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.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune conditions that have been identified to date. It is estimated that close to 50 million Americans are affected. For reasons that are not yet clear, these types of conditions are more common in women than men. The various types have similar symptoms which makes them quite difficult to diagnose. In addition, it is not uncommon for someone to 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.
Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis are examples of autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid gland. In the case of Graves, the immune system produces autoantibodies that cause thyroid gland stimulation. The result of this is increased thyroid hormone in circulation a condition also referred to as hyperthyroidism. In Hashimotos, antibodies attack the gland leading to reduced hormone production (hypothyroidism).
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.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune conditions that have been identified to date. It is estimated that close to 50 million Americans are affected. For reasons that are not yet clear, these types of conditions are more common in women than men. The various types have similar symptoms which makes them quite difficult to diagnose. In addition, it is not uncommon for someone to 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.
Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis are examples of autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid gland. In the case of Graves, the immune system produces autoantibodies that cause thyroid gland stimulation. The result of this is increased thyroid hormone in circulation a condition also referred to as hyperthyroidism. In Hashimotos, antibodies attack the gland leading to reduced hormone production (hypothyroidism).
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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