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 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 affects the large and the small intestines. There are two main types of this condition: ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. The latter type is more aggressive. The cause of the problem is the presence of antibodies that attack the mucosa and muscular layers leading to inflammation. Patients will usually complain of diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss and fever among others. Immunosuppressant drugs help to reduce symptom severity.
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 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 affects the large and the small intestines. There are two main types of this condition: ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. The latter type is more aggressive. The cause of the problem is the presence of antibodies that attack the mucosa and muscular layers leading to inflammation. Patients will usually complain of diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss and fever among others. Immunosuppressant drugs help to reduce symptom severity.
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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