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.
Up to 80 autoimmune conditions have been identified. Close to 50 million of Americans are suffering from one form of the condition or the other. For unknown reasons, most of these conditions are more prevalent in women than men. Diagnosing the specific type often takes time due to the fact that they tend to have the same symptomatic pattern. At the same time, some patients may have more than one type.
One of the most widely studied conditions is diabetes type 1, a metabolic disorder. Persons with this disorder have antibodies that attack and destroy insulin-producing cells in their pancreases. One of the theories purports that the antibodies are formed due to a viral infection that occurs in the pancreas. In the absence of insulin, the affected individual can no longer regulate their blood glucose levels and require lifelong insulin therapy.
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 an autoimmune condition that affects the intestines. There are two types: ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. The latter is the more aggressive type. The underlying problem with this condition is the presence of antibodies that are directed against the mucosal lining of the intestines. Patients will typically complain of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Management is by use of steroids and other immune suppressants.
The nervous system is also affected by a number of conditions. Multiple sclerosis affects nerve fibers throughout the body. Symptoms include weakness, visual impairment, incoordination, muscle spasms generalized pain. Myasthenia gravis is a condition in which autoantibodies prevent proper interaction between the nerves and muscles. Weakness worsens with increasing activity. The main treatment is a drug known as pyridostigmine. Another nervous system autoimmune condition is Guillain Barre Syndrome or GBS.
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.
There are many other types of conditions that affect various systems. The skin, for example, is involved in vitiligo, scleroderma and psoriasis. Multiple systems are involved in systemic lupus erythematosus while the blood is affected in pernicious anemia. In all cases, the principle of treatment is to suppress the immune system. Analgesic agents are also frequently prescribed to relieve the pain.
Up to 80 autoimmune conditions have been identified. Close to 50 million of Americans are suffering from one form of the condition or the other. For unknown reasons, most of these conditions are more prevalent in women than men. Diagnosing the specific type often takes time due to the fact that they tend to have the same symptomatic pattern. At the same time, some patients may have more than one type.
One of the most widely studied conditions is diabetes type 1, a metabolic disorder. Persons with this disorder have antibodies that attack and destroy insulin-producing cells in their pancreases. One of the theories purports that the antibodies are formed due to a viral infection that occurs in the pancreas. In the absence of insulin, the affected individual can no longer regulate their blood glucose levels and require lifelong insulin therapy.
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 an autoimmune condition that affects the intestines. There are two types: ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. The latter is the more aggressive type. The underlying problem with this condition is the presence of antibodies that are directed against the mucosal lining of the intestines. Patients will typically complain of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Management is by use of steroids and other immune suppressants.
The nervous system is also affected by a number of conditions. Multiple sclerosis affects nerve fibers throughout the body. Symptoms include weakness, visual impairment, incoordination, muscle spasms generalized pain. Myasthenia gravis is a condition in which autoantibodies prevent proper interaction between the nerves and muscles. Weakness worsens with increasing activity. The main treatment is a drug known as pyridostigmine. Another nervous system autoimmune condition is Guillain Barre Syndrome or GBS.
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.
There are many other types of conditions that affect various systems. The skin, for example, is involved in vitiligo, scleroderma and psoriasis. Multiple systems are involved in systemic lupus erythematosus while the blood is affected in pernicious anemia. In all cases, the principle of treatment is to suppress the immune system. Analgesic agents are also frequently prescribed to relieve the pain.
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