Autoimmune Disease Means The Body Is Self-Attacking

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body. In fact, the body's immune system should be a stronghold for the body to fight disease and foreign cells, such as bacteria and viruses. This immune disorder can affect many parts of a person's body. So many, there were 80 types of autoimmune diseases with some of the same symptoms. This makes it difficult for someone to know whether or not they suffer from this disorder, and which type. Meanwhile, the cause of autoimmune disease is still uncertain.

The most frequently encountered autoimmune disease

Of the many types of autoimmune diseases, some of the autoimmune diseases below are frequently encountered, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that is often encountered. The immune system produces antibodies that attack the joint lining. As a result of these antibody attacks are inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joints. Severe inflammatory reactions can also cause damage to other parts of the body, such as the skin, eyes, and lungs. If left untreated, this disease will cause permanent damage to the joints. To prevent it from getting worse, rheumatoid arthritis sufferers will usually be given oral medication or injections that work to reduce the activity of the immune system.

• Lupus

Other autoimmune diseases that we often hear are systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or what we usually call lupus. This disease causes the formation of antibodies which actually attack almost all the tissues of the sufferer's body. Some of the most frequently attacked parts of the body are the joints, lungs, kidneys, skin, connective tissue, blood vessels, bone marrow, and nerve tissue. Lupus, which attacks the bone marrow, can cause aplastic anemia. Until now there has been no drug that can cure lupus. Lupus treatment generally aims to suppress the immune system, thereby reducing inflammation and preventing further organ damage.

• Type 1 diabetes

This disease will usually be diagnosed from childhood or young adulthood. Type 1 diabetes is caused by an immune system attack on pancreatic cells that have the task of producing insulin. This causes disruption of insulin production so the body is unable to control blood sugar levels. If this is not stopped, then the risk of causing damage to various organs, such as kidneys, eyes, brain, heart, or blood vessels. For treatment, type-1 diabetics will be given insulin injections. In addition, patients are also required to monitor blood sugar levels, adopt a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

When a person's immune system attacks the nerve cells themselves, some terrible symptoms risk appearing as a result. This condition is commonly called multiple sclerosis, aka MS. Some of the symptoms that can arise are pain, blindness, impaired body coordination, and muscle spasms. Other symptoms that may arise are tremors, numbness in the leg area, paralysis, difficulty speaking, or difficulty walking. To treat it, certain medicines can be used to suppress the immune system. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy can be done to help MS patients in their daily activities.

• Graves' disease

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that causes the thyroid gland to become overactive. People who suffer from this disease are likely to experience a variety of symptoms that can interfere with their daily activities. Difficulty sleeping, easily ignited emotions, weight loss without cause, and bulging eyes are some of the symptoms. Other symptoms that may arise are too sensitive to heat, weak muscles, tremors (shaking hands), and menstrual disorders. To treat Graves' disease, sufferers may be given iodine radioactive pills. This pill is used to kill overactive thyroid gland cells. Patients can also be given anti-thyroid medications, hypertension drugs, beta blockers, and corticosteroids. Some cases of Graves' disease need to be treated with surgical procedures.

• Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an overactive condition of the immune system that causes the skin to experience chronic conditions. This condition is caused by one of the blood cells in the immune system that is too active, namely T-cells. The collection of T-cells in the skin stimulates the skin to grow faster than it should. Symptoms of psoriasis are patches on the scaly skin and peeling skin that leaves a glossy white coating. To handle this, the doctor will prescribe immune system suppressants, such as corticosteroids, as well as light therapy.

Some Risk Factors Affected by Autoimmune Disease

So far the cause of autoimmune diseases is still unknown. However, there are several factors that cause a person more at risk of suffering from autoimmune diseases, namely:

• Genetic or hereditary

The main risk factor for autoimmune diseases is genetic factors. However, this factor is not the only thing that can trigger an immune response.

• Environment

Environmental factors are important in the emergence of autoimmune diseases. Environmental factors include exposure to certain substances such as asbestos, mercury, silver and gold, and unhealthy eating patterns.

• Hormonal changes

Some autoimmune diseases often attack women after childbirth. This results in an assumption that autoimmune diseases are associated with hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause.

• Infection

Some autoimmune diseases are often associated with infections. This is reasonable because some symptoms of autoimmune disease are exacerbated by certain infections.

Although the autoimmune disease is still unknown, we can be aware of the various risk factors above. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of the above diseases. The more quickly it is known, the more likely it is to be able to prevent complications from autoimmune diseases.