NIE: HealthRocks

Sometimes our immune system is TOO effective, and can lead to illness caused by an overactive immune response. Some autoimmune problems are worse than others, and though there is no cure, many can be treated with medication. Here are a few examples of such diseases: Lupus is a systemic disease in which autoimmune antibodies attach to tissues in the body to cause chronic muscle and joint pain. It’s considered systemic because many organs are affected. Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes can occur in both adults and children. Antibodies attack and destroy insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, which controls blood sugar levels. Without insulin, the body cannot easily convert food into energy, so patients must be treated with insulin injections. Unlike lupus, Type 1 diabetes is a localized autoimmune disease because only one type of organ or tissue is affected. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease where the immune system attacks nerve cells, damaging the brain and spinal cord and potentially leading to pain, blindness, weakness, poor coordination and spasms. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies attack the joints causing chronic inflammation, swelling and pain. Scleroderma, also called systemic sclerosis, is a rheumatic autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue. Hardening of the skin can be one of the most visible effects. Gullain-Barre syndrome occurs when the immune system attacks nerves that control arm and leg muscles, weakening the muscles. What causes autoimmune diseases? At this time, it’s not clear, though its known that these diseases run in families, and that infectious bacteria or other outside elements may be contributing factors. Patients can often improve their symptoms by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet. There are outside invaders which attack the immune system directly. The best known is Human Immuno- deficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV infection attacks helper T cells. Instead of helping B cells and macrophages locate, signal, and swallow up bacteria, infected T cells multiply and create new viruses in the body. Not only are these T cells infected, but they make copies of the newly infected cell. Then, those T cells infect other healthy T cells. Those T cells are then both infected and can no longer fight other infections. That is why someone who is HIV-positive is more likely to experience outside infections. If they get sick from the flu, for example, their bodies are less efficient at fighting the illness, and they may experience more severe symptoms. A person with untreated HIV may also experience general symptoms like swollen nodes, weight loss, fevers, fatigue, aches, infection and diarrhea. Since these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, testing for HIV is important to diagnose it. On the other hand, HIV can hide in cells of your body for years, and show no symptoms. A person can be infected with HIV but feel fine. Once someone has HIV, they always have it, but they don’t have to develop AIDS. Patients can take medications to build their T cells back up and strengthen their immune system. Medication can also control the virus and reduce the risk of transmitting it to another person. Unlike the cold or flu, HIV can’t be spread by casual contact, hugging and kissing, or sharing food and drink. It can only be transmitted by blood (via transfusions or sharing needles) or sexual contact with an infected person. Autoimmune Diseases HIV and AIDS: Loss of Immunity WASH YOUR HANDS! One of the most important steps you can take to stay healthy is to wash your hands. Don’t just give them a quick rinse. Use soap and warm water to wash around your hands, fingers and nails for 10 to 15 seconds. Some people find it helpful to sing the “Happy Birthday” song while washing their hands. Remember to wash your hands after you: n Visit someone who is sick n Blow your nose or cough n Use the bathroom n Touch pets or other animals Also, wash your hands before eating or touching food and, of course, when your hands are dirty!