The immune system plays a vital role in fighting off diseases that affect us. Every time a harmful organism such as a bacterium, a virus or a protozoan enters the body, specific cells and antibodies are recruited to destroy it or to neutralize its activity. Unfortunately, due to unknown reasons, the system may attack our own cells in a similar manner. This leads to what are known as autoimmune diseases. There are a number of important aspects on these auto immune disorders Charlotte residents should know.
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.
Type 1 diabetes is perhaps the most well-known type. In this condition the immune system is activated and produces autoantibodies that are directed at the active cells of the pancreas. These cells produce an important regulatory hormone known as insulin. When the cells are destroyed, insulin will not be produced and the affected individual starts suffering from sustained episodes of high blood glucose levels that has to be controlled by injectable insulin for their entire life.
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 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.
The nervous system may also be affected by a number of autoimmune condition. Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects peripheral nerves causing loss of the protective coat known as myelin. The symptoms include visual impairment, weakness, muscle spasms, pain and lack of coordination. Myasthenia gravis affects the nerve endings and impairs proper function of muscles. Pyridostignime is the drug of choice. Gullain Barre Syndrome, GBS is another example.
The thyroid gland is affected by two main conditions: Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis. In the former, antibodies increase thyroid gland stimulation and increase the amount of circulating thyroid hormone which effectively leads to hyperthyroidism. In the case of Hashimotos, the present antibodies cause hypothyroidism due to destruction of 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.
Type 1 diabetes is perhaps the most well-known type. In this condition the immune system is activated and produces autoantibodies that are directed at the active cells of the pancreas. These cells produce an important regulatory hormone known as insulin. When the cells are destroyed, insulin will not be produced and the affected individual starts suffering from sustained episodes of high blood glucose levels that has to be controlled by injectable insulin for their entire life.
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 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.
The nervous system may also be affected by a number of autoimmune condition. Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects peripheral nerves causing loss of the protective coat known as myelin. The symptoms include visual impairment, weakness, muscle spasms, pain and lack of coordination. Myasthenia gravis affects the nerve endings and impairs proper function of muscles. Pyridostignime is the drug of choice. Gullain Barre Syndrome, GBS is another example.
The thyroid gland is affected by two main conditions: Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis. In the former, antibodies increase thyroid gland stimulation and increase the amount of circulating thyroid hormone which effectively leads to hyperthyroidism. In the case of Hashimotos, the present antibodies cause hypothyroidism due to destruction of 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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