Autoimmune disease

In a healthy body, the immune system attacks foreign invaders. However, sometimes the immune system starts attacking the body because it (mistakenly) thinks foreign material is present. If this happens, it causes the destruction of healthy tissue. This condition is called an Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects salivary and lacrimal glands. These glands help the body create moisture in the eyes and mouth, in the form of saliva and tears. In a person with Sjögren’s syndrome, the body fails to produce enough moisture. This is a chronic, systemic disorder that affects 1 to 4 million people in the United States, according to the The condition is typically diagnosed as either primary or secondary. In primary Sjögren’s syndrome, there’s no other autoimmune disease present. Secondary Sjögren’s syndrome is diagnosed when an individual has another autoimmune disease. Primary Sjögren’s syndrome tends to be more aggressive and can cause more dryness than the secondary type. Dry mouth is a common symptom, which can increase your risk of cavities. It can also make it more difficult to speak or swallow. Chewing gum or sucking on candies may help with this symptom. Dryness of the eyes often occurs, too. This may feel like a burning sensation or like something is in your eye. Sjögren’s syndrome can affect the whole body. Some individuals have vaginal dryness, dry skin, fatigue, rashes, or joint pain. Sjögren’s syndrome can cause inflammation of organs like t...

Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, swelling and deformity. As the tissue that lines your joints (synovial membrane) becomes inflamed and thickened, fluid builds up and joints erode and degrade. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis is what can damage other parts of the body as well. While new types of medications have improved treatment options dramatically, severe rheumatoid arthritis can still cause physical disabilities. Symptoms Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include: • Tender, warm, swollen joints • Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity • Fatigue, fever and loss of appetite Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect your smaller joints first — particularly the joints that attach your fingers to your hands and your toes to your feet. As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips and shoulders. I...

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Overview Primary immunodeficiency disorders — also called primary immune disorders or primary immunodeficiency — weaken the immune system, allowing infections and other health problems to occur more easily. Many people with primary immunodeficiency are born missing some of the body's immune defenses or with the immune system not working properly, which leaves them more susceptible to germs that can cause infections. So far, researchers have identified more than 300 forms of primary immunodeficiency disorders. Some forms are so mild they can go unnoticed until adulthood. Other types are severe enough that they're discovered soon after an affected baby is born. Treatments can boost the immune system in many types of primary immunodeficiency disorders. Research is ongoing, leading to improved treatments and enhanced quality of life for people with the condition. Symptoms One of the most common signs of primary immunodeficiency is having infections that are more frequent, longer lasting or harder to treat than are the infections of someone with a typical immune system. You may also get infections that a person with a healthy immune system likely wouldn't get (opportunistic infections). Signs and symptoms differ depending on the type of primary immunodeficiency disorder, and they vary from person to person. Signs and symptoms of primary immunodeficiency can include: • Frequent and recurrent pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, meningitis or skin infections •...

Have you ever heard of autoimmune diseases? Do you, like millions of others, actually have one of them? The term Autoimmune Disease is used to describe conditions in which the body's immune system – which is supposed to be defending the body against viruses, bacteria and other invaders – is thought to be involved in causing or perpetuating illness. It's as if the body's defense system has turned on its host. Some examples of autoimmune disease Unfortunately, there is no shortage of conditions considered to be autoimmune. Some typical or common examples include: • Rheumatologic diseases, such as • Rheumatoid arthritis – This condition causes multiple joints to become inflamed, stiff and painful; inflammation in other organs (such as the lungs or eye) may also develop • Lupus – When people develop lupus, they usually have inflammation in multiple parts of the body, especially the joints, skin, lining of the lungs and kidney. • Sjögren's syndrome – This condition causes dryness of the eyes and mouth due to inflammation and scarring of the glands that make tears and saliva; arthritis, lung disease and inflammation in other organs are also common. • Polymyalgia rheumatic (PMR) - Those with PMR are usually over age 60 and have the sudden onset of pain and stiffness in shoulders, neck and hips; it may be a "close cousin" of rheumatoid arthritis. • Ankylosing spondylitis – This disease is marked by inflammation and stiffness in the lower spine, including sacroiliac joint; other jo...

Overview Sjogren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome is a disorder of your immune system identified by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth. The condition often accompanies other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Sjogren's syndrome, the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth are usually affected first — resulting in decreased tears and saliva. Salivary glands There are three pairs of major salivary glands — parotid, sublingual and submandibular. Each gland has its own tube (duct) leading from the gland to the mouth. The two main symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome are: • Dry eyes. Your eyes might burn, itch or feel gritty — as if there's sand in them. • Dry mouth. Your mouth might feel like it's full of cotton, making it difficult to swallow or speak. Some people with Sjogren's syndrome also have one or more of the following: • Joint pain, swelling and stiffness • Swollen salivary glands — particularly the set located behind your jaw and in front of your ears • Skin rashes or dry skin • Vaginal dryness • Persistent dry cough • Prolonged fatigue Causes Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. Your immune system mistakenly attacks your body's own cells and tissues. Scientists aren't certain why some people develop Sjogren's syndrome. Certain genes put people at higher risk of the disorder, but it appears that a triggering mechanism — such as infection with a particular virus or strain of bacteria — is al...