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.
Up to 80 autoimmune conditions have been identified. Close to 50 million of Americans are suffering from one form of the condition or the other. For unknown reasons, most of these conditions are more prevalent in women than men. Diagnosing the specific type often takes time due to the fact that they tend to have the same symptomatic pattern. At the same time, some patients may 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.
Another commonly encountered condition is rheumatoid arthritis. The antibodies that are produced here target and destroy the inner lining of small joints of the toes and fingers. The result is chronic inflammation that is associated with swelling and pain. If intervention does not take place early, the joints may be damaged permanently and function impaired. Management is mainly through the use of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant drugs.
Inflammatory bowel disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the intestines. There are two types: ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. The latter is the more aggressive type. The underlying problem with this condition is the presence of antibodies that are directed against the mucosal lining of the intestines. Patients will typically complain of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Management is by use of steroids and other immune suppressants.
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 many other types of conditions that affect various systems. The skin, for example, is involved in vitiligo, scleroderma and psoriasis. Multiple systems are involved in systemic lupus erythematosus while the blood is affected in pernicious anemia. In all cases, the principle of treatment is to suppress the immune system. Analgesic agents are also frequently prescribed to relieve the pain.
Up to 80 autoimmune conditions have been identified. Close to 50 million of Americans are suffering from one form of the condition or the other. For unknown reasons, most of these conditions are more prevalent in women than men. Diagnosing the specific type often takes time due to the fact that they tend to have the same symptomatic pattern. At the same time, some patients may 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.
Another commonly encountered condition is rheumatoid arthritis. The antibodies that are produced here target and destroy the inner lining of small joints of the toes and fingers. The result is chronic inflammation that is associated with swelling and pain. If intervention does not take place early, the joints may be damaged permanently and function impaired. Management is mainly through the use of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant drugs.
Inflammatory bowel disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the intestines. There are two types: ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. The latter is the more aggressive type. The underlying problem with this condition is the presence of antibodies that are directed against the mucosal lining of the intestines. Patients will typically complain of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Management is by use of steroids and other immune suppressants.
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 many other types of conditions that affect various systems. The skin, for example, is involved in vitiligo, scleroderma and psoriasis. Multiple systems are involved in systemic lupus erythematosus while the blood is affected in pernicious anemia. In all cases, the principle of treatment is to suppress the immune system. Analgesic agents are also frequently prescribed to relieve the pain.
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