The body's immune protects us from disease and infection. However, in some cases the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body's own tissues. When this happens the disorder is classified as an autoimmune disease. There are over 80 autoimmune diseases. The first symptoms are often fatigue, muscle aches and mild fever, symptoms that are common to many different diseases. This can make diagnosing the particular disease difficult and frustrating for the patient. Autoimmune diseases are often marked by flare-ups when symptoms are worse and remission when symptoms all but disappear. Autoimmune diseases can affect many tissues of the body such as connective tissue, nerves, muscles, glands and organs. Autoimmune diseases affect women more than men and they affect American Indian, Hispanic American, and African American women more often than white women.

Some of the more common autoimmune diseases include Hashimoto's thyroiditis (underactive thyroid), Grave's Disease (overactive thyroid), lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Symptoms of underactive thyroid include tiredness, depression, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, dry hair and dry skin. Overactive thyroid causes insomnia, irritability, weight loss, sensitivity to hear, sweating, brittle hair, bulging eyes and shaking hands. Both of these can be identified by a blood test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Lupus causes inflammation and damage to many parts of the body including joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, blood vessels and brain. It is often accompanied by a rash across the nose and cheeks known as a "butterfly rash" because of the shape. Lupus can cause rashes on other parts of the body, swollen and painful joints, and sensitivity to the sun. Blood and urine tests are used to help with diagnosis. Multiple sclerosis symptoms begin with numbness and tingling in the hands, arms, legs and feet. Symptoms progress to weakness and trouble with coordination, walking, balance, and speech which can continue to tremors and paralysis. Physical and neurological examinations are used to help with diagnosis. Rheumatoid arthritis begins with inflammation in the joints usually in the hands. Symptoms progress to muscle pain, joint deformities, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Symptoms of autoimmune diseases flare up and decrease, known as remission. Medications are used to treat symptoms and to slow the progression of the disease involved. Other medications are used to treat secondary diseases such as insomnia and depression. There are no cures for autoimmune diseases, but in many cases symptoms can be controlled to allow people to lead active lives. It is important to see a doctor that specializes in these diseases to coordinate your care, as in most cases a team of practitioners are involved. Healthy diet, adequate rest, exercise within limits, and stress management are very important to the effectiveness of treatments.

References: http://womenshealth.gov/faq/autoimmune-diseases.cfm, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/autoimmunediseases.html.

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