An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, believing them to be foreign invaders. This abnormal immune response can lead to deterioration and sometimes permanent damage to body tissues and organs. There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, impacting various parts of the body. Some well-known autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system targets the joints, and type 1 diabetes, which involves the immune system attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
The exact cause of autoimmune diseases is not fully understood, but these conditions are believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Individuals may inherit a predisposition to develop an autoimmune condition, but an external trigger, such as an infection, stress, or exposure to certain chemicals, might be necessary to actually initiate the disease process. Researchers are particularly interested in the role of the microbiome—the vast community of microbes living in and on our bodies—and its influence on autoimmune disease development.
Diagnosing autoimmune diseases can be a complex process due to the variety of symptoms that can appear gradually and vary widely among individuals. Common symptoms include fatigue, fever, and general malaise, which can be easily confused with other health issues. More specific symptoms depend on the type of autoimmune disease; for instance, Sjögren's_syndrome primarily causes dry eyes and mouth, while lupus can affect the skin, joints, and organs. Medical professionals may use a combination of symptom assessments, blood tests for autoantibodies, and imaging studies to diagnose these conditions.
Treatment for autoimmune diseases generally focuses on reducing immune system activity to lessen the severity of symptoms. This may involve the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, immune-suppressants, and biological agents that specifically target parts of the immune response. Advances in biotechnology have led to the development of biologics, which are drugs genetically engineered from living organisms. These treatments can be more effective and have fewer side effects than traditional therapies. Despite these advances, there is currently no cure for autoimmune diseases, and treatment primarily aims to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.