Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center - (Page 42)
ATTACK
FROM
WITHIN
When you’re forced to sit next to a coughing seat mate at 30,000
feet, your immune system is your trustworthy travel companion.
When a nasty stomach flu is making its way around the office, your
immune system is on the job. It’s your body’s very own defense
system against germs and diseases, and it never takes a day off.
But for those with an autoimmune disease, the
immune system takes things a step too far. “It’s like
friendly fire,” says Michael Lockshin, MD, a rheumatologist, professor and former editor-in-chief of
the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism. “The immune
system starts attacking the body and doesn’t recognize what’s normal.”
In other words, it attacks healthy cells. And it
knows no boundaries, meaning almost any part of
the body can be affected—from your brain to your
bladder—depending on the type of autoimmune
disease. More than 80 known types are divided
into two broad categories: those that attack multiple organs (such as lupus) and those that attack
only one (such as inflammatory bowel disease).
To make things even more complicated, autoimmune diseases often have similar symptoms, such
as fatigue, joint pain and fever, so it can take multiple tests and exams to pinpoint the exact cause. Also,
there is somewhat of a cycle to autoimmune diseases. When symptoms are at their worst, it is called
a flare-up. And when they retreat, it’s a remission.
Flare-ups can come and go within days or weeks,
and a remission period can last a year or more.
While the exact cause of autoimmune diseases is
unknown, there are certain risk factors, including
family history. Women, especially those in their
childbearing years, and minorities are at higher
risk than the general population. In fact, 78 percent of people affected by autoimmune diseases
are women.
Here, we explore four common types of autoimmune diseases, including symptoms and
treatment options.
BY COLLEEN RINGER
42
FA L L 2 013
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center
Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Up to the Challenge
The Fight of Her Life
Foundation
Step It Up
Your Mightiest Muscle
Well, Well, Well
Are You Doing More Harm Than Good?
Is Your Shut-Eye Serving You Well?
On the Cover
Anatomy of an ER Visit
Next-Gen Surgery
Attack from Within
Virtual Health
Show Me Better Health
Auxiliary
Calendar
Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center
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