Disorders that result from malfunctioning of the body’s immune system, which mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues or organs, regarding then as foreign invaders. Among the autoimmune disorders that are commonly found among young people are rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus (Type 1), systemic lupus erythematosus, a disorder of the thyroid gland (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), a disorder of the adrenal glands (Addison’s disease), and pernicious anemia. Problems with autoimmunity are also involved in some kinds of allergy.
Conditions in which the immune response is directed toward the self.
Disorders that occur as a result of a mistaken immune response to the body’s own tissues. Autoimmune disorders develop when a hypersensitivity reaction causes the immune system to respond inappropriately, excessively, or inadequately. Normally, the immune system defends the body against potentially harmful agents, called antigens, including microorganisms such as bacteria that can cause illness, in addition to toxins, cancer cells, blood, and transplanted tissue donated by another person. The introduction of these agents into the body causes the immune system to attack the foreign substances.
A collection of conditions in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, identifying them as foreign substances. Genetic factors may play a part in this abnormal function, but the causes are not clear. The disorder may affect one organ (organ-specific) or type of cell, or several (non-organ-specific). Among the autoimmune disorders are addison’s disease; autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and pernicious anaemia.
Which the body produces antibodies that attack its own cells and try to destroy them.
A condition characterized by the misidentification of the body’s own tissues as foreign entities by the antibodies within the immune system, resulting in an attack and subsequent harm to the affected tissues.
Autoimmune disorders encompass a range of conditions triggered by the immune system’s response against the body’s own cells and tissues. These disease-causing processes, known as hypersensitivity reactions, bear resemblance to allergic reactions, with the distinction that in autoimmune disorders, the hypersensitivity response targets the body itself rather than an external substance.
In the immune system, the ability to differentiate between “self” and “non-self” is a crucial function. Certain white blood cells called lymphocytes have the potential to react against the body’s own cells, but they are generally kept in check. Autoimmune disorders arise when there is a disruption in the normal regulatory process, allowing these lymphocytes to evade suppression. Alternatively, an autoimmune disorder can occur when there are changes in a specific body tissue, causing it to no longer be recognized as “self” and leading to an attack on that tissue.
While the exact cause of autoimmune disorders remains largely unknown, it is believed that bacteria, viruses, and certain drugs can potentially contribute to the initiation of such disorders in individuals who already have a genetic predisposition. However, in the majority of cases, the specific trigger that sets off an autoimmune response remains unidentified.
Autoimmune processes can manifest in diverse outcomes, including the destruction of specific cells or tissues, excessive stimulation leading to organ overgrowth, or disruption of normal organ function. The effects can vary depending on the specific autoimmune disorder and the targeted organs or tissues involved.
Autoimmune disorders are categorized into two main types: organ-specific and non-organ-specific. Organ-specific disorders involve an autoimmune response primarily targeting a specific organ. Examples of such disorders include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis affecting the thyroid gland, pernicious anemia affecting the stomach, Addison’s disease affecting the adrenal glands, and type 1 diabetes mellitus affecting the pancreas.
Non-organ-specific disorders involve autoimmune activity directed towards a widespread tissue, such as connective tissue, present throughout the body. Systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis are examples of non-organ-specific disorders where the autoimmune response affects the connective tissue.
The primary approach in treating autoimmune disorders is to alleviate the symptoms and minimize the impact of the disease. This often involves interventions such as hormone replacement, for instance, administering insulin to compensate for its insufficient production in the case of certain disorders. The goal is to address the specific deficiencies or imbalances caused by the autoimmune response.
When an autoimmune disorder is causing widespread effects, treatment aims to reduce the activity of the immune system while preserving its ability to combat diseases. Corticosteroid drugs are commonly employed for this purpose and may be supplemented with other immunosuppressant medications. This combined approach helps to manage the autoimmune response and its impact on the body while maintaining overall immune function.