Top 5 Autoimmune Disorders That Can Affect Anyone
Explore the top five autoimmune diseases affecting millions worldwide. Learn about symptoms, risk factors, and treatments for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and more. This informative guide helps in understanding these complex disorders and encourages timely medical consultation for effective management.
Top 5 Autoimmune Disorders That Can Affect Anyone
Our environment contains numerous elements that can promote health or cause disturbances. When harmful agents invade our body, our immune system acts as a defense barrier to prevent infections. A strong immune system keeps diseases at bay. However, sometimes the immune system malfunctions, leading to autoimmune conditions where it attacks healthy tissues instead of pathogens.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune response targets the body's own cells instead of harmful microbes.
Rheumatoid Arthritis- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune condition characterized by severe joint pain and swelling. The immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation. Women over 40 are especially vulnerable. The focus of treatment is to minimize joint damage and prevent bone erosion.
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)- Lupus is a complex autoimmune disorder with symptoms resembling other illnesses, making it tricky to diagnose. It involves abnormal antibody production that targets tissues throughout the body, causing inflammation in joints, lungs, kidneys, nerves, and blood. A distinctive butterfly-shaped rash often appears on the face.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis- While RA commonly affects individuals over 40, children up to age 16 can develop juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It results in severe joint pain and can persist into adulthood if untreated.
Psoriasis- Psoriasis is a skin autoimmune condition caused by an overactive immune response. Excessive T-cell activity accelerates skin cell production, resulting in thick, scaly, silvery patches on the skin.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis)- This autoimmune disorder targets the intestinal lining, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever, and weight loss. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two main types of inflammatory bowel disease.
