5 Ways Your Body Might Be Damaging Itself

By Author: Monica Quinn
Total Articles: 94
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Although it is designed to protect you from dangerous intruders like viruses and bacteria, your immune system can occasionally malfunction. In certain instances, it mistakenly targets your own healthy cells and tissues, leading to a group of disorders known as autoimmune diseases. These conditions can impact various parts of your body, resulting in a wide array of symptoms that often make daily life more challenging. Even though these diseases have no cure, appropriate treatments, and lifestyle adjustments can help manage them effectively. Continue reading to learn about five autoimmune conditions and their potential impact on your health.

1. Polymyalgia rheumatica
In this inflammatory disorder, the immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissues, resulting in inflammation. Polymyalgia rheumatica primarily causes muscle stiffness and pain around the shoulders and hips, making movement challenging and uncomfortable. This condition primarily affects older adults, especially those over 70. Factors like genetics and other underlying health issues may increase the risk of developing polymyalgia rheumatica.

Although ...
... it cannot be cured, treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy are effective in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and manage inflammation.

2. Celiac disease
Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder where the immune system reacts negatively to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. When people with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, leading to damage that can hinder nutrient absorption. If left untreated, this damage can cause significant health complications.

The only effective treatment for celiac disease is maintaining a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. This means avoiding foods that contain gluten, such as bread, pasta, and many processed foods. Sticking to this diet is essential for preventing further damage to the digestive system and maintaining overall health.

3. Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel condition that affects the digestive tract, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, weight loss, and fatigue. More than 1.6 million Americans suffer from this illness, which might have mild to severe symptoms that change over time.

Although Crohn’s disease cannot be cured, flare-ups can be managed with treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, and dietary adjustments. It’s important to avoid foods that can trigger inflammation and to follow a treatment plan recommended by a healthcare provider to control symptoms and maintain a better quality of life.

4. Vasculitis
Vasculitis is a rare disorder where the immune system targets blood vessels, causing inflammation. This condition can impact arteries, veins, and capillaries throughout the body. While its cause is often unknown, it can be triggered by infections, medications, or other autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, joint pain, and rashes. Without treatment, vasculitis can lead to severe complications like organ damage or aneurysms. Typically, treatment involves anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids or immune-suppressing drugs.

5. Autoimmune Addison’s disease
In Autoimmune Addison’s disease, the adrenal glands are targeted by the immune system. These glands, responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress, get attacked, leading to hormone deficiencies and a range of health issues. When these glands are damaged, it results in a drop in hormone production, causing various symptoms.

Common signs of Addison’s disease include fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, and dizziness. Low sodium levels in the body can also cause cravings for salty foods in certain people. Treatment typically involves hormone replacement therapy to restore the levels of missing hormones, along with dietary adjustments like increasing sodium intake.

The bottom line
When the immune system unintentionally targets the body's own tissues, it can result in autoimmune diseases, which can cause a variety of health problems. It's crucial to speak with a healthcare professional if you believe you could be exhibiting signs of an autoimmune disease because prompt diagnosis and treatment can help control symptoms and stop more complications. Living a better, more pleasant life can be achieved by actively participating in your health and partnering with your physician to create a treatment plan.

Greetings, my name is Monica. I graduated from New York Medical College and work as a nurse in Queens Hospital at the moment. The thing I love the most is morning jogging, because it is a wonderful way to keep myself in tonus. I like to communicate with people who care about their health. I became a vegetarian five years ago. Now my daily menu consists mainly of vegetables, fruits and different cheeses. I am a member of water polo team and I love gardening. I like to see how huge flowers grow out of the tiny petal, it dazzles me because I love spending my time outdoors. My goal is to visit all the USA parks, and then all over the world)