Autoimmune disease information
Disorders of the autoimmune system can several types of mild and serious conditions

When our body encounters something foreign in its environment it needs to be able to mount an immune response against that substance to protect itself from potential harm. In order to do this effectively it must be able to recognize what is self in order to respond to non-self or foreign. In autoimmune diseases there is a failure to recognize some part of self, with potential serious consequences.

Autoimmune disorders result in destruction of one or more types of body tissues, abnormal growth of an organ, or changes in organ function. The disorder may affect only one organ or tissue type or may affect multiple organs and tissues. Organs and tissues commonly affected by autoimmune disorders include blood components such as red blood cells, blood vessels, connective tissues, endocrine glands such as the thyroid or pancreas, muscles, joints, and skin.

Frequently more than one autoimmune disease will be seen in the same person, as well as an increased susceptibility to bacterial infection.

What are some types of Autoimmune diseases?
There are several recognized diseases that are considered autoimmune disorders. Here they are in alphabetical order:

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)

Autoimune myositis is usually divided between polymyositis and masticatory muscle myositis.

Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Autoimmune thyroiditis (hypothyroidism)

Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Pre-eclampsia may actually be an autoimmune disorder caused by pregnancy-induced autoantibodies that activate the angiotensin II receptor type 1a (AT1 receptor). Roughly 5% of pregnancies are affected by preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide.

SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus

Pemphigus

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which joints, usually including those of the hands and feet, are symmetrically inflamed, resulting in swelling, pain, and often the eventual destruction of the joint's interior. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory joint disease and a major cause of disability, morbidity, and mortality. It occurs worldwide, affecting approximately one per cent of adults. Rheumatoid arthritis may be accompanied by fatigue, weight loss, anxiety, and depression.

Myasthenia gravis

Herbs for autoimmune disease
There are many herbs that would be helpful for autoimmune diseases, and with time we will add to this list.
Tripterygium herb is one possibility.

Autoimmune disease questions
Q. Is sarcoidosis an autoimmune disease condition?
   A. An abnormal immune system is involved in sarcoidosis, but we are not sure if it can be called autoimmune.

Supplements and Herbs