Autoimmune disorders are disorders in which the body’s immune system functions abnormally. Autoimmune disorders can fall into one of two categories: low activity or over activity. In cases of low activity — otherwise known as immune deficiency — the body’s ability to fight off invaders decreases, leading to increased vulnerability for infection and disease. In cases of over activity (autoimmune disease), the immune system attacks and damages its own tissues. Both overactive and under active immune systems can have serious implications on your overall health and well-being.
When the immune system functions normally, it protects the body against harmful substances and agents, including but not limited to viruses, bacteria, cancers and toxins. These substances contain antigens, which antibodies — proteins the body produces — systematically destroy.
When you live with an autoimmune disorder, your immune system is unable to distinguish between healthy tissue and potentially harmful antigens. As a result, the immune system begins to destroy normal tissues, setting off a chain reaction that leads to increasingly serious health consequences. These consequences typically involve one of three reactions:
These changes may occur in one or more tissue types or organs throughout the body. However, autoimmune disorders typically affect the following:
Depending on the organ or tissue affected, symptoms of autoimmune disease may include but are not limited to fatigue, pain, rashes, headaches, dizziness, nausea and more. The exact symptoms depend on which part of the body is affected. It is also important to understand that it is possible for a person to have more than one autoimmune disorder, which may lead to compounded symptoms and issues.
Researchers are unclear as to why the immune system attacks the body so aggressively in cases of autoimmune disorders. However, what is clear is that over 100 autoimmune disorders exist, each of vary levels of severity. Some of the more common autoimmune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis.