Autoimmune disorder

Autoimmune disorder

A disorder caused by a reaction of an individual's immune system against the organs or tissues of the body. Autoimmune processes can have different results: slow destruction of a particular type of cell or tissue, stimulation of an organ into excessive growth, or interference in function.

Mentioned in: Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, Goodpasture's Syndrome, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, Immune Complex Test, Immunoelectrophoresis, Pernicious Anemia, Rheumatic Fever, Scleroderma, Sjögren's Syndrome, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Vasculitis

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Patient discussion about Autoimmune disorder.

Q. Why does the body attack itself in autoimmune diseases? And if it’s possible - How come it doesn’t happen most of the time?

A. Wow, good question…I got Lupus which is an autoimmune disease. And when I checked about it I discovered that apparently you are born with a perfect immune system. There are billions of white cells that can detect any foreign or self antigens. But then they are “educated” in the thymus and all those that recognize self die. But sometimes a cell that recognize similar self antigens stay, and no one knows why, they can just attack one day for no apparent reason. I hope I helped.

Q. My boy has diabetes. Recently he was diagnosed with vitiligo. What is it and what can be the reason for this? My boy has diabetes. recently he was diagnosed with vitiligo. Our doctor said that he hopes it not a polyglandular autoimmune syndrome. what is vitiligo and what does this big phrase (polyglandular autoimmune syndrome) mean?

A. Your boy suffers from two autoimmune diseases. there is a syndrome named polyglandular autoimmune syndrome which is when some one has several autoimmune diseases. Only time will tell if your boy has this syndrome, but you can ask from your GP to take test to check it.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease of the skin and as most of autoimmune diseases its at least partially genetic. (My mom has vitiligo on her back and legs, and so am I).

Q. I heard that omega 3 is good for autoimmune diseases- is that true? I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and I take all sort of anti inflammatory drugs. And I heard I can take omega 3 and I’ll be able to cut down the medication.

A. Well, I have the same thing and I take omega 3 and it certainly helpful. But this is only after i checked up with my Dr. he actually recommended. He explained that it changes the amount of inflammatory fatty acids in your body. That it’s supposed to be a part of your diet anyway but people eat less of it than they should, so it’s ok. But consult your physician about it- you can never know.