The immune system is an integral part of our protective mechanism. It is involved in every part of fighting off diseases in our bodies. This is done through recruitment of cells and antibodies that are designed to specifically target and destroy the specific offending organism. In some cases, the activation may occur due to the presence of some molecules in our own cells leading to autoimmune diseases. If diagnosed with auto immune disorders Charlotte residents need to know a number of things.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune conditions that have been identified to date. It is estimated that close to 50 million Americans are affected. For reasons that are not yet clear, these types of conditions are more common in women than men. The various types have similar symptoms which makes them quite difficult to diagnose. In addition, it is not uncommon for someone to have more than one type.
Type 1 diabetes is perhaps the most well-known type. In this condition the immune system is activated and produces autoantibodies that are directed at the active cells of the pancreas. These cells produce an important regulatory hormone known as insulin. When the cells are destroyed, insulin will not be produced and the affected individual starts suffering from sustained episodes of high blood glucose levels that has to be controlled by injectable insulin for their entire life.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another fairly common condition. The autoantibodies that are produced in this case attack the inner lining of joints resulting into chronic inflammation, pain and swelling. The condition mainly affects the small joints such as those of fingers and toes. In the absence of prompt intervention, progressive permanent joint damage with accompanying impairment of function occurs. Immune suppressants (both oral and injectable) are the main mode of management.
Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition that affects the intestinal lining. Two broad subtypes exist: Chrons disease and ulcerative colitis. The cause of both subtypes is the presence of autoantibodies that affect various layers of the intestines. Affected persons tend to complain of diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, frequent spikes of fever, and weight loss among other complaints. Immune suppressing drugs such as steroids are often used to suppress these symptoms.
One of the systems that is adversely affected is the nervous system. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which autoantibodies attack nerve fibers leading to loss of myelin, a protective sheath. The symptoms include incoordination, muscle spasms, visual impairment, weakness and generalized pain among others. Myasthenia gravis is caused by the presence of autoantibodies that affect the interaction between nerve fibers and muscles. Treatment is by a drug known as pyridostigmine. Gullain Barre Syndrome is another example.
The thyroid gland is usually affected by Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis which tend to have opposite effects. Graves disease is associated with hyperthyroidism due to increased stimulation of the thyroid gland. In Hashimotos, on the other hand, hypothyroidism is the main characteristic and is due to destruction of active glandular cells.
There are numerous other types that affect varied body systems. In the case of the skin, for instance, the common conditions include psoriasis, scleroderma and vitiligo may be seen. Systemic lupus erythematotus affects multiple systems and pernicious anemia affects the blood. Treatment in all instances is geared towards suppressing the immune system.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune conditions that have been identified to date. It is estimated that close to 50 million Americans are affected. For reasons that are not yet clear, these types of conditions are more common in women than men. The various types have similar symptoms which makes them quite difficult to diagnose. In addition, it is not uncommon for someone to have more than one type.
Type 1 diabetes is perhaps the most well-known type. In this condition the immune system is activated and produces autoantibodies that are directed at the active cells of the pancreas. These cells produce an important regulatory hormone known as insulin. When the cells are destroyed, insulin will not be produced and the affected individual starts suffering from sustained episodes of high blood glucose levels that has to be controlled by injectable insulin for their entire life.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another fairly common condition. The autoantibodies that are produced in this case attack the inner lining of joints resulting into chronic inflammation, pain and swelling. The condition mainly affects the small joints such as those of fingers and toes. In the absence of prompt intervention, progressive permanent joint damage with accompanying impairment of function occurs. Immune suppressants (both oral and injectable) are the main mode of management.
Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition that affects the intestinal lining. Two broad subtypes exist: Chrons disease and ulcerative colitis. The cause of both subtypes is the presence of autoantibodies that affect various layers of the intestines. Affected persons tend to complain of diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, frequent spikes of fever, and weight loss among other complaints. Immune suppressing drugs such as steroids are often used to suppress these symptoms.
One of the systems that is adversely affected is the nervous system. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which autoantibodies attack nerve fibers leading to loss of myelin, a protective sheath. The symptoms include incoordination, muscle spasms, visual impairment, weakness and generalized pain among others. Myasthenia gravis is caused by the presence of autoantibodies that affect the interaction between nerve fibers and muscles. Treatment is by a drug known as pyridostigmine. Gullain Barre Syndrome is another example.
The thyroid gland is usually affected by Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis which tend to have opposite effects. Graves disease is associated with hyperthyroidism due to increased stimulation of the thyroid gland. In Hashimotos, on the other hand, hypothyroidism is the main characteristic and is due to destruction of active glandular cells.
There are numerous other types that affect varied body systems. In the case of the skin, for instance, the common conditions include psoriasis, scleroderma and vitiligo may be seen. Systemic lupus erythematotus affects multiple systems and pernicious anemia affects the blood. Treatment in all instances is geared towards suppressing the immune system.
About the Author:
If you are searching for the facts about auto immune disorders Charlotte locals should go to the web pages online here today. Further details can be seen at http://www.holisticdoc.com now.
No comments:
Post a Comment