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Diff: Autoimmune Disorders

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	'''Autoimmune disorders''', also called '''autoimmune diseases''', are conditions in which the immune system attacks the body's own cells, tissues, or organs by mistake. The immune system normally protects the body against infection. In autoimmune disease, that response is misdirected and can cause inflammation, pain, organ damage, or long-term changes in how part of the body works.

Autoimmune disorders refer to a group of chronic conditions characterized by an abnormal immune response, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages healthy body tissues. These disorders can affect various organs, tissues, and systems within the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms and complications. Autoimmune disorders are considered chronic and require ongoing management and treatment.
	There is no single autoimmune disorder. The term covers many different conditions, including [[rheumatoid arthritis]], [[systemic lupus erythematosus]], [[type 1 diabetes]], [[multiple sclerosis]], autoimmune thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and [[Coeliac Disease\|coeliac disease]]. Some are mainly organ-specific, while others can affect several systems at once.

== Overview ==
The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. In autoimmune disorders, the immune system fails to recognize "self" from "non-self" and targets the body's own cells, tissues, or organs as if they were foreign invaders. This abnormal immune response can result in inflammation, tissue damage, and dysfunction of the affected organs or systems.
	== Immune System Background ==
	The immune system uses many types of cells and chemical signals to identify threats. It must react strongly enough to control infection while also avoiding attacks on the body's own tissues. This ability to distinguish self from non-self is called immune tolerance.

Autoimmune disorders can be classified into different types, depending on the specific organs or systems affected. Some common autoimmune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and celiac disease.
	Autoimmune disease develops when tolerance breaks down. B cells may produce autoantibodies, T cells may attack tissue directly, and inflammatory signals may keep the process active. The result varies by disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, joints are a major target. In type 1 diabetes, insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are damaged. In coeliac disease, gluten exposure leads to immune damage in the small intestine.

== Causes ==
The exact causes of autoimmune disorders are not fully understood. However, a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors is believed to play a role in their development. Certain genes may predispose individuals to autoimmune disorders, and environmental triggers, such as infections, toxins, or drugs, can potentially initiate or exacerbate the immune response.
	== Causes and Risk Factors ==
	Most autoimmune disorders do not have one simple cause. They usually arise from a combination of inherited risk and environmental triggers. A person may carry genes that increase susceptibility without ever developing disease.

Women are more commonly affected by autoimmune disorders than men, suggesting a hormonal influence on disease susceptibility. Additionally, some autoimmune disorders tend to run in families, indicating a genetic component.
	Factors linked with autoimmune disease include:

	* Family history of autoimmune disease.
	* Sex, as many autoimmune disorders are more common in women.
	* Infection or immune stress in susceptible people.
	* Smoking, which is linked with several inflammatory conditions.
	* Hormonal and environmental influences.
	* Having another autoimmune condition.

	The presence of a risk factor does not mean a person will develop an autoimmune disorder. It only changes the likelihood.

== Symptoms ==	== Symptoms ==
The symptoms of autoimmune disorders vary depending on the specific condition and the organs or systems affected. However, some general symptoms may include:
	Symptoms depend on the condition and the tissue involved. Some autoimmune disorders have obvious local symptoms, while others cause general symptoms that can be hard to separate from other illnesses.

* Fatigue or weakness
* Joint pain and swelling
* Muscle aches or weakness
* Skin rashes or itching
* Digestive issues
* Fever
* Hair loss
* Changes in weight
* Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
	Common features can include:

It is important to note that symptoms can fluctuate and may worsen during disease flares or periods of increased immune activity.
	* Tiredness or low energy.
	* Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling.
	* Muscle pain or weakness.
	* Skin rashes, colour change, scaling, or hair loss.
	* Digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloating, or weight change.
	* Fever, swollen glands, or recurrent inflammation.
	* Numbness, tingling, changes in vision, or balance problems in some neurological conditions.

	Many autoimmune conditions fluctuate. Periods of worsening symptoms are often called flares. Periods where symptoms improve or settle may be called remission.

== Diagnosis ==	== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosing autoimmune disorders can be challenging due to the wide range of symptoms and the similarity of symptoms to other conditions. Healthcare professionals typically perform a combination of medical evaluations, including:
	Diagnosis depends on the suspected condition. There is no universal blood test that proves every autoimmune disease. Doctors usually combine history, examination, blood tests, imaging, and sometimes tissue biopsy.

# Medical History: A thorough review of the patient's medical history, including symptoms, family history of autoimmune disorders, and environmental factors.
# Physical Examination: A comprehensive physical examination to assess symptoms, signs of inflammation, and organ involvement.
# Blood Tests: Blood tests to measure specific antibodies or markers associated with autoimmune disorders. These tests can help identify the presence of autoantibodies or abnormal immune activity.
# Imaging or Biopsy: In some cases, imaging studies or tissue biopsies may be necessary to assess organ damage or inflammation.
	Common investigations include:

The diagnosis of autoimmune disorders often requires the collaboration of different specialists, such as rheumatologists, dermatologists, endocrinologists, or neurologists.
	* Full blood count, kidney tests, liver tests, inflammatory markers, and urine tests.
	* Autoantibody tests, such as antinuclear antibody or disease-specific antibody tests.
	* Hormone or organ-function tests when the thyroid, pancreas, liver, kidneys, or other organs may be involved.
	* Imaging, such as X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, or CT, where inflammation or organ damage needs to be assessed.
	* Biopsy, where tissue diagnosis is needed.

== Treatment and Management ==
The management of autoimmune disorders focuses on controlling symptoms, preventing complications, and suppressing the abnormal immune response. Treatment options may include:
	Specialists may include rheumatologists, dermatologists, endocrinologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, nephrologists, ophthalmologists, or haematologists, depending on the affected system.

* Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be prescribed to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
* Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, stress management techniques, and a balanced diet, can support overall well-being and help manage symptoms.
* Supportive Therapies: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other supportive therapies may be recommended to improve mobility, manage pain, or address specific complications.
* Patient Education and Support: Understanding the condition, its triggers, and available resources can empower individuals with autoimmune disorders to actively participate in their own care. Support groups or counselling can provide emotional support and valuable information.
	== Treatment ==
	Treatment is specific to the disease and its severity. The aim is usually to control inflammation, protect organs, reduce symptoms, and prevent avoidable complications.

It is important for individuals with autoimmune disorders to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan and regularly monitor disease activity.
	Treatment may include:

	* Anti-inflammatory medicines for pain and swelling.
	* Corticosteroids for short-term control of inflammation or acute flares.
	* Disease-modifying medicines that reduce immune activity over time.
	* Biological medicines that target specific immune signals or immune cells.
	* Hormone replacement, such as insulin in type 1 diabetes or thyroid hormone in some autoimmune thyroid disease.
	* Diet changes where they are central to the disease, such as a gluten-free diet in coeliac disease.
	* Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, eye care, skin care, mental health support, or specialist monitoring.

	Some autoimmune disorders are mild and controlled with limited treatment. Others need long-term medicine and close follow-up because active disease or treatment side effects can be serious.

	== Flares and Long-Term Management ==
	Long-term management often means tracking symptoms, monitoring blood tests, adjusting medicines, and recognising patterns that precede a flare. Vaccination planning, infection risk, bone health, pregnancy planning, and mental health can also be part of care.

	People taking immune-suppressing medicines may need extra monitoring. This can include blood counts, liver or kidney tests, infection screening, and advice about vaccines or pregnancy, depending on the medicine.

== Complications ==	== Complications ==
Autoimmune disorders can lead to various complications depending on the specific condition and affected organs. These complications may include:
	Complications vary widely. They may come from the disease itself, from repeated inflammation, from organ damage, or from the medicines used to control the immune system.

* Organ damage or dysfunction
* Increased susceptibility to infections
* Development of secondary autoimmune disorders
* Impact on fertility or pregnancy
* Mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety
	Possible complications include:

Regular follow-up care, adherence to treatment plans, and proactive management can help minimize complications and improve quality of life for individuals with autoimmune disorders.
	* Joint damage, nerve damage, kidney disease, bowel damage, or skin scarring, depending on the disorder.
	* Anaemia, fatigue, pain, or reduced mobility.
	* Higher risk of some infections when treatment suppresses immunity.
	* Increased risk of another autoimmune condition.
	* Effects on fertility, pregnancy, work, education, and daily life.

	Early diagnosis and consistent follow-up can reduce the chance of some complications, but outcomes differ between conditions.

== See Also ==	== See Also ==
	* [[Immunosuppressant]]
	* [[Systemic Lupus Erythematosus]]
	* [[Type 1 Diabetes]]
	* [[Coeliac Disease]]
	* [[Schizophrenia]]

* [[Rheumatoid Arthritis]] - Learn about an autoimmune disorder primarily affecting the joints.
* [[Systemic Lupus Erythematosus]] - Explore a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect multiple organs and systems.
* [[Type 1 Diabetes]] - Discover an autoimmune disorder characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
* [[Celiac Disease]] - Learn about a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten.
	== References ==
	* [https://medlineplus.gov/autoimmunediseases.html MedlinePlus: Autoimmune diseases]
	* [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK605884/ NCBI Bookshelf: Background on autoimmune diseases]
	* [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/ NHS: Rheumatoid arthritis]
	* [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coeliac-disease/ NHS: Coeliac disease]

	[[Category:Medicine]]
	[[Category:Immunology]]
	[[Category:Autoimmune Disorders]]