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.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune conditions that have been identified to date. It is estimated that close to 50 million Americans are affected. For reasons that are not yet clear, these types of conditions are more common in women than men. The various types have similar symptoms which makes them quite difficult to diagnose. In addition, it is not uncommon for someone to 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.
Another commonly encountered condition is rheumatoid arthritis. The antibodies that are produced here target and destroy the inner lining of small joints of the toes and fingers. The result is chronic inflammation that is associated with swelling and pain. If intervention does not take place early, the joints may be damaged permanently and function impaired. Management is mainly through the use of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant drugs.
Inflammatory bowel disease affects the large and the small intestines. There are two main types of this condition: ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. The latter type is more aggressive. The cause of the problem is the presence of antibodies that attack the mucosa and muscular layers leading to inflammation. Patients will usually complain of diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss and fever among others. Immunosuppressant drugs help to reduce symptom severity.
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.
There are numerous other types that affect varied body systems. In the case of the skin, for instance, the common conditions include psoriasis, scleroderma and vitiligo may be seen. Systemic lupus erythematotus affects multiple systems and pernicious anemia affects the blood. Treatment in all instances is geared towards suppressing the immune system.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune conditions that have been identified to date. It is estimated that close to 50 million Americans are affected. For reasons that are not yet clear, these types of conditions are more common in women than men. The various types have similar symptoms which makes them quite difficult to diagnose. In addition, it is not uncommon for someone to 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.
Another commonly encountered condition is rheumatoid arthritis. The antibodies that are produced here target and destroy the inner lining of small joints of the toes and fingers. The result is chronic inflammation that is associated with swelling and pain. If intervention does not take place early, the joints may be damaged permanently and function impaired. Management is mainly through the use of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant drugs.
Inflammatory bowel disease affects the large and the small intestines. There are two main types of this condition: ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. The latter type is more aggressive. The cause of the problem is the presence of antibodies that attack the mucosa and muscular layers leading to inflammation. Patients will usually complain of diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss and fever among others. Immunosuppressant drugs help to reduce symptom severity.
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.
There are numerous other types that affect varied body systems. In the case of the skin, for instance, the common conditions include psoriasis, scleroderma and vitiligo may be seen. Systemic lupus erythematotus affects multiple systems and pernicious anemia affects the blood. Treatment in all instances is geared towards suppressing the immune system.
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