How does an autoimmune disease manifest itself? Causes of the development of an autoimmune disease. Which doctors specialize in the treatment of autoimmune diseases

Our body's immune system is a complex network special bodies and cells that protect our body from foreign agents. core immune system is the ability to distinguish "own" from "foreign". Sometimes a failure occurs in the body, which makes it impossible to recognize the markers of “its own” cells, and antibodies begin to be produced that mistakenly attack one or another cell of its own body.

At the same time, regulatory T cells fail to do their job of maintaining the functions of the immune system, and the attack of their own cells begins. This leads to damage that is known as autoimmune disease. The type of damage determines which organ or part of the body is affected. More than eighty types of such diseases are known.

How common are autoimmune diseases?

Unfortunately, they are quite widespread. They affect more than 23.5 million people in our country alone, and this is one of the main causes of death and disability. Exist rare diseases, but there are some that many people suffer from, such as Hashimoto's disease.

For information on how the human immune system works, watch the video:

Who can get sick?

An autoimmune disease can affect anyone. However, there are groups of people at the highest risk:

Women childbearing age. Women are more likely than men to suffer from autoimmune diseases that begin in their reproductive years.
Those who have similar diseases in their family. Some autoimmune diseases are genetic in nature (for example, ). Often different types autoimmune diseases develop in several members of the same family. Hereditary predisposition plays a role, but other factors can also serve as the onset of the disease.
The presence of certain substances in the environment. Certain situations or harmful effects environment can cause some autoimmune diseases or exacerbate existing ones. Among them: active sun, chemicals, viral and bacterial infections.
People of a particular race or ethnicity. For example, type 1 diabetes affects mostly white people. More severe systemic lupus erythematosus occurs in African Americans and Hispanics.

What autoimmune diseases affect women and what are their symptoms?

The diseases listed here are more common in women than in men.

While each case is unique, the most common marker symptoms are weakness, dizziness, and subfebrile temperature. Many autoimmune diseases have transient symptoms that can also vary in severity. When the symptoms go away for a while, this is called remission. They alternate with an unexpected and deep manifestation of symptoms - outbreaks, or exacerbations.

Types of Autoimmune Diseases and Their Symptoms

Disease	Symptoms
Alopecia areata The immune system attacks hair follicles(from which hair grows). This usually does not affect general condition health, but can significantly affect appearance.	Areas of lack of hair on the head, face and other parts of the body
The disease is associated with damage to the inner lining of blood vessels as a result of thrombosis of arteries or veins.	Blood clots in arteries or veins Multiple spontaneous abortions Net rash on knees and wrists
autoimmune hepatitis The immune system attacks and destroys liver cells. This can lead to hardening, cirrhosis of the liver and liver failure.	Weakness Liver enlargement Yellowness of the skin and sclera Skin itching Joint pain Abdominal pain or indigestion
celiac disease Gluten intolerance disease is a substance found in grains, rice, barley, and some medicines. When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, the immune system responds by attacking the lining of the small intestine.	Bloating and pain diarrhea or Weight gain or loss Weakness Itching and rash on the skin Infertility or miscarriages
Type 1 diabetes A disease in which the immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin, a hormone to maintain blood sugar levels. Without insulin, blood sugar rises significantly. This can lead to damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, gums, and teeth. But the most serious problem is a heart attack.	constant thirst Feeling hungry and tired involuntary weight loss Poorly healing ulcers Dry skin, itching Loss of sensation in the legs or a tingling sensation Change in vision: the perceived image appears blurry
Graves' disease Illness resulting in thyroid produces too many hormones.	Insomnia Irritability Weight loss Increased sensitivity to heat excessive sweating split ends muscle weakness Minor menstruation bulging eyes Hand shake Sometimes asymptomatic
Julian-Barré syndrome The immune system attacks the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord with body. Nerve damage makes signal transmission difficult. As a result, the muscles do not respond to signals from the brain. Symptoms often progress quite quickly, from days to weeks, and often both halves of the body are affected.	Weakness or tingling in the legs, may radiate up the body AT severe cases paralysis
Hashimoto's disease A disease in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.	Weakness Fatigue Weight gain Sensitivity to cold Muscle pain and joint stiffness swelling of the face
The immune system destroys red blood cells. The body is not able to quickly produce the number of red blood cells that meets its needs. As a result, insufficient oxygen saturation occurs, the heart must work with increased load so that the delivery of oxygen with the blood does not suffer.	Fatigue Respiratory failure Cold hands and feet Pallor Yellowness of the skin and sclera Heart problems including
idiopathic The immune system destroys platelets, which are needed to form a blood clot.	Very heavy menstruation Small purple or red dots on the skin that may look like a rash Bleeding or mouth bleeding Stomach ache Diarrhea, sometimes with blood
Inflammatory Bowel Disease chronic inflammatory process in gastrointestinal tract. and - the most common forms of the disease.	rectal bleeding Fever Weight loss Fatigue ulcers oral cavity(for Crohn's disease) Painful or difficult bowel movement (with ulcerative colitis)
Inflammatory myopathy A group of diseases that are characterized muscle inflammation and weakness. Polymyositis and - the main two types are most common among women. Polymyositis affects the muscles that are involved in movement on both sides of the body. In dermatomyositis, a skin rash may precede or appear simultaneously with muscle weakness.	Slowly progressive muscle weakness that starts in the muscles closest to the spine (usually the lumbar and sacral regions) It may also be noted: Fatigue when walking or standing Falls and fainting Muscle pain Difficulty swallowing and breathing
The immune system attacks the nerve sheath, causing damage to the spinal cord and brain. Symptoms and their severity vary from case to case and depend on the affected area.	Weakness and problems with coordination, balance, speech, and walking Paralysis Tremor Numbness and tingling sensation in the limbs
myasthenia gravis The immune system attacks the muscles and nerves throughout the body.	Bifurcation of the perceived image, problems with maintaining a look, drooping eyelids Difficulty swallowing frequent yawning or suffocation Weakness or paralysis head down Difficulty climbing stairs and lifting objects Speech problems
Primary biliary cirrhosis The immune system slowly destroys bile ducts in the liver. Bile is a substance that is produced by the liver. Through the biliary tract enters the digestive tract and promotes the digestion of food. When bile ducts are damaged, bile accumulates in the liver and damages it. The liver thickens, scars appear, and eventually it stops working.	Fatigue Dry mouth Dry eyes Yellowness of the skin and sclera
Psoriasis The cause of the disease is that new skin cells that are produced in the deep layers grow too fast and pile up on its surface.	Rough, red, scaly patches typically appear on the head, elbows, and knees Itching and pain that prevents you from sleeping properly, walking freely and taking care of yourself Less common is a specific form of arthritis that affects the joints at the tips of the fingers and toes. Back pain if the sacrum is involved
Rheumatoid arthritis A disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints throughout the body.	Painful, stiff, swollen and deformed joints Limitation of movements and functions May also be noted: Fatigue Fever Weight loss eye inflammation lung disease Subcutaneous pineal masses, often on the elbows
scleroderma The disease is caused by abnormal growth connective tissue skin and blood vessels.	Finger color change (white, red, blue) depending on whether it is warm or cold Pain, limited mobility, swelling of the knuckles Skin thickening Shiny skin on hands and forearms Tight facial skin that looks like a mask Difficulty swallowing Weight loss Diarrhea or constipation short breath
The target of the immune system in this disease is the glands in which body fluids, such as saliva, tears, are produced.	Eyes dry or itchy Dry mouth, up to ulcers Swallowing problems Loss of taste sensitivity Multiple cavities in teeth Hoarse voice Fatigue Swelling or pain in the joints Swollen glands
The disease affects the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs and other organs and systems.	Fever Weight loss Hair loss mouth ulcers Fatigue Rash in the form of a "butterfly" around the nose on the cheekbones Rash on other parts of the body Pain and swelling of joints muscle pain Sun sensitivity Chest pain Headache, dizziness, fainting, memory impairment, behavioral changes
Vitiligo The immune system destroys the cells that produce pigment and are responsible for skin color. It can also affect the tissues of the mouth and nose.	White spots on areas of the skin that are exposed to sunlight, as well as on the forearms, in the groin area early graying Discoloration of the mouth

Are Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Autoimmune Diseases?

What about exacerbations (attacks)?

Exacerbations are sudden and severe manifestation symptoms. You may notice certain "triggers" - stress, hypothermia, exposure to the open sun, which increase the manifestation of symptoms of the disease. By knowing these factors and following a treatment plan, you and your doctor can help prevent or reduce flare-ups. If you feel an attack coming, call your doctor. Do not try to cope on your own, using the advice of friends or relatives.

What to do to feel better?

If you have an autoimmune disease, constantly follow a few simple rules, do this every day, and your well-being will be stable:

Nutrition should take into account the nature of the disease. Make sure you eat enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, and vegetable proteins. Limit saturated fat, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and excess sugar. If you follow the principles healthy eating, then all necessary substances you will receive with food.
Exercise regularly with medium degree . Talk to your doctor about what kind of physical activity you need. A gradual and gentle exercise program works well for people with prolonged muscle and joint pain. Some types of yoga and tai chi can help.
Rest enough. Rest allows tissues and joints to recover. Dream - The best way relaxation for the body and brain. If you don't get enough sleep, your stress levels and symptom severity increase. When you are well rested, you are more efficient at dealing with your problems and reduce your risk of getting sick. Most people need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each day to rest.
Avoid frequent stress . Stress and anxiety can exacerbate some autoimmune diseases. Therefore, you need to look for ways to optimize your life in order to cope with daily stresses and improve your condition. Meditation, self-hypnosis, visualization, and simple relaxation techniques can help relieve stress, reduce pain, and deal with other aspects of your life with illness. You can learn this from tutorials, videos, or with the help of an instructor. Join a support group or talk to a psychologist, they will help you reduce your stress levels and manage your illness.

You have the power to relieve pain! Try using these images for 15 minutes, two or three times each day:

Put on your favorite soothing music.
Sit in your favorite armchair or sofa. If you are at work, you can sit back and relax in a chair.
Close your eyes.
Imagine your pain or discomfort.
Imagine something that opposes this pain and watch as your pain is "destroyed".

Which doctor to contact

If one or more of these symptoms appear, it would be more correct to consult a general practitioner or family doctor. After inspection and primary diagnosis the patient is referred to a specialized specialist depending on the affected organs and systems. It can be a dermatologist, trichologist, hematologist, rheumatologist, hepatologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, neurologist, gynecologist (in case of miscarriage). Additional help will be provided by a nutritionist, psychologist, psychotherapist. It is often necessary to consult a geneticist, especially when planning a pregnancy.

Autoimmune diseases are diseases of the body due to too high activity of its own immune system. Their own systems and cells are taken as foreign, and they are harmed. The functional disorder of the immune system in the human body provokes a number of serious illnesses. When the body's defense mechanism works abnormally, stimulating large quantities antibodies, the action of which is aimed at eliminating their own tissues, an autoimmune disease develops in certain body or system. The localization of pathogenesis will be concentrated in the part of the body chosen by the immune system, the structural units of tissues of which are perceived as foreign bodies.

The process of immune genesis

Everyone knows that immunity is a “shield” and “sword” against a variety of pathogens. It is these two weapons that create an obstacle to the penetration of infections into internal environment biological system, and, if they invaded, protective antibodies help to quickly destroy destructive antigens. Responsible for the process of immunogenesis Bone marrow where leukocyte production takes place. Further, white blood cells are distributed into two main departments, where their final maturation will take place: thymus ( thymus) and The lymph nodes. So, two types of immune cells are formed - T- and B-lymphocytes.

In a complex combination, these two types of cells, when the molecular structures of foreign bodies invade the body, produce the antibodies necessary for them. When activated, lymphocyte antibodies destroy antigens, while the main cells of the immune system develop immunity to a pathogenic agent, remembering an enemy dangerous to the body. It is on this principle (remembering) that the body's resistance to certain viruses or bacteria is built, with which immunity has already “acquainted” in the past. For example, a disease such as chickenpox, once transferred, will no longer bother a person, since the body is more immune to it. Or the introduction of an antigen in small doses into the body through vaccination, with the help of which the immune system forms antibodies to this type of virus, and the same effect is produced.

But, unfortunately, not all pathogens can develop immunity. For example, let's take respiratory ailments, from which we suffer very often, and the body, as it reacted to a cold infection, continues to be sensitive to it. Why have immune cells not yet fixed the respiratory antigen in their “memory”? The answer is simple, viruses, infections, bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms are able to mutate - to change the structure and molecular composition of the genetic material. And what is most terrible, immunoglobulins, which are designed to protect the body from diseases, often change their properties of their intended purpose and begin to function against the "laws" of common sense. Such disorientation already contributes to the active “cleansing” of the body from healthy cells that make up the tissues of a certain organ.

Causes of the development of an autoimmune disease

Autoimmune disorders cause a detrimental effect on selected organs, as a result of which their pathological destruction occurs. Strange, but true, diseases arise due to the aggression of one's own immunity. Why does the body "program" the defense mechanism to deal with the elimination of its own elements - tissues that form internal organs? Is it possible to restore a "broken" immune system? These questions have been of concern to domestic and foreign specialists in immunology for decades. Modern scientists are still in search of the real causes of the appearance of an autoimmune reaction and in the process of discovering a treasured cure for a pathological disorder in the defense mechanism.

Based on the latest research data, the immunological disorder occurs due to the following reasons:

hereditary mutations of genes, which is characterized by the transformation of the protein encoded by the gene and the formation of a certain type hereditary disease;
somatic changes in cells that are provoked exogenous factors, for example, penetration into the body of harmful substances from the atmospheric environment - radiation, ultraviolet radiation, toxins, etc.;
prolonged severe infectious diseases, due to which the functions of immunity are extremely violated, and immunoglobulins are deprived of the correct orientation;
infection with viruses that can chemically adapt to the structural units of healthy tissues, as a result of which antibodies are activated against foreign and own cells at the same time.

Autoimmune diseases and their symptoms

Autoimmune pathologies are diseases caused by the malfunctioning of the immune system with the activation of a powerful production of antibodies that are aggressively tuned against the cells of one's own organs. Currently, medical sources describe a large number of similar diseases with different localization, as well as with completely different characteristics of the severity of the course of diseases and descriptions of symptoms. Therefore, there is simply no single list of manifestations characteristic of all autoimmune disorders. So, each pathology has its own Clinical signs. Consider the most common autoimmune diseases along with the main symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis (Still's disease) . The focus is concentrated in cartilage tissues small joints predominantly upper limbs. Symptoms: the presence of weakness in the muscles, a feeling of numbness in the diseased area, the appearance of edema in synovial bags, painful syndrome and stiffness in movement at the site of inflammation, fever.

insulin dependent diabetes . incurable disease caused by failure of the pancreas to produce insulin. Signs of the development of the disease: great weakness, indomitable thirst, a strong increase in appetite, frequent urges to urination, a sharp loss of body weight.

Multiple sclerosis . The disease is characterized by the destruction of certain sections of the spinal cord and brain, where nerve bundles are concentrated, covered with a myelin sheath. Myelin is replaced by scar tissue, as a result of which the impulse relationship between the main nerve structures is lost. Symptoms in pathology: loss of strength, eye damage (decrease in visual acuity), loss of sensitivity in any part of the body, the appearance of myalgia and neuralgia, intellectual retardation, uncoordinated movement, memory loss.

Schonlein-Henoch disease . dangerous pathology which affects blood vessels circulatory system involved in the blood supply to important parts of the body - skin, kidneys, intestines, lungs, bone tissue etc. So, there is a severe defeat vascular formations with the appearance of internal hemorrhages. For this disease characterized by severe fatigue, headaches, swelling of soft tissues, the appearance of small and large hemorrhages on the skin and mucous membranes, hyperpigmentation, the presence of pain syndrome in the inflamed organ.

Systemic lupus erythematosus . An autoimmune disease caused by a disorder of the protective mechanism in the human body. Since immune cells are present in absolutely every department, their aggressive action can be concentrated in any organ. Symptoms are as follows: muscle pain, fever, decreased performance, skin rashes simultaneously on the nose, cheeks and bridge of the nose, ulceration of the oral cavity and nasal mucosa, with severe forms formed trophic ulcers on the skin of the hands and feet.

Acantholytic pemphigus . Due to the occurrence of autoimmune aggressive processes serious lesions tolerate skin and mucous membranes of the dermis, which exfoliate and become covered with blisters with serous exudate. At the site of the lesion with bubbles, severely painful erosive foci appear. The pathogenesis is mainly localized in the mouth and on the pharynx, in the umbilical opening, groin, under the mammary glands, armpits, between the buttocks, in the external genitalia.

Autoimmune thyroiditis . With this pathology, autoimmune antibodies disable the thyroid gland, which leads to insufficient production of its hormones. The disease manifests itself with increased fatigue, dehydration and roughness of the skin, coldness of the palms and feet, chilliness and strong sensitivity to cold, neurotic disorders, weight gain, memory problems, hair loss, etc.

Anemia of the hemolytic type . Pathogenesis at the autoimmune level is characterized by an attack of leukocytes against erythrocytes. Loss of the Reds blood cells leads to ailments such as severe fatigue, lethargy, dizziness, fainting, blanching of the skin and its yellowing, the occurrence of tachycardia. With this disease, the natural color of urine changes - the urine becomes dark-saturated in color, an increase in the spleen is observed.

diffuse toxic goiter . And again, the autoimmune mechanism is aimed at the defeat of the functions thyroid gland. So, nodular formations are formed on the diseased organ, while thyroid dysfunction consists in excessive synthesis of hormones. Symptoms are completely opposite to thyroiditis: heat intolerance appears, there are interruptions in heart rate, as well as weight loss, tremor of the limbs, increased nervous instability, hot flashes.

Diagnosis of autoimmune pathology

When autoimmune disorders appear, the body signals pathological condition clinical symptoms. A person can understand that the appearance of incomprehensible ailments and the development of pathogenesis in a certain organ are associated precisely with abnormal deviations in the functioning of the immune system, according to special analysis blood for the presence of aggressive antibodies aimed at destroying healthy body cells.

The main diagnostic method used for these purposes is called ELISA - linked immunosorbent assay. It includes several types laboratory research, for example, the detection of antibodies to cardiolipins, to DNA, thyroid cells, beta-glycoprotein, etc. A specialist is appointed certain kind analysis based on the patient's medical history.

Further, having in hand the conclusion autoimmune diagnostics, which confirms elevated level"killer" immunoglobulins, a person is registered under the supervision of a specialized doctor specializing in the treatment of an established disease, he may be one of the specialists in such areas as:

gastroenterology;
rheumatology;
dermatology;
nephrology;
cardiology;
endocrinology;
urology;
pulmonology;
hematology;
neurology.

The appropriate doctor develops a treatment regimen for an autoimmune disease with the appointment of drugs that inhibit the production of antibodies, hormonal drugs or immunomodulatory drugs. Which type of drug is appropriate for use depends on individual case- features of the resulting dissonance in the immune system.

Autoimmune diseases are a large group of diseases that can be combined on the basis of the fact that an immune system that is aggressively tuned against its own body takes part in their development.

The causes of almost all autoimmune diseases are still unknown.

Given the huge variety autoimmune diseases, as well as their manifestations and the nature of the course, these diseases are studied and treated by the most different specialists. Which one depends on the symptoms of the disease. So, for example, if only the skin suffers (pemphigoid, psoriasis), a dermatologist is needed, if the lungs (fibrosing alveolitis, sarcoidosis) - a pulmonologist, joints ( rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis) - rheumatologist, etc.

However, there are systemic autoimmune diseases when different organs and tissues are affected, for example, systemic vasculitis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, or the disease “goes beyond” one organ: for example, with rheumatoid arthritis, not only the joints, but also the skin can be affected, kidneys, lungs. In such situations, most often the disease is treated by a doctor whose specialization is associated with the most striking manifestations of the disease, or several different specialists.

The prognosis of the disease depends on many reasons and varies greatly depending on the type of disease, its course and the adequacy of the therapy.

The treatment of autoimmune diseases is aimed at suppressing the aggressiveness of the immune system, which no longer distinguishes between "self and others." Medicines, aimed at reducing the activity of immune inflammation, are called immunosuppressants. The main immunosuppressants are "Prednisolone" (or its analogues), cytostatics ("Cyclophosphamide", "Methotrexate", "Azathioprine", etc.) and monoclonal antibodies, which act as specifically as possible on individual links of inflammation.

Many patients often ask questions, how can I suppress my own immune system, how will I live with “bad” immunity? Suppressing the immune system in autoimmune diseases is not possible, but necessary. The doctor always weighs what is more dangerous: illness or treatment, and only then makes a decision. So, for example, with autoimmune thyroiditis, it is not necessary to suppress the immune system, but with systemic vasculitis (for example, microscopic polyanginitis) it is simply vital.

People live with suppressed immunity for many years. This increases the frequency infectious diseases, but this is a kind of "fee" for the treatment of the disease.

Often patients are interested in whether it is possible to take immunomodulators. Immunomodulators are different, most of them are contraindicated for people suffering from autoimmune diseases, however, some drugs in certain situations may be useful, for example, intravenous immunoglobulins.

Systemic autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases are often difficult to diagnose and require special attention doctors and patients, very different in their manifestations and prognosis, and yet most of them are successfully treated.

This group includes autoimmune diseases that affect two or more organ and tissue systems, such as muscles and joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, etc. Some forms of the disease become systemic only with the progression of the disease, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, while others immediately affect many organs and tissues. Typically, systemic autoimmune diseases rheumatologists treat, but often such patients can be found in the departments of nephrology, pulmonology.

Major systemic autoimmune diseases:

Systemic lupus erythematosus;
systemic sclerosis (scleroderma);
polymyositis and dermapolymyositis;
antiphospholipid syndrome;
rheumatoid arthritis (does not always have systemic manifestations);
Sjögren's syndrome;
Behcet's disease;
systemic vasculitis (this is a group of different individual diseases, combined on the basis of such a symptom as vascular inflammation).

Autoimmune diseases with a primary lesion of the joints

These diseases are treated by rheumatologists. Sometimes these diseases can affect several different organs and tissues at once:

Rheumatoid arthritis;
spondyloarthropathies (group various diseases combined on the basis of a number of common features).

Autoimmune diseases of the endocrine system

This group of diseases includes autoimmune thyroiditis(Hashimoto's thyroiditis), Graves' disease (diffuse toxic goiter), type 1 diabetes mellitus, etc.

Unlike many autoimmune diseases, this group of diseases does not require immunosuppressive therapy. Most patients are seen by endocrinologists or family doctors(therapists).

Autoimmune blood diseases

Hematologists are specialized in this group of diseases. The most famous diseases are:

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia;
thrombocytopenic purpura;
autoimmune neutropenia.

Autoimmune diseases of the nervous system

A very large group. Treatment of these diseases is the prerogative of neurologists. The most famous autoimmune diseases nervous system are:

Multiple (multiple) sclerosis;
Hyena-Bare syndrome;
myasthenia gravis.

Autoimmune diseases of the liver and gastrointestinal tract

These diseases are treated, as a rule, by gastroenterologists, less often by general therapeutic doctors.

autoimmune hepatitis;
primary biliary cirrhosis;
primary sclerosing cholangitis;
Crohn's disease;
ulcerative colitis;
celiac disease;
Autoimmune pancreatitis.

Treatment autoimmune diseases skin is the prerogative of dermatologists. The most famous diseases are:

Pemphingoid;
psoriasis;
discoid lupus erythematosus;
isolated skin vasculitis;
chronic urticaria (urticarial vasculitis);
some forms of alopecia;
vitiligo.

Autoimmune kidney disease

This group of diverse and often serious diseases is studied and treated by both nephrologists and rheumatologists.

Primary glomerulonephritis and glomerolupatia (a large group of diseases);
Goodpasture's syndrome;
systemic vasculitis with kidney damage, as well as other systemic autoimmune diseases with kidney damage.

autoimmune heart disease

These diseases lie in the field of activity of both cardiologists and rheumatologists. Some diseases are treated primarily by cardiologists, such as myocarditis; other diseases - almost always rheumatologists (vasculitis with heart disease).

rheumatic fever;
systemic vasculitis with heart damage;
myocarditis (some forms).

autoimmune lung disease

This group of diseases is very extensive. Diseases affecting only the lungs and upper Airways in most cases, pulmonologists treat, systemic diseases with lung damage - rheumatologists.

Idiopathic interstitial lung diseases (fibrosing alveolitis);
sarcoidosis of the lungs;
systemic vasculitis with lung damage and other systemic autoimmune diseases with lung damage (derma- and polymyositis, scleroderma).

How many amazing discoveries have already been made in medicine, but there are still many nuances of the body's work under the veil of mystery. Thus, the best scientific minds cannot fully explain the cases when the immune system begins to work against a person and he is diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Find out what this group of diseases is.

What are systemic autoimmune diseases

Pathologies of this type are always a very serious challenge for both the patient and the specialists treating him. If we briefly describe what autoimmune diseases are, then they can be defined as ailments that are caused not by some external pathogen, but directly by the body's own immune system of a sick person.

What is the mechanism of development of the disease? Nature provides that a special group of cells - lymphocytes - develop the ability to recognize foreign tissues and various infections, health threatening organism. The reaction to such antigens is the production of antibodies that fight pathogens, as a result of which the patient recovers.

In some cases, a serious failure occurs in this scheme of functioning of the human body: the immune system begins to perceive healthy cells own body as antigens. The autoimmune process actually triggers a mechanism of self-destruction when lymphocytes begin to attack a certain type of body cells, affecting them systemically. Because of this violation normal operation immunity, the destruction of organs and even entire systems of the body occurs, which leads to serious threats not only to health, but also to human life.

Causes of Autoimmune Diseases

The human body is a self-adjusting mechanism, therefore it needs the presence of a certain amount of lymphocytes-orderlies tuned to the protein of the cells of its own body in order to recycle dying or diseased cells of the body. Why do diseases arise when such a balance is disturbed and healthy tissues begin to be destroyed? According to medical research, external and internal causes can lead to such a result.

Internal impact caused by heredity	Mutations of type I genes: lymphocytes cease to recognize a certain type of body cells, starting to perceive them as antigens.
Internal impact caused by heredity	Mutations of type II genes: nurse cells begin to multiply uncontrollably, as a result of which an ailment occurs.
External influence	The autoimmune system begins to destroy healthy cells after a person has had a protracted or very severe form of an infectious disease.
	Harmful effect environment: radiation, intense solar radiation.
	Cross-immunity: if the cells that cause the disease are similar to the cells of the body, then the latter also fall under the attack of the lymphocytes that fight the infection.

What are the diseases of the immune system

Work failures defense mechanisms human body associated with their hyperactivity, it is customary to divide into two large groups: systemic and organ-specific ailments. The belonging of a disease to one or another group is determined based on how widespread its effect on the body is. So, in autoimmune diseases of an organ-specific nature, cells of one organ are perceived as antigens. Examples of such ailments are type I diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent), diffuse toxic goiter, atrophic gastritis.

If we consider what autoimmune diseases of a systemic nature are, then in such cases, lymphocytes are perceived as cell antigens located in different cells and organs. A number of such ailments include rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue diseases, dermatopolymyositis, etc. You need to know that among patients with autoimmune diseases, there are frequent cases when several diseases of this type related to different groups.

Autoimmune skin diseases

Such violations of the normal functioning of the body cause a lot of physical and psychological discomfort to patients who are forced not only to endure physical pain due to illness, but also to experience many unpleasant moments due to external manifestation such dysfunction. Many people know what autoimmune skin diseases are, because this group includes:

psoriasis;
vitiligo;
some types of alopecia;
hives;
vasculitis with skin localization;
vesicles, etc.

Autoimmune liver disease

These pathologies include several diseases - biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune pancreatitis and hepatitis. These ailments, affecting the main filter of the human body, in the course of development contribute major changes and the functioning of other systems. So, autoimmune hepatitis progresses due to the fact that antibodies to the cells of the same organ are formed in the liver. The patient has jaundice heat, severe pain in the area this body. With absence the right treatment lymph nodes will be affected, joints will become inflamed, skin problems will appear.

What does autoimmune thyroid disease mean?

Among these ailments, there are diseases that have arisen due to excessive or due to reduced secretion of hormones by the specified organ. So, with Graves' disease, the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine, which is manifested in the patient by weight loss, nervous excitability, heat intolerance. The second of these groups of diseases includes Hashimoto's thyroiditis, when the thyroid gland is significantly enlarged. The patient feels as if there is a lump in the throat, his weight increases, facial features coarsen. The skin thickens and becomes dry. Memory impairment may occur.

Although these ailments are manifested by many symptoms, put accurate diagnosis is often difficult. A person who has signs of these thyroid diseases should contact several qualified specialists for faster and more accurate diagnosis. A correctly and timely prescribed treatment regimen will relieve painful symptoms and prevent the development of a number of complications.

Find out more about what is and methods of treatment.

Video: how to treat autoimmune diseases

All types of such diseases are united by one feature - the human immune system, aggressively tuned to its own cells, takes part in the development of each. Autoimmune skin diseases are very insidious: the disease can affect both individual cells or organs, and entire body systems, as in systemic lupus erythematosus, which affects the skin first, and then the kidneys, liver, brain, heart, lungs, endocrine system and joints.

What are autoimmune skin diseases

All ailments that appeared as a result of aggressive active cells the immune system to healthy cells of the body, called autoimmune. More often, such diseases are systemic, since they affect not only a separate organ, but also entire systems, and sometimes the whole organism. Autoimmune skin disease is an example of one of the many ailments that have arisen due to the fault of the immune system. AT this case Cells of the entire skin cover are mistakenly attacked by specific immune bodies.

Symptoms

There are several options for the development of symptoms of an autoimmune type of disease. In general, they are characterized following processes:

inflammation, redness of the skin;
deterioration of well-being;
general weakness.

Depending on the type of skin disease, there are some differences in the clinical picture of diseases, which manifests itself in different symptoms and the depth of the epidermal lesion. Frequent symptoms:

The appearance of a rash in the form of blisters on different parts skin cover. The bubble can come true of different sizes, more often appear on the mucous membranes and folds of the skin - this is how pemphigus manifests itself.
The appearance of spots of saturated red color, which infiltrate and turn into plaques; foci of inflammation are painful, when developing into chronic inflammation the foci atrophy (the skin turns pale and thinner). Takova general symptoms lupus erythematosus.
The appearance of bluish or yellowish-brown spots of different sizes. The affected area gradually grows, at the peak of the development of acute inflammation, plaques form in the middle of the spot, and scars may appear. These are general symptoms scleroderma.

Each of the above diseases can be wide range different symptoms, for example, pemphigus can have a number of the following manifestations:

Nikolsky's symptom - slipping upper layers epidermis of not affected, at first glance, skin;
symptom of Asbo-Hansen - when pressing on the bladder, its area increases;
symptom of peripheral growth and others.

The reasons

exact reasons, which can develop this disease, scientists have not yet identified. There are several theories that describe possible reasons aggressive behavior of immune bodies in relation to the cells of the body. All autoimmune diseases can occur due to a number of internal and external causes. The internal ones are different kind gene mutations that are inherited, and external ones can be:

pathogens of infectious diseases;
radiation;
ultraviolet radiation;
physical and even regular mechanical impact.

In children

A common cause of autoimmune pathologies in small child, may be allergic reaction. Cells-defenders of immature immunity can overreact aggressively to the allergen. At an early age, when immunity is just being formed, any factors can cause a malfunction defensive forces organism and cause an exaggerated response to stimuli. The disease can also be transmitted from mother to child - the antibodies of the disease are able to pass through the placenta.

Who suffers from autoimmune diseases

More often, those patients who have a hereditary predisposition suffer from disorders associated with the functioning of the immune system. This is due to gene mutations:

First type. Lymphocytes cease to distinguish between cells of a certain type, therefore, there is a risk of developing the pathology of the organ that was affected by this disease in the next of kin. Such mutations can cause diabetes, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis.
The second type. The defenders of the body, lymphocytes, begin to multiply uncontrollably, fight against the cells of various organs and thereby cause systemic pathologies, in which not only organs, but also glands, arteries, and various tissues can be simultaneously affected.

List of autoimmune diseases

In people who have a hereditary predisposition to the appearance of autoimmune diseases, pathologies of various organs may occur. Pathology can form in the same organ that was affected by the next of kin for a similar reason. In women, lesions of the skin, blood vessels, joints, intestines and in general gastrointestinal tract. The most common such diseases include on the skin:

scleroderma;
acrosclerosis;
red or systemic lupus;
psoriasis;
pemphigus;
psoriasis
pemphigoid;
dermatitis herpetiformis Dühring;
dermatomyositis;
allergic vasculitis.

Diagnostics

An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor after a blood test for certain antibodies. Each syndrome is characterized by certain types of antibodies in the blood, for example, lupus erythematosus can be characterized only by the presence of lupus erythematosus cells in the blood. If the analysis of these antibodies did not reveal, then disease state skin is caused by another disease. The form of autoimmune reactions may resemble common dermatitis and only an elevated level of antibodies in the blood can confirm an autoimmune process.

Treatment

In the treatment of autoimmune reactions, corticosteroids are widely used, which show a positive result in the treatment. In some cases, therapy also includes hormonal preparations and physiotherapy. Intolerance hormonal drugs and corticosteroids are common among patients. In such cases, only drug therapy and symptomatic treatment autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune Therapy

After a comprehensive diagnosis, the doctor decides how to treat autoimmune diseases in a particular case. Individual organs, tissues and blood vessels affected by their own cells can be brought back to normal by drugs called immunosuppressants. These drugs are specifically designed to suppress the activity of aggressive lymphocytes. Such drugs are effective for, for example, hemolytic anemia when there is a lack of red blood cells. Immunosuppressants include the following drugs:

prednisolone;
cyclophosphamide;
azathioprine;
methotrexate.

The above drugs show positive results in treatment, but have a large number side effects. For example, prednisolone acts on many levels and can affect metabolism, provoke edema, Cushing's syndrome (moon face) and affect almost all organs and systems. The doctor, prescribing drugs for treatment, always takes into account the potential harm from taking the drug and the danger to the body if the drug is not prescribed.