Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: Causes, Types, and Treatments Explained
- Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, with over 80 to 100 types identified. - These diseases are chronic, affecting about 1 in 15 Americans, with women more commonly impacted. - The evidence leans toward treatments managing symptoms, as there is no cure, with ongoing research exploring new therapies. *What Are Autoimmune Diseases? Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the immune system, which normally fights off infections, mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body. This can affect almost any part, leading to symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes. *Prevalence and Impact - Studies indicate that around 23.5 million Americans have autoimmune diseases, with nearly 80% being women. This highlights a significant health concern, especially for certain demographics. *Treatment and Research - While there’s no cure, treatments such as immunosuppress...