Autoimmune diseases

• What is a key factor that can cause autoimmune diseases?

  A genetic tendency in some families
• How does the immune system behave in autoimmune diseases?

  The immune system stops recognizing self-cells and starts attacking body cells
• What are the potential consequences of having an autoimmune disease?

  Chronic inflammation or complete destruction and degeneration of healthy tissue
• What is one treatment option for autoimmune diseases?

  Immunosuppressant drugs
• What is a downside of using immunosuppressant drugs as treatment for autoimmune diseases?

  They deprive the body of its natural defenses against communicable diseases
• What are the main causes and effects of autoimmune diseases?

  Causes:

  • Genetic tendency in some families
  • Immune response to pathogens or normal body microorganisms
  • Ineffective T regulator cells

  
  

  Effects:

  • Immune system attacks self-cells
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Destruction and degeneration of healthy tissue
• What are the treatment options for autoimmune diseases and their implications?

  Treatment options:

  • Immunosuppressant drugs
  • Prevent immune system from working
  • Deprives body of natural defenses against infections
• What is an autoimmune disease?

  A condition where the immune system attacks the body's own cells
• What is the body part affected in Type 1 diabetes?

  • Insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas
• What is the treatment for Type 1 diabetes?

  Insulin injection
• What are the treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Steroids
  • Immunosuppressants
• What body parts are affected by rheumatoid arthritis?

  Joints, especially in the hands and feet
• Is there a cure for rheumatoid arthritis?

  No, there is no cure
• What is lupus and what does it affect?

  • An autoimmune disease
  • Can attack any organ in the body including kidneys, liver, and brain
• What are the treatments for lupus?

  Anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids