Autoimmune diseases are a group of conditions characterized by aberrant B and T cell reactivity to normal constituents of the host1.

The immune system protects us against germs, such as bacteria and viruses. Sometimes it attacks healthy tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 different autoimmune diseases.

Before a disease causes symptoms, it’s often called pre-clinical autoimmunity. This can be detected in blood tests.

Symptoms

Your immune system protects your body by attacking germs, like bacteria and viruses. But in autoimmune diseases, your immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake.

The symptoms of autoimmune diseases can vary widely. They depend on the disease and the body part affected. They can include pain, fatigue, rashes, fever and swelling. Some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can affect many parts of the body including joints, muscles, eyes and organs like the heart and lungs.

Other conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, can cause numbness and tingling in your arms and legs. This is because your immune system attacks the myelin sheath, which helps transmit signals to and from your brain and spinal cord.

Many autoimmune diseases are more common in certain family members, suggesting that they have a genetic component. Some diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis may also be linked to certain infections like bacterial or viral infections or medications such as steroids.

Diagnosis

Your immune system protects you from disease by attacking germs (like viruses and bacteria) that get into your body. But in autoimmune diseases, your immune system attacks healthy cells in your own body that aren’t harmful. Experts don’t know why your immune system turns on you.

Autoimmune diseases are diagnosed by talking to a healthcare provider about your symptoms and health history, doing a physical exam and running certain blood tests. These can show if you have antibodies that attack your own tissues, or if you have inflammation in your organs or tissues. Other tests may help find the cause of your symptoms, like X-rays, ultrasounds or an MRI.

Many autoimmune diseases affect the joints, muscles and other tissues. If your autoimmune disease is organ-specific, you’ll often see an endocrinologist, gastroenterologist or rheumatologist for treatment. If it’s systemic, you’ll be treated by a rheumatologist and/or a clinical immunology/allergy specialist. Some autoimmune diseases are more common in certain ages and races, and some run in families. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women and multiple sclerosis is more common in African Americans.

Treatment

The symptoms of autoimmune diseases can vary widely. They can range from a minor rash to life-threatening illness. Symptoms of some autoimmune disorders can be controlled with medicine. The goal of treatment is to control the immune system’s overactive response, which leads to swelling, redness and pain.

Your doctor may start you on a course of drugs to suppress the immune system, called immunosuppressive drugs. They include corticosteroids such as prednisone, and other drugs that focus on slowing down the immune system and may have serious side effects.

Other medications, such as antimalarial drugs or azathioprine, can also be used to reduce inflammation. In some cases, doctors try immunosuppressive drugs that target specific proteins or cells in the immune system. These can be used in place of the general drugs with fewer side effects. Experimental treatments can be tried as well, although these carry risks. Ask your practitioner about clinical trials. They may be able to help you find one that’s right for you.

Living with an Autoimmune Disease

Many autoimmune diseases start with general symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain or a low-grade fever. Other symptoms may include rashes, swelling or difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can affect any organ or system of the body.

Doctors do not know why your immune system starts attacking your own body. But experts do know that genes and certain factors — including pregnancy, exposure to sunlight and medications such as steroids – increase your chances of developing an autoimmune disease.

More reading at anna ,signature ,jack’s specials ,michael joyce

People living with an autoimmune disease can learn to manage their illness. They should keep track of their symptoms and share them with their doctor. If their symptoms get worse or they feel depressed, they should seek help. They should also talk to their family and friends so that they can understand if they need to cancel plans or need more time to rest. With early diagnosis and treatment, autoimmune diseases can be managed and patients can lead full lives.