Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues instead of protecting them. This immune system attack leads to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and varied symptoms depending on which organ or system is affected. Depending on this, they are classified into organ-specific or systemic (affecting multiple organs\/systems) categories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are more than 100 known autoimmune diseases, but some types are far more common than others. Our autoimmune disease list highlights 10 conditions that most frequently affect people worldwide. Each disease has distinct causes and treatment options ranging from organ-specific issues to whole-body inflammation. Thus, a specialist, such as a Rheumatologist or Endocrinologist, will diagnose and develop your treatment and monitoring plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s examine the most common conditions, their effects on the body, and the treatment options that can help you manage their symptoms for long-term health and quality of life. <\/p>\n\n\n
Lupus is one of the most complex systemic autoimmune diseases because it can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, and even the heart. It often flares up and subsides, characterized by a butterfly rash that spreads across the cheeks and nose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It affects 1.5 million Americans and more than 5 million people worldwide. The exact cause of Lupus isn\u2019t fully understood, but a mix of genetics, hormones, and environmental triggers (infections, sunlight, or stress) can bring on flare-ups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although there is no cure, Lupus can be diagnosed, controlled and managed as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n