Types of Autoimmune Disorders

Types of AID

There are as many as 80 types of autoimmune diseases. Many of them have similar symptoms, which makes them very difficult to diagnose. There are no cures for autoimmune diseases, so treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms.  Autoimmune diseases often run in families, and 75 percent of those affected are women. It has been estimated that autoimmune diseases are among the top ten leading causes of death among women in all age groups up to 65 years.

Some of the Most Common Autoimmune Diseases

·         rheumatoid arthritis—inflammation of joints and surrounding tissues

·         systemic lupus erythematosus—affects skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs

·         multiple sclerosis—affects the brain and spinal cord

·         celiac sprue disease—a reaction to gluten (found in wheat, rye, and barley) that causes damage to the lining of the small intestine

·         pernicious anemia—decrease in red blood cells caused by inability to absorb vitamin B12

·         vitiligo—white patches on the skin caused by loss of pigment

·         scleroderma—a connective tissue disease that causes changes in skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs

·         psoriasis—a skin condition that causes redness and irritation as well as thick, flaky, silver-white patches

·         inflammatory bowel disease—a group of inflammatory diseases of the colon and small intestine

·         Hashimoto’s disease—inflammation of the thyroid gland

·         Addison’s disease—adrenal hormone insufficiency

·         Graves’ disease—overactive thyroid gland

·         reactive arthritis—inflammation of joints, urethra, and eyes; may cause sores on the skin and mucus membranes

·         Sjögren’s syndrome—destroys the glands that produce tears and saliva causing dry eyes and mouth; may affect kidneys and lungs

·         Type 1 diabetes—destruction of insulin producing cells in the pancreas