Autoimmune Disease Quiz

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system, which normally defends the body against pathogens, mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. Over 80 distinct autoimmune diseases have been identified, affecting approximately 5-8% of the population in developed countries. Women are significantly more likely to develop most autoimmune conditions than men - Some diseases, like lupus and Sjögren's syndrome, affect women at 9:1 ratios compared to men.

Common Autoimmune Conditions

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes the immune system to attack joint lining (synovium), causing inflammation, pain, and eventual joint destruction. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can affect virtually any organ system, producing the characteristic butterfly-shaped facial rash, joint pain, fatigue, and kidney damage. Multiple sclerosis (MS) attacks the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers, disrupting signal transmission between brain and body. Type 1 diabetes results from immune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Connective tissues are frequent targets of autoimmune attack, as in lupus, scleroderma, and Sjögren's syndrome.

Treatment of autoimmune diseases typically involves immunosuppressant medications to calm the overactive immune response. These include corticosteroids (prednisone), DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs like methotrexate), and biologics (targeted therapies like TNF inhibitors). The exact cause of most autoimmune diseases remains unknown, though genetic predisposition, environmental triggers (infections, stress), and hormonal factors all appear to play roles. The skin is affected in many autoimmune diseases including psoriasis, lupus, and scleroderma.