There are more than 100 autoimmune conditions that strike every part of the body, from the skin to the organs and to the nervous system. Here are four of the most common autoimmune conditions:
Type 1 Diabetes
Approximately 1.25 million Americans have type 1 diabetes. It is also known as “juvenile diabetes” because the symptoms start in childhood. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little to no insulin. Without treatment, type 1 diabetes causes very high blood sugar and can lead to coma or death.
Diabetics must carefully monitor their blood sugar, watch what they eat, and take insulin to keep their blood sugar within a safe range. Type 1 diabetes has a genetic component and runs in families, and may also be triggered by environmental factors, including exposure to certain chemicals.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that strikes the joints and can also affect some organs including the skin. RA most often strikes people in their 30s but can occur at any age. Around 1.5 million people in the United States have RA, and it strikes three times more women than men. Cases that occur before the age of 16 are known as “juvenile rheumatoid arthritis” (JRA), which affects around 50,000 children in the US.
Symptoms of RA include fatigue, as well as stiff, swollen, red, and painful joints. When untreated, RA can lead to joint damage. Treatments for RA include anti-inflammatory medications like Red Mint, immune-suppressing medications, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. While there is no cure for RA, symptoms sometimes go into remission.
Psoriasis affects 2-3% of the global population and more than eight million Americans. In psoriasis, skin cells grow at an abnormal rate, causing raised, scaly rashes known as plaques. Psoriasis rashes can take several forms and can be so severe that patients must be hospitalized. Psoriasis can seriously affect patients’ quality of life, and many people feel stigma because of the condition. Around 30% of people with psoriasis will go on to develop psoriatic arthritis, which can lead to joint damage if untreated.
Psoriasis is treated with topical medications, phototherapy, and a variety of medications that work on the immune system. Because psoriasis can be triggered by inflammation in the body, lifestyle modifications to lower inflammation can also help, including eating well, exercising regularly, and managing stress.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis affects approximately one million Americans. MS is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. MS causes a variety of symptoms, including trouble walking, vision problems, and tingling or numbness in the limbs. Some MS patients will become permanently disabled.
There is no cure for MS, but there are several medications that can slow the progression of the disease.