Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are a broad group of disorders that occur when the body's immune system attacks its healthy cells, tissues, and organs. There are more than 80 known autoimmune diseases, and they can affect nearly every part of the body. Some common autoimmune diseases include:
Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints.
Lupus: An autoimmune disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.
Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune disorder that destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Multiple sclerosis: A chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, causing problems with vision, balance, and coordination.
Celiac disease: An autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the small intestine in response to gluten.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder characterized by thick, red, and scaly skin patches.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): A group of conditions that cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
The exact causes of autoimmune diseases are poorly understood, but genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role. There is no cure for autoimmune diseases, but treatments can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment may include medications to suppress the immune system, anti-inflammatory drugs, or hormone replacement therapy. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise may also be recommended.