Autoimmune refers to a condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues, considering them as foreign invaders. This phenomenon disrupts the normal functioning of organs and systems.
The body’s complex defense mechanism that protects against harmful substances, pathogens, and abnormal cells. It involves various cells, tissues, and organs working in harmony to maintain overall health.
An autoimmune disorder occurs when the immune system loses its ability to distinguish between self and non-self, leading to the attack on healthy cells. This can result in inflammation, damage, and dysfunction of organs or systems.
Antigens are substances that trigger an immune response. In the context of autoimmune disorders, the immune system mistakenly recognizes the body’s own antigens as foreign, leading to an immune response against healthy tissues.
Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection. However, in autoimmune disorders, the immune system triggers inflammation against healthy tissues, causing redness, swelling, and pain.
Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to neutralize harmful substances. In autoimmune disorders, antibodies may target the body’s own tissues, contributing to the damage caused by the immune response.
An autoimmune disorder characterized by the immune system attacking the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and joint damage. It commonly affects the hands, wrists, and knees.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart. Symptoms range from skin rashes to joint pain and fatigue.
A neurological autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This can lead to various neurological symptoms.
Inflammation of the thyroid gland, often caused by autoimmune reactions. Different types of thyroiditis can result in either an overactive or underactive thyroid, impacting metabolism and energy levels.
Immunotherapy is a treatment approach that aims to modulate or enhance the body’s immune response. In the context of autoimmune disorders, it seeks to regulate the immune system to prevent excessive damage to healthy tissues.
A period of increased symptoms and disease activity in autoimmune disorders. Flare-ups can be unpredictable and may involve intensified inflammation, pain, and fatigue.