Autoimmune Disorders – When Your Body Attacks You

Examples Of Autoimmune Disorders

1. Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus or SLE) affects nine times as many women as men.

Symptoms vary from person to person, and may come and go. The condition may affect one organ or body system at first. Others may become involved later. Almost all people with lupus have joint pain and most develop arthritis. Patients can suffer from fever, weight and hair loss, mouth and nose sores, and fatigue. Many develop a classic ‘butterfly’ rash on the nose and cheeks.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

This affects around three times more women than men, causing inflammation of the joints, surrounding tissues and sometimes other organs. The disease usually begins gradually, with fatigue, stiffness in the morning, widespread muscle aches, loss of appetite and weakness. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects joints on both sides of the body equally.

3. Graves’ Disease

Graves’ Disease targets women seven times as often as men. Patients produce an excessive amount of thyroid hormone. Two characteristic symptoms are the protruding of one or both eyeballs, and swelling, usually in the lower limbs, making the skin resemble that of an orange. Other symptoms include weight loss, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.

4. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis usually appears between the ages of 20 and 40, and is twice as likely to occur in women. It is a disease of the central nervous system.

Nerves are covered and protected by a fatty layer called myelin. In Multiple Sclerosis, this myelin layer is gradually destroyed. Some scientists feel this disease might not be autoimmune in nature.

Multiple Sclerosis can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in sensation, muscle weakness, and difficulties with coordination and speech. In severe cases, Multiple Sclerosis can cause impaired mobility and disability.

5. Type 1 Diabetes

It may be a surprise to some people that this type of diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease, but it’s true!

The belief is that the body’s own immune system attacks certain cells in the pancreas, which is the organ that makes insulin, a hormone that helps the body convert sugar into energy. This attack may be triggered by various things, such as a viral infection or certain chemicals.