When we talk about the immune system, it's natural to think of it as our body's "defense army." However, sometimes this army miscalculates and attacks its own tissues and organs, which is the origin of autoimmune diseases. How do autoimmune diseases affect the immune system?And how should we recognize and deal with these diseases?
The main task of the immune system is to recognize and destroy invading bodies such as bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. It has an excellent "memory system" that identifies and remembers previous intruders so you can fight them faster. However, in autoimmune diseases, this function of the immune system is dysregulated.
In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy cells and tissues inside the body. This attack can affect any part or organ such as **, joints, muscles, red blood cells, thyroid, etc. Because of this self-attack, patients experience fatigue, joint pain, muscle weakness, rashes, anemia, and a host of other symptoms.
The exact cause of autoimmune disease is not fully understood, but many factors may increase the risk of developing the disease. This includes genetics, environmental factors, certain infections, and changes in hormone levels.
Regarding common autoimmune diseases, there are the following:
Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and limited joint function.
Systemic lupus erythematosus: This is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and systems and may involve **, joints, kidneys, heart, and other organs.
Thyroid disorders: These include hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, both of which are associated with abnormal activity of the immune system.
Type 1 diabetes: This is a condition in which the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, resulting in insufficient insulin secretion, which affects blood sugar control.
In the face of autoimmune disease, patients need lifelong management, which may involve medications**, lifestyle modifications, and regular medical check-ups. However, it is worth noting that with the advancement of medical research, many ** methods have made significant progress, bringing more hope to patients.
What's more, when we face autoimmune diseases, we need not only medicine, but also understanding, care and support. Patients may face physical and emotional challenges, but they are also a symbol of resilience and courage. We should walk with them and work together to achieve better results and a higher quality of life.
Autoimmune diseases are a complex and challenging field. However, as our in-depth understanding of these diseases and the advancement of our methods, there is reason to believe that every patient can find their own path to a hopeful future.