An autoimmune disease is a disease characterized by antibodies, proteins created by a person against their own immune system. It can cause problems with various parts of the body such as nervous system, brain, veins and a lot of other areas. Autoimmune diseases are more common in women than in men. Autoimmune diseases affect both men and women, though they’re more common in women. Those with a family history or certain risk factors should speak with their doctor about any concerns they have as early as possible. The earlier the problem is identified, the earlier treatment can begin.
Connective Tissue Disease
The term connective tissue disease refers to any disease that strikes the tissues of the human body. This applies to connective tissues and the diseases can be quite painful as they strike the elastin and collagen in those tissues.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
SLE also goes by the more common name of Lupus. This life long disease affects different parts of the body including the heart and lungs. Sufferers typically go through multiple stages of remission and situations where the disease worsens.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease characterized by swelling in the joints, particularly the wrists and knees. Those with the condition see the symptoms worsen over time as it slowly stops them from completing their daily activities. It is fairly painful.
Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)
This is a highly rare disease that affects the skin and tissue of the human body. It causes the skin to thicken and become harder. Once this happens, the skin begins feeling tight and the sufferer feels a high amount of pain.
Sjorgen’s Syndrome
This disease typically presents as dry mouth, but the symptoms worsen as it continues to affect the immune system. People notice that their skin feels dry as does their throat and nose. Eventually it can lead to joint and muscle problems.
Neuromuscular Diseases
These diseases cause problems in the voluntary muscles such as those found in the arms and legs. The person loses control of their muscle responses and experience aches or pains.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS attacks the brain and central nervous system of the body. It causes extreme pain and some find it difficult if not impossible to walk. They also experience problems seeing and with doing simple thought processes.
Myasthenia Gravis
The disease affects the muscles and nerves in the body. They prevent the nerves from communicating with the muscles, which causes the muscles to twitch.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
This condition weakens the immune system, which in turn causes problems with the nerves. The sufferers feel numbness in parts of their body and the numbness intensifies as the disease progresses.
Endocrine Diseases
Diabetes is an example of an endocrine disease. These diseases affect the endocrine glands in the body, causing hormonal changes and serious physical problems.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
This condition attacks the thyroid in the human body. Those with the disease typically undergo hormone replacement therapy to increase the size of the thyroid.
Grave's Disease
Graves Disease affects the thyroid, making it produce more hormones than it usually would. It’s one of the more common autoimmune diseases.
Insulin-Dependent (Type 1) Diabetes
These diseases cause stomach aches and discomfort in those with Type 1 Diabetes. Using a special diet and avoiding certain foods and alcohol is one of the easiest treatment options. If you know someone that has this condition and may be in need of alcohol rehab, please consider seeking treatment immediately.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBS causes pain in the stomach and intestinal track, which only dissipates when the individual has a bowel movement. They typically notice a change in the consistency or frequency of their bowel movements.
Vasculitis Syndromes
These conditions cause problems with the vascular system. It typically causes swelling or inflammation of areas such as the veins and arteries.
Hematologic Autoimmune Diseases
This type of disease is better known as anemia. Antibodies appear in the blood stream and systematically destroy the healthy red blood cells, causing the person to feel weak or tired.