Useful Facts About Auto Immune Diseases

By Virginia Schmidt


The body of human beings runs on some of the most comprehensive systems. Specialization is necessary to allow a medical expert concentrate on certain parts of the human body. When specializing in specific areas a medical expert gains deeper understanding of illnesses and conditions associated with that part. Auto immune diseases are caused by the body mistaking certain parts for foreign cells thereby launching attacks against them.

The body is usually able to distinguish foreign cells from body cells. When functioning properly it selectively attacks foreign cells while sparing body cells. Joints and the skin are mistaken for foreign cells by the immune system of people with autoimmune diseases. When this happens antibodies are secreted and directed toward the target parts. The result is that healthy cells end up being destroyed in those organs.

Some types of these diseases attack the entire body while some target specific organs. For instance Lupus affects the entire body while Type 1 Diabetes specifically targets the pancreas. The cause of these illnesses is not known although they tend to run in families. It is also speculated that exposure to certain chemicals, infections, and diets might trigger or contribute to the condition.

Research also indicates that women are more susceptible to these illnesses than men. Most patients of these conditions are females in their childbearing age. It is as this stage that the diseases attack most. The issue of race also comes into play with some races getting affected more than others. Where a disease runs in a family does not necessarily mean that every member will get affected. What it means is that they have higher infection chances.

A diet that contains high levels of fat and sugar is speculated to be a major contributor. Another causative factor is processed foods since they cause inflammation. Many scientific explanations have been put forward to explain the cause of these diseases. The hygiene hypothesis is one of the theories put forward.

What the hygiene theory proses is fascinating. It suggests that steps made in the field of medicine which saw introduction of many antiseptic and vaccines could be blamed for these diseases. The theory speculates that preventative techniques currently adopted exposes children to little germs. The little exposure becomes the source of the problem. This is because it raises the sensitivity level of immune system making it attack the body instead of foreign substances.

Statistics indicate that there are over 80 varying types of illnesses in which the body attacks itself. These include multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriatic arthritis, and celiac disease. Others include vasculitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Note that similar symptoms may be manifested for a wide range of diseases.

Always watch out for muscle aches, swelling, and fatigue because they might be signs of autoimmune illness. Suffering can be avoided if a person is given timely necessary treatment. The illnesses have no cure. All that professionals do is ensuring they are effectively managed or controlled. It is best to prevent than treat. Everyone needs ensure they are on healthy diet and that they exercise regularly.




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