Information On Auto Immune Diseases

By Virginia Schmidt


Some of the most complicated systems can be found in the human body. Specialization in specific parts of the body helps to make understanding the systems easier. Medical practitioners specialize in specific systems where they study all diseases and medical conditions and disorders related to that part. The immune system is meant to guard the body against foreign harmful organisms and substances. However, sometimes, the immune system attacks body cells, causing what is called auto immune diseases.

The body is usually able to distinguish foreign cells from body cells. When functioning properly it selectively attacks foreign cells while sparing body cells. Joints and the skin are mistaken for foreign cells by the immune system of people with autoimmune diseases. When this happens antibodies are secreted and directed toward the target parts. The result is that healthy cells end up being destroyed in those organs.

Various kinds of autoimmune diseases exist. Some attack specific body parts while others attack the entire body. An example disease of the former is type 1 diabetes which attacks the pancreas while an example of the latter is lupus which attacks the whole body. The main cause of the illnesses is unknown, but they tend to run in families. Infections, diet, and exposure to specific chemical may be a trigger in some cases too.

The susceptibility level of women is also higher compared to men according to research. Women in childbearing age are more affected. Most cases are diagnosed at this stage in life. Some races are also more affected compared to others. Many people still live without developing the conditions even if they run in the family. However, their chances of developing the disease are much higher than normal people.

A diet with high fat and sugar is also thought to be a contributing factor. Eating highly processed foods could also be a causative factor since it is closely linked to inflammation. Scientists have devised several theories to try and explain the root cause of the illnesses. One of the theories is known as hygiene hypothesis.

What the hygiene theory proses is fascinating. It suggests that steps made in the field of medicine which saw introduction of many antiseptic and vaccines could be blamed for these diseases. The theory speculates that preventative techniques currently adopted exposes children to little germs. The little exposure becomes the source of the problem. This is because it raises the sensitivity level of immune system making it attack the body instead of foreign substances.

More than 80 cases of the body launching attacks on itself have been reported so far. These are instances of known autoimmune diseases with each instance being different from the other. The most common diseases that fall under this category of diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriatic arthritis, celiac disease, vasculitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. There is an astounding similarity in the symptoms of the diseases.

Always watch out for muscle aches, swelling, and fatigue because they might be signs of autoimmune illness. Suffering can be avoided if a person is given timely necessary treatment. The illnesses have no cure. All that professionals do is ensuring they are effectively managed or controlled. It is best to prevent than treat. Everyone needs ensure they are on healthy diet and that they exercise regularly.




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