Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and organs. Although there are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, some are much rarer than others.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues. It is the most common type of autoimmune disease, affecting around 1.3 million Americans.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It is estimated that around 400,000 people in the United States have MS.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the body's ability to produce insulin. It usually occurs in childhood or adolescence, and affects about 1.25 million Americans.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects multiple organs and tissues. It is estimated that around 1.5 million Americans have SLE.
Graves' Disease
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. It is estimated to affect around 200,000 Americans.
Sjogren's Syndrome
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects the body's exocrine glands, causing dryness in the eyes, mouth, and other parts of the body. It is estimated to affect around 4 million Americans.
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the muscles and nerves. It is estimated to affect around 60,000 Americans.
Polymyositis
Polymyositis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the muscles, causing weakness and wasting. It is estimated to affect around 20,000 Americans.
