Auto-immune disease
Auto-immune disease
Auto-immune disease (pronunciation: /ˈɔːtoʊ ɪˈmjuːn dɪˈziːz/) is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells, tissues, and organs.
Etymology
The term "auto-immune disease" is derived from the Greek words "autos" meaning self, and "immunis" meaning exempt, referring to the body's immune system's failure to recognize its own cells and consequently attacking them.
Types of Auto-immune diseases
There are more than 80 types of auto-immune diseases. Some of the most common ones include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Type 1 diabetes
- Psoriasis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Symptoms
Symptoms of auto-immune diseases can vary widely, and they can affect any part of the body. They often include:
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Swelling and redness
- Low-grade fever
- Trouble concentrating
- Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- Hair loss
- Skin rashes
Causes
The exact cause of auto-immune diseases is unknown. However, it is believed that a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors may contribute to the development of these diseases.
Treatment
Treatment for auto-immune diseases generally focuses on reducing immune system activity. This can be achieved through the use of medications such as immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Auto-immune disease
- Wikipedia's article - Auto-immune disease
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