Immune Diseases in Children

Immune syndrome diseases in children, also known as autoimmune disorders, occur when the child's own immune system begins to attack the body, causing myriad symptoms and serious health problems. Autoimmune diseases can be hereditary, but aren't contagious.

Types

• Autoimmune disorders include juvenile diabetes, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Allergies are also considered autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of autoimmune disorders include recurrent fevers, diarrhea, joint pain, coughing, coughing up blood, rashes and wheezing.

Diagnosis

• Doctors perform blood tests and diagnostic procedures and collect familial histories to diagnose autoimmune diseases. For allergies, there are specialized tests to determine which foods or environmental items trigger a reaction in the child.

Treatment

• Treatment for an autoimmune disease depends on the disorder, but almost all requires controlling inflammation and suppressing the immune system so it will stop attacking the body. Medications that suppress the immune system include corticosteroids like prednisone. Juvenile diabetes requires daily monitoring and control of glucose levels.

Prevention

• There is no known prevention for autoimmune disorders as of October 2009. Reducing stress, eating a balanced diet and avoiding known allergens and sick people can prevent flare-ups or reduce the severity of symptoms. Some children's symptoms are relieved by alternative therapies, such as herbal medicines, massages or acupuncture.