Overview of Autoimmune Diseases

Diseases where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to chronic health issues.
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Types Of Autoimmune Diseases | Symptoms And Management | Living With An Autoimmune Disease | Autoimmune Disease Symptoms | Managing Autoimmune Diseases | Immune Suppressants | Chronic Illness
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Autoimmune Diseases FAQ


Image credit: verywellhealth.com

What is an autoimmune disease?

Your immune system is made up of organs and cells meant to protect your body from bacteria, parasites, viruses and cancer cells. An autoimmune disease is the result of the immune system accidentally attacking your body instead of protecting it. It's unclear why your immune system does this. There are over 100 known autoimmune diseases.

What are the most common autoimmune diseases?

More than 80 diseases occur as a result of the immune system attacking the body’s own organs, tissues, and cells. Some of the more common autoimmune diseases include type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and inflammatory bowel disease.

How does autoimmune disease affect the body?

In people with autoimmune conditions, the immune system gets confused and produces autoantibodies, a type of antibody that attacks healthy cells and tissues. This can lead to inflammation in different parts of the body, harm the body’s organs and systems, and contribute to a wide range of symptoms.

What are the symptoms of autoimmune diseases?

Many types of autoimmune diseases cause redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are the signs and symptoms of inflammation. But other illnesses can cause the same symptoms. The symptoms of autoimmune diseases can come and go. During a flare-up, your symptoms may get severe for a while.

Autoimmune Diseases References

If you want to know more about Autoimmune Diseases, consider exploring links below:

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