Autoimmune Disease

What is an autoimmune disease?

An autoimmune disease is one that's triggered by a malfunction in your immune system. There are about 80 autoimmune diseases affecting systems all around your body, including your skin, eyes, internal organs, glands, muscles, and joints.

Without the protection of your immune system, invading microorganisms like viruses, molds, fungi, and bacteria could overwhelm your tissues. To prevent this, your immune system identifies anything that shouldn't be in your body and produces antibodies to destroy them.

Autoimmune disease happens when your immune system makes a mistake and targets natural, healthy cells in your body as though they’re a threat.

What are the types of autoimmune disease?

The most widespread types of autoimmune disease include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Ankylosing spondylitis

Many patients who have one type of autoimmune disease also have others.

What symptoms do autoimmune diseases cause?

Symptoms vary depending on the system that’s under attack. However, symptoms common to most autoimmune diseases include general malaise (feeling unwell) and a lack of energy.

Pain is a common feature of many autoimmune diseases, such as the joint pain of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. You might also have repeated fevers, skin rashes, problems sleeping, and digestive upsets.

Inflammatory eye disorders are also an issue in several common autoimmune diseases, while some patients have autoimmune eye disease without an underlying condition. The Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center team often helps manage treatment alongside your ophthalmologist.

How is an autoimmune disease treated?

The treatment you require for your autoimmune disease varies according to the type of disorder you have. 

One of the options the Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center team finds most effective is carefully tailored medication. This typically consists of drugs that reduce inflammation, such as corticosteroids. You might also benefit from infusion therapy to deliver your medication.

Controlling the underlying inflammatory disease process is one of the keys to managing your condition successfully. If you need help with an autoimmune disorder or are looking for a diagnosis, call Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center today.