A List of Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are a group of chronic, life-threatening diseases caused by the body’s immune system. They can affect any organ or system. The following list includes various autoimmune conditions, organized by general parts of the body and their symptoms and signs. The list is not meant to be a diagnosis.
Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease that is caused by gluten, a type of protein found in certain foods. In response to this foreign protein, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the villi in the small intestine, preventing key nutrients from reaching the bloodstream. Its symptoms range from gastrointestinal distress to osteoporosis and even brain fog. Unfortunately, it can take years before a person is diagnosed.
The disease usually starts in childhood, but symptoms can occur at any age. Some children may develop symptoms shortly after they start eating gluten, while others may not show any symptoms until they reach adulthood. If a child’s symptoms are left untreated, they can cause problems in their growth and development. For example, they may experience diarrhea, anemia, stomach pain, and mouth sores. In severe cases, coeliac disease can also cause behavioral problems in children.
Diabetes mellitus
If you have diabetes, you may be suffering from one of the many autoimmune diseases that can occur. It’s important to know how to recognize these diseases in order to treat them effectively. These conditions are triggered by a number of factors, including environmental triggers, certain drugs, or even genetics. Fortunately, you can get early diagnosis and treatment for these conditions.
Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is caused by the immune system attacking beta cells in the pancreas. This causes a lack of insulin, which causes high blood glucose and ketosis. This condition can have serious health consequences, including the damage to nerves, eyes, heart, and kidneys. People with type 1 diabetes may be more prone to developing autoimmune diseases, as their genes may be more susceptible to these conditions than others.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
While your immune system works to protect your body from disease by making proteins to attack germs, in some cases, the immune system can accidentally attack certain parts of your body. When your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland, it can cause inflammation. This can cause problems with your thyroid gland’s function and the ability to make thyroid hormones. While the exact cause of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is still unknown, researchers believe it may be related to certain environmental factors.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is often diagnosed by examining your thyroid gland and checking the levels of anti-thyroglobulin (TSH) antibodies. These antibodies attack the thyroid and cause damage, causing the thyroid to enlarge. Symptoms of this condition include a swelling in the front of your neck and a feeling of fullness in your throat. A doctor may recommend treatment based on your symptoms.
Multiple sclerosis
Autoimmune diseases are those in which the immune system mistakes its own tissue or organs as foreign and launches a vicious attack. These attacks lead to cellular damage. Although the exact causes of autoimmune diseases are unknown, most of them are the result of a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental and lifestyle factors.
Autoantibodies can occur in a person who has MS. Autoantigens are substances that the immune system mistake for foreign particles, and in response, it attacks these substances. Although no single autoantigen has been found in patients with MS, there is a strong correlation between the presence of auto-reactive T cells and disease activity. Symptoms of MS typically come and go in cycles, and it can take years for the disease to remit.
ITP
ITP is an autoimmune disease that affects the production of platelets. This condition can lead to fatigue, bleeding, and bruising. Although there are currently no cures for this disease, it is possible to improve the quality of life for people with ITP. Despite its rarity, it is worth educating ourselves about treatment options. It may help you live a healthier and longer life.
ITP is usually caused by a viral infection. It is believed that this causes the immune system to produce antibodies that are harmful to platelet cells. These antibodies attach to platelets, which the body destroys. In many cases, this is the first sign of an autoimmune disease.
Sjogren’s syndrome
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that can cause serious complications throughout the body. The most common symptoms are joint pain, but patients can also suffer from problems with the gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, and the liver. Although symptoms can range from mild discomfort to complete debilitation, early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life.
The exact cause of Sjogren’s syndrome is unknown, but it is believed to be triggered by a combination of environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors. Some people are genetically predisposed to the disorder, while others are not. There is no single test that can accurately diagnose Sjogren’s syndrome, making it one of the most difficult conditions to diagnose. Instead, a doctor will ask about symptoms and perform various tests to confirm a diagnosis.
Scleroderma
The cause of scleroderma is unknown, but it’s believed that the immune system, vascular system, and metabolism of connective tissues all play a part. Researchers have found that a combination of factors is responsible for the onset and progression of scleroderma, which affects about seven5,000 to one hundred thousand people in the United States. These factors include abnormal immune activity, environmental triggers, and genetics. Abnormal immune activity is a problem with the body’s defense system. It’s when the body’s natural defenses against foreign and invading organisms begin attacking its own tissue.
Newer treatments for scleroderma are being developed. Patients can reduce their symptoms by taking certain medications. Lifestyle changes can also help alleviate some of the symptoms, such as avoiding smoking, which increases blood vessel contraction. Other measures to reduce the effects of scleroderma include getting regular physical therapy. This can help loosen the thickened skin. Also, an occupational therapist can help patients adjust to their physical limitations and prescribe equipment to make daily living easier. People with this disease should wear thick gloves and socks to protect their joints and muscles.
