Show Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system produces antibodies that attack the body’s own cells. There are many types, including Coeliac disease, lupus and Graves’ disease. Although they can’t be cured, there are various treatment options to manage the symptoms and reduce further damage to your body. What is the immune system?The immune system incorporates different parts of the body – including certain blood cells, skin, bone marrow and more – that work to keep you healthy. The immune system protects you from infection by detecting and fighting diseases. If infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses get into your body, immune cells usually kill or overwhelm them, removing the infection. This is known as the immune response. Autoimmune disease occurs when, instead of attacking bacteria, viruses or other sources of infection, the immune system attacks healthy organs and tissues. Causes of autoimmune diseaseIt's not known why autoimmune diseases develop, although most people who have an autoimmune disease have a genetic predisposition. An environmental factor such as an infection, stress, medication, diet or even ultraviolet radiation then triggers the symptoms of the autoimmune disease. Types and symptoms of autoimmune diseaseThere are more than 100 different autoimmune diseases. Most of them are long-term illnesses, with the severity of symptoms changing over time. Some of the more common autoimmune diseases include:
Most people have signs and symptoms of autoimmune disorders for a long time before they seek help. It can also take a long time to diagnose an autoimmune disease because some symptoms, such as tiredness and ‘just not feeling right’, are commonly felt by many adults, while symptoms can come and go. With most conditions, there is no one test that confirms a diagnosis. If you think you might have an autoimmune disease, use the healthdirect Symptom Checker and see your doctor. They will investigate your symptoms more closely, examine you and ask you about your general health. They might arrange a blood test, x-ray, MRI or biopsy. Depending on your condition, your doctor might also refer you to a specialist for further investigation or advice on treatment options. Treatment of autoimmune diseaseWhile there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, help is available. People diagnosed with autoimmune diseases often benefit from:
Specific medicines and lifestyle changes can help. For example, people with type 1 diabetes inject insulin, while those with autoimmune diseases that affect skin receive advice about the sun, bathing, creams and lotions. People with coeliac disease must follow a gluten-free diet. In some people, autoimmune diseases can be mild, while others will need to invest a lot of time and care in managing their condition. However, most people with autoimmune conditions are able to live a full and enjoyable life. Where to seek more helpYou can find organisations that support people with specific autoimmune diseases at these sites: Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Last reviewed: March 2020 These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
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Sometimes the immune system get confused and attacks normal cells in our own body. If this happens, what is known as an autoimmune disease develops. Read more on Queensland Health website
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Autoimmune Diseases, Vasculitis disorders Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website
36 common autoimmune diseases studied by Hope Research. With explanation of how these diseases arise, and a possible approach for treatment. Read more on Garvan Institute of Medical Research website
Autoimmune diseases are a broad range of related diseases in which a person’s immune system produces an inappropriate response against its own cells, tissues and/or organs. This results in inflammation and damage. There are over 80 different autoimmune diseases, ranging from common to very rare. These diseases can be localised to a single organ or tissue, or generalised (systemic), affecting many body organs and tissues. Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website
1. Autoimmune diseases are a broad range of more than 80 related disorders that range from common to rare. They affect around 5% of people and are one of the most important chronic health problems in Australia and New Zealand. Common autoimmune diseases such as thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes affect more than 1% of people. Lupus (SLE) affects less than 0.1% of people and is more common and severe in Indigenous Australians, Polynesians and people descended from South East Asia. Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website Read more on Better Health Channel website
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease characterised by muscular weakness. Read more on Queensland Health website
Find out what tests there are for arthritis and other autoimmune disorders Read more on Know Pathology Know Healthcare website
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease affecting the mucous membranes. Read about Garvan's research and findings, and resources. Read more on Garvan Institute of Medical Research website
To help diagnose and distinguish between autoimmune disorders When your Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test is positive; when you have symptoms that suggest an autoimmune disorder An ENA (Extractable Nuclear Antigen Antibodies) panel detects the presence of one or more specific autoantibodies in the blood Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website
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