Important Information On Auto Immune Disorders Charlotte Patients Need To Know
The immune system is an integral part of our protective mechanism. It is involved in every part of fighting off diseases in our bodies. This is done through recruitment of cells and antibodies that are designed to specifically target and destroy the specific offending organism. In some cases, the activation may occur due to the presence of some molecules in our own cells leading to autoimmune diseases. If diagnosed with auto immune disorders Charlotte residents need to know a number of things.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune conditions that have been identified to date. It is estimated that close to 50 million Americans are affected. For reasons that are not yet clear, these types of conditions are more common in women than men. The various types have similar symptoms which makes them quite difficult to diagnose. In addition, it is not uncommon for someone to have more than one type.
One of the most widely studied conditions is diabetes mellitus type 1. This metabolic disorder is the result of absolute insulin deficiency. Autoantibodies attack the insulin-producing cells found in the pancreases and impair production of the hormone. It is believed that the formation of these autoantibodies is due to a number of factors including infection by a virus. Persons with the condition need insulin therapy for their entire life to keep blood sugar levels normal.
Another commonly encountered condition is rheumatoid arthritis. The antibodies that are produced here target and destroy the inner lining of small joints of the toes and fingers. The result is chronic inflammation that is associated with swelling and pain. If intervention does not take place early, the joints may be damaged permanently and function impaired. Management is mainly through the use of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant drugs.
Inflammatory bowel disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the intestines. There are two types: ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. The latter is the more aggressive type. The underlying problem with this condition is the presence of antibodies that are directed against the mucosal lining of the intestines. Patients will typically complain of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Management is by use of steroids and other immune suppressants.
One of the systems that is adversely affected is the nervous system. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which autoantibodies attack nerve fibers leading to loss of myelin, a protective sheath. The symptoms include incoordination, muscle spasms, visual impairment, weakness and generalized pain among others. Myasthenia gravis is caused by the presence of autoantibodies that affect the interaction between nerve fibers and muscles. Treatment is by a drug known as pyridostigmine. Gullain Barre Syndrome is another example.
The thyroid gland is usually affected by Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis which tend to have opposite effects. Graves disease is associated with hyperthyroidism due to increased stimulation of the thyroid gland. In Hashimotos, on the other hand, hypothyroidism is the main characteristic and is due to destruction of active glandular cells.
There are numerous other types that affect varied body systems. In the case of the skin, for instance, the common conditions include psoriasis, scleroderma and vitiligo may be seen. Systemic lupus erythematotus affects multiple systems and pernicious anemia affects the blood. Treatment in all instances is geared towards suppressing the immune system.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune conditions that have been identified to date. It is estimated that close to 50 million Americans are affected. For reasons that are not yet clear, these types of conditions are more common in women than men. The various types have similar symptoms which makes them quite difficult to diagnose. In addition, it is not uncommon for someone to have more than one type.
One of the most widely studied conditions is diabetes mellitus type 1. This metabolic disorder is the result of absolute insulin deficiency. Autoantibodies attack the insulin-producing cells found in the pancreases and impair production of the hormone. It is believed that the formation of these autoantibodies is due to a number of factors including infection by a virus. Persons with the condition need insulin therapy for their entire life to keep blood sugar levels normal.
Another commonly encountered condition is rheumatoid arthritis. The antibodies that are produced here target and destroy the inner lining of small joints of the toes and fingers. The result is chronic inflammation that is associated with swelling and pain. If intervention does not take place early, the joints may be damaged permanently and function impaired. Management is mainly through the use of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant drugs.
Inflammatory bowel disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the intestines. There are two types: ulcerative colitis and Chrons disease. The latter is the more aggressive type. The underlying problem with this condition is the presence of antibodies that are directed against the mucosal lining of the intestines. Patients will typically complain of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Management is by use of steroids and other immune suppressants.
One of the systems that is adversely affected is the nervous system. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which autoantibodies attack nerve fibers leading to loss of myelin, a protective sheath. The symptoms include incoordination, muscle spasms, visual impairment, weakness and generalized pain among others. Myasthenia gravis is caused by the presence of autoantibodies that affect the interaction between nerve fibers and muscles. Treatment is by a drug known as pyridostigmine. Gullain Barre Syndrome is another example.
The thyroid gland is usually affected by Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis which tend to have opposite effects. Graves disease is associated with hyperthyroidism due to increased stimulation of the thyroid gland. In Hashimotos, on the other hand, hypothyroidism is the main characteristic and is due to destruction of active glandular cells.
There are numerous other types that affect varied body systems. In the case of the skin, for instance, the common conditions include psoriasis, scleroderma and vitiligo may be seen. Systemic lupus erythematotus affects multiple systems and pernicious anemia affects the blood. Treatment in all instances is geared towards suppressing the immune system.
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