue, fever, and organ dysfunction.

Treatments focus on reducing inflammation with medications like corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. However, a doctor will select the drug therapy based on the severity of vasculitis and which organs it affects.

What Are Some Signs Your Symptoms Might Be Autoimmune?

Symptoms of autoimmune disorders can differ. However, many conditions involve swelling or inflammation in different parts of the body. This symptom may be present for no apparent reason, or it could remain after all the other symptoms of a viral or bacterial infection disappear.

Doctors may also ask about your family medical history, which could reveal that you have a genetic predisposition toward certain autoimmune diseases.

It’s important to understand autoimmune diseases and to learn how exposure to certain viruses or genetic predispositions can increase your risk for a particular immune disorder. If you understand these factors, you can take steps to monitor your health and strengthen your immune system, limiting your chances of developing a problem.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.