Autoimmune

Autoimmune diseases arise from an overactive immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body. In these disorders, instead of protecting the body, the body attacks itself. The immune system mistakes some part of the body as a pathogen and creates a defense. This may be restricted to certain organs (e.g. in chagas disease) or involve a particular tissue in different places (e.g.

Goodpasture's disease which may affect the basement membrane in both the lung and the kidney). The treatment of autoimmune diseases is typically with immunosuppression—medication which decreases the immune response. Immunosuppressants are many and there is considerable research and development going on in this area.

Classification of autoimmune disorders is still somewhat controversial, but the following criteria is generally accepted: Direct evidence from transfer of pathogenic antibody or pathogenic T cells, indirect evidence based on reproduction of the autoimmune disease in experimental animals, and circumstantial evidence from clinical clues

Arthritis is among the most common autoimmune disorders. Arthritis is joint inflammation The major complaint by individuals who have arthritis is joint pain. Pain is often a constant and may be localized to the joint affected. There are over one hundred forms different forms The most common form, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and include physical therapy, exercise and weight control, bracing, medications. Surgery may be required in some changes.