Autoimmune Diseases: When the Immune System Attacks the Body's Own Defenses

Autoimmune diseases are a complex medical condition where the body's defense system turns against itself, attacking healthy tissues and organs. This internal conflict leads to inflammation, manifesting in a wide range of symptoms that vary based on the specific body part targeted.

Dr. Wan Rosmaiza Wan Musa, a specialist in internal medicine and rheumatology, explains that inflammation in the joints can cause swelling and pain, particularly in the morning, while kidney inflammation might lead to foamy urine and impaired function, potentially requiring dialysis. The body's immune system, meant to protect against external threats like germs, mistakenly identifies self-tissues as foreign enemies, initiating an attack.

There are over 100 identified types of autoimmune diseases. Some, like thyroid conditions, affect a single organ, while others, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), can impact multiple organs simultaneously. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a common form where the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Psoriatic Arthritis, linked to the skin condition psoriasis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis, causing inflammation in the spine, are other examples.

Early symptoms can be non-specific, including extreme fatigue, joint pain and swelling, recurring low-grade fevers, skin rashes, and hair loss. Persistent or worsening symptoms warrant further medical investigation to determine the underlying cause. While these symptoms can indicate an autoimmune disease, they are not exclusive to it, necessitating a thorough diagnostic process.