Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune disease occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies healthy cells as foreign invaders and begins to attack them. This abnormal immune response can lead to inflammation, damage to body tissues, and dysfunction of organs. The exact cause of this self-reactivity is not entirely understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental factors such as infections, drugs, or toxins. Symptoms of autoimmune diseases vary widely depending on the specific condition and the organ systems affected but often include fatigue, fever, and general malaise. Over time, the chronic inflammation associated with these diseases can lead to tissue destruction and diminished function of the affected organs.

There are over 80 different types of autoimmune diseases, including conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis. These diseases can be systemic, affecting multiple organs, or organ-specific, targeting a single organ. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical presentation, laboratory tests to detect autoantibodies, and imaging studies. Treatments primarily aim to reduce immune system activity and inflammation, which may involve immunosuppressive medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.