The immune system is a collection of special cells and chemicals that fight infection-causing agents such as bacteria and viruses. An autoimmune disorder occurs when a person's immune system mistakenly attacks their own body tissues like the skin or joints— as foreign. This causes it to release proteins known as auto antibodies which attack the healthy cells. Autoimmune disorders are broadly grouped into two categories – 'organ-specific' means one organ is affected, while in 'non-organ-specific' disorders, multiple organs or body systems may be affected.
There are around 80 different autoimmune disorders ranging in severity from mild to disabling, depending on which system of the body is under attack and to what degree. For unknown reasons, women are more susceptible than men, particularly during their childbearing years. It is thought that sex hormones may be at least partly responsible. There is generally no cure, but the symptoms of autoimmune disorders can be managed.
The exact cause of autoimmune disease is not known, although there exist many theories about what leads to the malfunction.
It has also been seen that autoimmune disorders mostly run in families and are most likely to happen in women.
There exist more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases.Here is a list of some of the most common ones.
Treatments cannot cure autoimmune disorders, but they can regulate the overactive immune response. Some medications used to treat these disorders include:
Treatments also exist to cure symptoms like skin rashes, pain, swelling, and fatigue. Furthermore, exercising regularly and eating a well-balanced dietcan also help the patient feel better.
After the required treatment is completed, it is advised tofrequently keep visiting the doctor for all the follow-up appointments.During these appointments, the doctor watchesthe progress closely by conducting various exams and asking the patient several questions. It is vital for the patient to give their doctor a clear and accurate idea about the condition and side-effects that they might be experiencing.