What is an Autoimmune Disorder?

Definition of Autoimmune Disorder:-

• An autoimmune disorder occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's cells, tissues, or organs.

Analogy to a Security Guard:

• Similar to a misguided security guard, the immune system identifies its own cells, tissues, or organs as intruders and initiates an attack.

Role of Antibodies:

• Typically, antibodies produced by the immune system protect against harmful substances like poisons, cancer cells, and viruses.
• In autoimmune diseases, the immune system fails to differentiate between invaders and healthy cells.

Consequences of Autoimmune Response:

• The inability to distinguish leads to inflammation and damage in various parts of the body.

Types of Autoimmune Disorders:

• Examples include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and celiac disease.

Complex Causes:

• The causes of autoimmune disorders are not fully understood, involving genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.

Common Symptoms:

• Fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, fever, and digestive problems are prevalent symptoms of autoimmune disorders.

Source:- Autoimmune Diseases: Types, Symptoms, Causes & More (healthline.com)