Autoimmune diseases are a group of diseases in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells, tissues or organs, treating them as a threat.
Normally, the immune system protects the body from infections, viruses or bacteria, but in the case of autoimmune diseases, it does not function properly. The causes of these disorders are not fully understood, but it is assumed that genetic, hormonal and environmental factors may play a significant role in their development. Autoimmune diseases can attack various organs or systems in the body. Depending on the type of disease, damage can occur to, for example, the joints, thyroid, skin, nervous system or intestines. These diseases are chronic and incurable, which means that they require long-term treatment and control.
The most common autoimmune diseases include: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – a disease that attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain and damage. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) – a disease that can affect various organs, including the skin, kidneys, heart and nervous system. Type 1 diabetes – a disease in which the immune system destroys the cells of the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. Hashimoto’s disease – inflammation of the thyroid leading to its hypothyroidism.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) – a disease that attacks the myelin sheaths of nerve cells, leading to disorders in the functioning of the nervous system. Celiac disease – a disease in which the body reacts autoimmunely to gluten, damaging the intestinal mucosa. Symptoms of autoimmune diseases are diverse and depend on the specific disease, but the most common symptoms include: chronic fatigue, joint pain, inflammation, skin rashes, digestive problems and difficulty concentrating.
Treatment of autoimmune diseases mainly consists of relieving symptoms, inhibiting autoimmune reactions and preventing further damage to organs. The most commonly used drugs are immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory and preparations supporting the functions of damaged organs. These diseases require constant medical care and monitoring to minimize their impact on the patient’s daily life.
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