Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. Autoimmune disorders can affect virtually any organ or tissue, including the heart, joints, skin, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, and brain.
The exact cause of autoimmune diseases is still unknown. However, scientists believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of these disorders. Genes can make a person more likely to develop an autoimmune disease, but this alone does not cause these disorders.
Environmental factors, such as certain infections, toxins, medications, or exposure to other environmental triggers, can also contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. For example, certain infections may trigger an autoimmune response, or the body may mistake its own healthy tissue for an infection and attack it. Additionally, some medications, such as certain types of antibiotics, can cause an autoimmune reaction. Finally, exposure to certain toxins or environmental triggers can also cause an autoimmune response.
In addition to genes and environmental factors, hormones may also play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases. Many of these diseases are more common in women than in men, suggesting that hormones may be involved.
In conclusion, the exact cause of autoimmune diseases is still unknown, but a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors likely play a role in their development.
