What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Autoimmune Diseases

What is Autoimmune Disorders? (Definition/Background Information)

• Autoimmune Disorders form an extensive group of disorders in which the body’s immune system mistakenly target the healthy cells, tissues, and organs of one’s own body
• Autoimmune Disorders may cause mild or severe signs and symptoms that may involve a specific organ or body part, or the condition may affect the entire body. The term “autoimmune” indicates that the abnormal development of antibodies are produced by the body against body’s own tissues
• Researchers believe that there are over a hundred Autoimmune Disorders, but most of them are rare. Nevertheless, some of the more common ones include:
  • Addison’s disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Graves’ disease
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Pernicious anemia
  • Psoriasis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Scleroderma
  • Sjögren’s syndrome
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Vasculitis
  • Vitiligo
• The common signs and symptoms of Autoimmune Disorders include skin rashes, joint pain, tiredness, and swelling of the body. Specific symptoms and involvement of specific organs and/or body systems depend on each disorder type
• The treatment of Autoimmune Disorders involves administration of medications, such as immune-suppressants and corticosteroids, to control the body’s overactive immune system. The prognosis is generally good with prompt detection and adequate treatment, in many cases

Who gets Autoimmune Disorders? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Autoimmune Disorders may affect individuals of any age group; both children and adults may be affected
• Both males and females are affected; although, in general, females are affected much more than males. Some research studies indicate a female-male ratio of 4:1
• All racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Autoimmune Disorders? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors depend on the specific type of each Autoimmune Disorder involved. Sometimes, a combination of factors may contribute to development of the condition. Some of the common risk factors include:

• Individuals with a family history of the disorder; genetic factors
• Some individuals are genetically more at risk than others for certain Autoimmune Disorders
• Females

In susceptible individuals, researchers have identified potential environmental factors that may trigger the condition. These include:

• Use of certain medication
• Certain viral and bacterial infections
• Physical or emotional stress

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Autoimmune Disorders? (Etiology)

Autoimmune Disorders are caused by the dysregulation of an individual’s own immune system. However, the exact reason behind this is not well-established.

• The immune system is a highly complex arrangement of body structures and organs that include the lymphatic system, lymph nodes, and spleen, which protects the body from invading disease-causing pathogens or cancer cells
• The disorder is the result of an autoimmune response, where immune cells or antibodies of the body that fight diseases or infections, attack one’s own healthy tissues instead. Such an attack by the body’s immune cells against its own tissue can result in significant signs and symptoms
• Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to Autoimmune Disorders and are more susceptible to developing them. In some cases, such disorders are mistakenly triggered by a viral or bacterial infection

It is important to note that a poorly-functioning immune system does not lead to the development of Autoimmune Disorders. Conditions caused by weak immunity are known as immune deficiency disorders, where the body’s ability to fight invading microorganisms is decreased or compromised.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Autoimmune Disorders?

The signs and symptoms of Autoimmune Disorders may be localized or wide-ranging, affected the whole body. It depends upon the specific type of disorder, the severity of the disorder, the body part affected, and it may vary widely from one individual to another. In some cases, the symptoms may be mild or even unnoticeable during the initial stages.

The common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain, redness and inflammation
• Swollen body part
• Joint pain and stiffness; muscle pain
• Fatigue and weakness
• Low-grade fever
• Skin rashes and blistering; dry skin
• Abnormal heartbeat
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Feeling unwell

How is Autoimmune Disorders Diagnosed?

It is generally difficult to diagnose Autoimmune Disorders, due to the set of non-specific symptoms displayed and several systems of the body being affected. The diagnosis may involve the following tests and procedures:

• Complete evaluation of medical history and a thorough physical examination
• Assessment of the signs and symptoms
• Blood tests that may include:
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) blood test
  • C-reactive protein blood test
  • Autoantibodies tests
• Imaging studies of the affected region
• Tissue biopsy, if necessary

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Autoimmune Disorders?

In general, the complications of Autoimmune Disorders may include: 

• Organ dysfunction
• Simultaneous development of other autoimmune disorders
• A wide variety of complications, usually unrecognized, may occur from untreated/inadequately treated disorder

How is Autoimmune Disorders Treated?

The treatment of Autoimmune Disorders depends on the specific type of disorder. However, in general, the healthcare provider may undertake the following measures in treating the condition:

• Administration of immunosuppressant medication to reduce immune system over-activity
• Use of corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation
• Certain Autoimmune Disorders may be treated with monoclonal antibody therapy

How can Autoimmune Disorders be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no effective preventive methods reported for Autoimmune Disorders
• However, early detection, prompt treatment, and regular monitoring of the condition can help combat the disorder and keep its progression under control

What is the Prognosis of Autoimmune Disorders? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Autoimmune Disorders is generally good with early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and regular check-ups
• However, the prognosis also depends on the specific type of Autoimmune Disorder, the severity of the signs and symptoms, and the overall health status of the individual

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Autoimmune Disorders:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/immune-related-disorders/