Autoimmunisiin

Autoimmunisiin is a Finnish term that translates to "autoimmune" in English. It refers to a class of diseases where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues. Normally, the immune system differentiates between foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses and the body's own cells. In autoimmune conditions, this distinction breaks down, leading to the immune system mounting a response against parts of the body such as joints, skin, nerves, or organs.

The exact causes of autoimmune diseases are not fully understood, but it is believed that a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as infections or exposure to certain toxins, may trigger the immune system's abnormal response. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific autoimmune disease and the tissues affected. Common manifestations include inflammation, pain, fatigue, and organ dysfunction.

Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases often involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests to detect autoantibodies (antibodies that target self-antigens), and sometimes imaging studies or biopsies. Treatment aims to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and suppress the overactive immune response. This can involve medications like corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). While many autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, effective management can significantly improve the quality of life for affected individuals. Examples of autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes.