Immunological Disorders: Varieties, Signs, Root Causes, and Detailed Information
Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system, designed to protect the body from diseases and infections, mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Some common types of autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and some thyroid conditions, as well as Sjogren's disease, myasthenia gravis, celiac disease, and pernicious anemia.
Pernicious anemia, for instance, may occur due to a deficiency in intrinsic factor, reducing vitamin B12 absorption, causing a low red blood cell count. This condition typically affects the elderly. On the other hand, celiac disease is a condition where the immune system attacks the small intestine when gluten is present, affecting about 1% of the global population.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes conditions that cause inflammation in the lining of the intestinal wall. Each type of IBD affects a different part of the gastrointestinal tract. Type 1 diabetes is another common autoimmune disease where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Multiple sclerosis damages the protective coating surrounding nerve cells in the central nervous system, slowing the transmission speed of messages between the brain and spinal cord. Psoriatic arthritis is a condition where the immune system attacks the joints and causes skin cells to multiply too quickly.
The most common cause for the development of an autoimmune disease is a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and immune system disturbances. Genetic susceptibility, such as HLA gene variants, coupled with triggers like infections, toxins, or leaky gut syndrome, can lead the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues. Environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, mercury, chemicals like solvents or those used in agriculture, cigarette smoke, certain bacterial and viral infections, may increase the risk of autoimmune disease.
Symptoms of autoimmune diseases can include fatigue, dizziness, low-grade fever, muscle aches, swelling, trouble concentrating, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, hair loss, skin rash, and more. Blood tests that look for autoantibodies can help doctors diagnose autoimmune diseases.
Nutrition and other health conditions can impact the risk and severity of autoimmune disease. For example, people assigned female at birth between the ages of 15 and 44 are more likely to get an autoimmune disease than people assigned male at birth. Family history can also increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases due to inherited genes.
Treatments for autoimmune diseases include medications to calm the overactive immune response and bring down inflammation in the body. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options for finding a specialist.
It's important to note that autoimmune diseases are more common in certain ethnic groups. Therefore, understanding the prevalence and characteristics of these diseases in different populations is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
In conclusion, autoimmune diseases are complex conditions that can significantly impact a person's health. However, with proper diagnosis, management, and treatment, many people with autoimmune diseases can lead fulfilling lives. If you suspect you may have an autoimmune disease, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
