Types of Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and organs. There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, including:
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): SLE is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart, and lungs. Symptoms can include joint pain, a butterfly rash on the face, extreme fatigue, and sensitivity to light.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is an inflammatory disorder that affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function. It usually affects the hands, wrists, and feet.
Graves' Disease: Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. Symptoms include weight loss, bulging eyes, sweating, heart palpitations, and fatigue.
Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that affects the pancreas, causing it to produce little or no insulin. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, fatigue, and weight loss.