Autoimmune Diseases and Allergy

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues. Autoimmune diseases cause inflammation and damage to organs and systems. Understanding autoimmune disease symptoms and types helps in developing effective treatments and therapies to manage them. In this article, we will cover autoimmune diseases in detail.

The immune system protects from disease and infection by attacking germs that get into body such as viruses and bacteria. Immune system can tell that the germs aren’t part of you, so it destroys them. If you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system attacks the healthy cells of your organs and tissues by mistake.

There are over 80 different types of autoimmune disease each capable of affecting nearly any part of the body. For instance, alopecia areata targets the skin, resulting in hair loss. Autoimmune hepatitis impacts the liver, while type 1 diabetes involve the immune system attacking the pancreas. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, can affect multiple body areas, including the joints, lungs and eyes as the immune system mistakenly attacks these tissues.

Also Read: Immune system

Autoimmune disease happens when the body’s defense system mistakenly attacks its own body tissues. While the precise cause remains unclear, there are many factors which are thought to be causes of autoimmune diseases.

• Genetic Factors: Certain genes can increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
• Environmental Triggers: Exposure to environmental factors such as infections, pollutants, and toxins can trigger autoimmune responses in susceptible individuals.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly in women, may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases.
• Dysregulated Immune System: Dysfunction in the immune system’s regulation and response mechanisms can lead to self-reactivity, where the body attacks its own tissues.
• Stress: Psychological and physical stressors can worsen autoimmune disease symptoms and contribute to disease onset or flare-ups.
• Dietary Factors: Some dietary components, such as gluten and certain food additives, have been implicated in triggering or worsening autoimmune diseases.

Nevertheless, the tiggers and mechanisms of each autoimmune conditions vary, presenting a multifaceted field of investigation.

Symptoms of autoimmune disease can differ greatly based on the particular conditions and the area of the body affected. Nonetheless, several typical symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Muscle discomfort
• Fever
• weight change
• Digestive problems
• Skin rashes
• Numbness in the hands and feet
• Hair loss
• Memory issue
• Swelling and pain in joints

Diagnosing autoimmune disease can be challenging for doctors. Often, there is not a single test that can definitively confirms a specific autoimmune disease, and the symptoms can be complex and overlapping. Many autoimmune conditions share similar symptoms, adding to the difficulty. Additionally, some symptoms, like muscle aches, are common in various other health conditions, further complicating diagnosis. Consequently, obtaining a diagnosis may require multiple visits to different specialists and thorough evaluation over time.

Blood Test

Doctors suggest various blood tests to investigate symptoms reported by patients. One frequently used test, called an auto-antibody screen which aims to detect antibodies that target the body’s own tissue. Although the presence of auto-antibodies doesn’t conclusively diagnose an autoimmune disease. It serves as an initial step in the diagnostic process.

Additionally, doctors may order other blood tests such as:

• Complete blood count
• Comprehensive metabolic panel
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Antinuclear antibody test (ANA)
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Urinalysis

These tests help doctors assess various aspects of the body’s function and immune response , helping in the diagnostic evaluation of autoimmune disease.

Imaging

Your doctor can use these tests to look for visible signs of an autoimmune disease. For instance, ultrasound and x-rays can reveal joint issues and MRIs can show damage deep in your body.

While there are no cure for autoimmune disease, symptoms can be effectively managed. Treatment plans must be tailored to each individual’s symptoms, genetics and environmental factors. Examples of medications commonly used to manage autoimmune diseases include:

• anti-inflammatory drugs
• sleep aids
• Corticosteroids
• Medication for depression and anxiety
• Immunosuppressant drugs
• Creams and oral medications for skin rashes
• Pain relievers
• Plasma exchange

Additionally, some people explore alternative therapies, such as: herbal remedies, Acupuncture, hypnosis, chiropractic treatments.

Allergies occur when your body reacts to foreign proteins, known as allergens. While these proteins are typically harmless, if you’re allergic to a specific protein, your immune system can overreact when it encounters it, leading to allergic symptoms.

What is an Allergic Reaction?

An allergic reaction occurs when your body responds to an allergen. When you encounter an allergen for the first time, your immune system produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies then bind to mast cells, which are found in your skin, airways and gastrointestinal tract. When the allergens enter your body, they attach to these IgE antibodies on the mast cells, triggering the release of histamine. Histamine is responsible for causing allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing and swelling.

The major difference between autoimmune diseases and allergy are:

In conclusion, autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s defense system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to a range of symptoms that can affect various parts of the body. Factors such as genetics, environmental triggers, hormonal imbalance, and stress may contribute to the development of these conditions. Diagnosis can be complex and may require multiple tests and consultations with specialists. While there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, symptoms can be managed through various medications and therapies tailored to each individual’s needs. It’s essential for individuals with autoimmune diseases to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop effective treatment plans and improve their quality of life.

Also Read:

• NCERT Notes on Class 12 Biology Chapter 7 – Human Health and Disease
• Difference Between Antigen and Pathogen
• Digestive Disorders
• Immunology
• Agglutinin

What is an Autoimmune Disease?

Autoimmune disease happens when the body’s defense system mistakenly attacks its own body tissues.

What are the Two Most Common Autoimmune Disease?

Rheumatoid arthritis and Type 1 diabetes

Can Autoimmune Disease can go on their Own?

There are cases where autoimmune disease have disappeared but many of them are chronic.

What is an Allergy?

Allergies occur when your body reacts to foreign proteins, known as allergens.

Are Autoimmune Diseases Genetic?

Yes. Some disease run in the family.