List of Immune Diseases

Immune system diseases are usually referred to as autoimmune disorders. Usually, the immune system only attacks foreign substances or tissues. However, in the case of autoimmune disorders, the immune system attacks its own tissue, resulting in a damage and inflammation. Autoimmune disorders can be systemic or localized. Systemic disorders affect multiple organs; localized disorders are focused on one tissue or organ. Autoimmune disorders can affect anyone, but are most common in women during their child-bearing years. They also tend to be genetic.

Grave's Disease

• Grave's disease is a localized autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. Grave's disease is also known as overactive thyroid. An antibody produced by the immune system acts as a stimulator for the thyroid, resulting in excessive production of thyroid hormones. Symptoms include inability to sleep, irritability, unexplained weight loss, sweating, and

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis is also called underactive thyroid, and is another autoimmune disorder of the thyroid. The immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and gradual destruction of tissue. It is most common in women older than 40.

Addison's Disease

• Addison's disease, also called adrenal insufficiency, is caused by damaged adrenal glands, usually as a result of bad communication between the hypothalamus, pituitary glands and adrenal glands. This localized disorder is usually caused by autoimmune factors, but can also be the result of tuberculosis, infections, cancer or hemorrhage. Symptoms include abdominal pain, dehydration, low blood sugar, fatigue and salt craving.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disorder that affects more than 2 million people in America alone. The disorder affects the muscles in the joints, resulting in inflammation, pain and deformity of the joints, as well as overall fatigue, weakness and weight loss. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but routine care can slow the progress of the disease.

Multiple Sclerosis

• Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a systemic autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system. For unknown reasons, harmful plaques, or patches are scattered throughout the nervous system, which interfere with nerve signals, causing neurological dysfunction. The disorder affects between 200,000 and 350,000 people in the U.S., and it can affect anyone, although the most common group is women between the ages of 20 and 40. The exact causes are unknown.