Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body, thinking they are harmful invaders like viruses or bacteria. Normally, the immune system’s role is to protect the body from these invaders, but in autoimmune disorders, it becomes overactive or dysfunctional, leading to inflammation and damage to tissues and organs.
There are over 80 known autoimmune disorders, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Type 1 diabetes
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Psoriasis
- Inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
Autoimmune disorders can affect almost any part of the body, including joints, skin, muscles, blood vessels, and organs. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific disorder and the affected tissues, but common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, inflammation, and organ dysfunction.
The exact causes of autoimmune disorders are not fully understood, but they likely involve a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and dysregulation of the immune system.
Treatment for autoimmune disorders often involves managing symptoms and controlling inflammation through medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologic therapies. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as stress management, regular exercise, and a healthy diet may also help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.