Autoimmune Diseases

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A disease in which the body's immune system attacks healthy cells.

Most common types:

• Rheumatoid arthritis- A chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet.
• Lupus- An inflammatory disease caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues.
• Celiac disease- An immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
• Sjögren's syndrome- An immune system disorder characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth.
• Polymyalgia rheumatica- An inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness around the shoulders and hips.
• Multiple sclerosis- A disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves.
• Ankylosing spondylitis- An inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and large joints.
• Type 1 diabetes- A chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
• Alopecia areata- Sudden hair loss that starts with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap.
• Vasculitis- An inflammation of the blood vessels that causes changes in the blood vessel walls.
• Temporal arteritis- An inflammation of blood vessels, called arteries, in and around the scalp.