Auto Immune

An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body¹. At least 80 types of autoimmune diseases have been identified¹. Nearly any body part can be involved¹. Some common diseases that are generally considered autoimmune include celiac disease, diabetes mellitus type 1, graves’ disease, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, alopecia areata, addison’s disease, pernicious anemia, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus¹².

The exact cause of autoimmune diseases is not known². However, there are several factors that may contribute to their development such as genetics and environmental factors². Women are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases than men².

Symptoms of autoimmune diseases vary depending on the type of disease and the body part affected³. Some common symptoms include fatigue, fever, joint pain and swelling, skin problems, abdominal pain or digestive issues³. Treatment options depend on the type of autoimmune disease and may include medications such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants³. In some cases, surgery may be required³.

(1) Autoimmune disease – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autoimmune_disease.

(2) Autoimmune Diseases: Types, Symptoms, Causes & More – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/autoimmune-disorders.

(3) Autoimmune Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, What Is It & Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21624-autoimmune-diseases.

(4) List of autoimmune diseases, with symptoms and treatments. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/list-of-autoimmune-diseases.