Do you know what are the most dangerous autoimmune diseases?
What are autoimmune diseases?
Autoimmune diseases are pathological conditions in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs of the body instead of protecting them from any foreign foreign bodies. The disease arises due to a disorder in the antibodies that incorrectly recognize components of the body and consider them an enemy that must be attacked, especially the most dangerous autoimmune diseases, which we will learn about in detail below.
5 of the most dangerous autoimmune diseases
There is no doubt that all autoimmune diseases are critical conditions and require careful follow-up and treatment, but there are actually 5 diseases that are considered among the most dangerous autoimmune diseases, which are:
1. Lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is one of the most common and widespread immune diseases, as the immune system attacks multiple tissues in the body, such as the joints, skin tissue, heart, and kidneys, sometimes causing kidney failure, or heart problems due to neglect of treatment.
2. Multiple sclerosis (MS).
Multiple sclerosis involves the immune system attacking the insulating membrane of the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a major disruption in communication between the brain and other organs of the body, and the development of the disease may cause chronic motor disability.
3. Vasculitis
Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that occurs as a result of the immune system attacking the walls of blood vessels, which leads to either their weakness or blockage, and in some serious cases they burst. The most prominent types are Wegener’s disease and temporal arteritis.
4. Giant cell myocarditis
Giant cell myocarditis is a rare immune disease, and it is considered one of the most dangerous autoimmune diseases in which the immune system directly attacks the heart muscle, leading to weakness in the heart muscle and heart contractions. The disease often develops rapidly, leading to sudden cardiac arrest.
5.Encephalitis caused by NMDA receptors
NMDA receptor-induced encephalitis is one of the most dangerous forms of autoimmune encephalitis that has been discovered recently. In this disease, the immune system attacks the NMDA receptors responsible for memory and cognition. This disease is often initially diagnosed as a psychiatric illness.
Learn about: The latest treatment for autoimmune diseases
Symptoms of autoimmune diseases
We now learn about the most important symptoms of the most serious autoimmune diseases individually:
1. Symptoms of lupus
Symptoms of lupus erythematosus include:
- A rash around the nose and on the cheeks that looks like a butterfly.
- Extreme sensitivity to direct sunlight.
- Swelling in the legs and around the eyes.
- Pain and stiffness in the joints.
- Noticeable hair loss.
2. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis
As for the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, they include the following:
- Unexplained extreme fatigue.
- Weakness and sometimes paralysis of the limbs.
- Loss of balance and difficulty moving.
- Double vision with temporary vision loss.
- A feeling of numbness and tingling in various places in the body.
3. Symptoms of vasculitis
Symptoms of vasculitis are as follows:
- High blood pressure.
- Coughing up blood.
- Pain and swelling in the joints.
- Purple spots and rash.
- Exposure to a nosebleed.
- Kidney failure in advanced cases.
4. Symptoms of giant cell myocarditis
Symptoms of giant cell myocarditis include:
- ضيق في التنفس.
- التعرض للإغماء المتكرر.
- Palpitations with heart rhythm disturbances.
- Severe chest pain similar to angina symptoms.
- A state of weakness and fatigue with an inability to perform any activity.
5. Symptoms of encephalitis caused by NMDA receptors
As for the symptoms of encephalitis caused by NMDA receptors, they include the following:
- Difficulty speaking and inability to express.
- Behavioral disturbance and sudden aggression.
- Frequent seizures and convulsions.
- Hallucinations and delusions.
- فقدان الوعي.
Book your consultation now at مركز أمراض الجهاز الهضمي At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
Causes of autoimmune diseases
Understanding the causes of the most serious autoimmune diseases is an essential step in understanding the disease and preventing it later, so we learn below about the most important causes:
- عوامل وراثية:
It means having a family history of autoimmune diseases, which causes some genes that affect the immune system to be passed on to subsequent generations later. - Hormonal imbalance:
Hormonal imbalances or changes are among the most important causes of autoimmune diseases, so we find the highest incidence of infection in women due to puberty, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy. - عوامل بيئية:
There are some environmental factors that stimulate the immune system to attack healthy body organs and tissues, such as heavy smoking, frequent exposure to viruses, bacteria, and harmful chemicals. - Immune dysfunction:
A person may be exposed to an imbalance in the immune cells, B-cells and T-cells, which causes the production of antibodies that attack the body and do not protect it as they did before. - Wrong lifestyle:
The patient's exposure to constant stress and psychological pressure, along with sleep disturbances and poor healthy nutrition, may weaken the immune system and cause the risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
Can autoimmune diseases be cured?
It is not possible to completely cure or recover from autoimmune diseases because they are chronic diseases, but serious symptoms and complications can be controlled through effective and regular medical treatment. It is also possible to improve the lifestyle and avoid factors that affect the disease and increase complications. By adhering to the doctor’s instructions, you can live completely normally.
Preventing autoimmune diseases
Doctors at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital provide you with the most important tips to help you prevent autoimmune diseases, including:
- Do regular periodic examinations, especially if there is a family history of immune diseases.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol so as not to destroy your immune system and increase recurrent infections.
- Make sure to get enough rest and sleep for 8 hours a day, which regulates the functioning of the immune system.
- Follow a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy proteins for the body.
- Stay away from psychological stress by practicing a hobby you love or relaxation exercises that support the immune system.
- Practice regular physical activity, especially walking daily for 30 minutes or light exercise, to maintain a healthy weight.
- Take care of personal hygiene and avoid areas of infection so as not to become infected with recurrent viral and bacterial infections that stimulate the emergence of the disease.
الاسئله الشائعه
We are still learning more about the most dangerous autoimmune diseases through frequently asked questions and answers in detail below:
Who are the people with immune diseases?
People with immune diseases are those whose immune system attacks other healthy organs and cells in the body instead of defending it. Therefore, they always suffer from serious symptoms and recurring infections, which greatly affects their health condition.
Where do autoimmune diseases come from?
Autoimmune diseases usually come from a defect in the immune system that makes it unable to distinguish between foreign objects and healthy cells in the body. This is due to genetic factors and sometimes hormonal imbalance.
Can autoimmune disease cause mental illness?
Yes, the most serious autoimmune diseases may cause mental illness such as multiple sclerosis or autoimmune encephalitis, which directly affects the nervous system and the brain, causing mental and psychological changes and behavioral disorders as well.
To diagnose the most serious autoimmune diseases and find out the causes in detail, book an appointment at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital to begin the journey of treatment and control of the serious symptoms of autoimmune diseases, and be assured that you will receive the best medical care ever in terms of accurate diagnosis, approved treatment protocol, and periodic follow-up of disease developments.
Autoimmune Diseases That Can Be Fatal – verywellhealth
What’s an Autoimmune Disease? – webmd
