Autoimmune Disease

Process involved in autoimmune diseases

Process of autoimmune disorders cutting edge research

Normally the immune system's army of white blood cells helps protect the body from harmful substances, called antigens. Bacteria, viruses, toxins are always on the attack to cause diseases. cancer

Cells, and foreign blood or tissues from another person or species. The immune system produce antibodies that destroy these harmful substances.

Nowadays, celiac disease is perceived to be an autoimmune disease like diabetes and multiple sclerosis, not a food allergy to wheat as thought before.

When people who are genetically skewed toward the disease eat wheat, they, first of all, have a reaction [to wheat] in the intestine. The reaction makes the intestine leakier so that more wheat comes into the body. Then the immune cells of the intestine will mount an inflammatory response that ultimately will damage the liner cells [of the intestine] that are charged with absorbing nutrition. Ultimately, it can lead to further damage throughout the body.

But in patients with an autoimmune disorder, the immune system can't tell the difference between healthy body tissue and antigens. The result is an immune response that destroys normal body tissues. The response is a hypersensitivity reaction similar to allergies, where the immune system reacts to a substance that it normally would ignore. In allergies, the immune system reacts to an external substance that would normally be harmless. With autoimmune disorders, the immune system reacts to normal body tissues.

What causes the immune system to no longer distinguish between healthy body tissues and antigens is unknown. One theory holds that various microorganisms and drugs and pollution may trigger some of these changes, particularly in persons who are genetically prone to autoimmune disorders those with vitamin-D deficiency.. Genetic changes are reversible with diet.

Treatment

The goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms and control the autoimmune process while maintaining the body's ability to fight disease. Treatments vary widely and depend on the specific disease and your symptoms.

Some patients may need supplements to replenish a hormone or vitamin that the body is lacking. Examples include thyroid

If the autoimmune disorder affects the blood, the person may need blood transfusions.

Measures to help with movement or other functions may be needed for autoimmune disorders that affect the bones, joints, or muscles.

Medicines are often prescribed to control or reduce the immune system's response. Such medicines may include corticosteroids and immunosuppressant drugs such as cyclophosphamide or azathioprine.

Before one starts on medication one should find the offending organism or allergy. The most common are food allergies and in particular celicac disease.

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