An Immune System Misfire: Exploring Autoimmune Disease

A colorful visual introducing AutoAware and The Auto Immune Alliance.

Autoimmune diseases arise when the body's immune system goes into overdrive, mistakenly targeting healthy cells, tissues, and organs. This misguided attack can trigger a broad spectrum of symptoms, ranging from mild to debilitating, and affects multiple bodily systems. With over 100 identified autoimmune conditions – these diseases are more prevalent than one might expect, affecting an estimated 50 million individuals in the United States alone with one or more conditions.

Lupus for one, is a chronic disease with 4 different subtypes that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, and/or other organs. One specifically is Drug Induced caused by an overreaction to certain medications. Neonatal Lupus is the most rare and happens to impact infants born to mothers with lupus. Being a disease where the body's defense system attacks healthy cells and tissues much damage can come. Cutaneous Lupus impacts the skin leaving lesions and rashes – often triggered by the sun – and may also be described as “discoid lupus” due to the circular shape of the rash. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus can be hard to diagnose as it does present differently in each individual, however 90% will have an elevated ANA. Extreme fatigue, pain and swelling in the joints, headaches, low fevers, sensitivity to sunlight or fluorescent light, chest pain when breathing deeply, rashes, hair loss, and sores in the mouth and nose are all representing symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and often debilitating disease that targets the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. The symptoms of MS are far-reaching, causing numbness, weakness, coordination and balance problems, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and vision problems. At the heart of MS is the damage it inflicts on the myelin sheath, a vital fatty layer that insulates and protects nerve fibers. This delicate sheath enables efficient transmission of nerve impulses, allowing the body to function smoothly. However, in MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, causing inflammation and damage to the underlying nerve fibers. As a result, nerve signals are disrupted, leading to the characteristic symptoms of MS.

Image detailing damage from MS to nerve fibers.

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the small intestine in response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This immune reaction prevents the absorption of essential nutrients, potentially leading to serious medical complications. Despite the availability of diagnostic tools such as blood tests, biopsies, and genetic testing, only 30% of individuals worldwide receive a proper diagnosis. Symptoms can be non-specific and varied, including chronic diarrhea, bloating, gas, fatigue, and anemia, and can manifest at any age. If left untreated, celiac disease can increase the risk of developing other conditions, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.

The array of autoimmune diseases extends far beyond lupus, multiple sclerosis and celiac. For instance, Graves' disease triggers an overproduction of thyroid hormone by targeting the thyroid gland, while rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation and swelling in the linings of small joints, potentially leading to debilitating deformities in the hands and feet. Other prevalent autoimmune diseases include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which affect the digestive tract, as well as psoriasis, a condition characterized by skin inflammation, and Type 1 diabetes, in which the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of autoimmune diseases is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Joint pain and inflammation, fatigue and weakness, skin rashes and lesions, digestive problems, hair loss, and fever are all very common and overlapping symptoms. If left untreated, autoimmune diseases can lead to serious complications, such as organ damage, disability, and even death.

Awareness and education are key to understanding and managing autoimmune diseases. By recognizing the signs and symptoms, individuals can seek medical attention early, reducing the risk of complications and making life more livable. Teachers and parents play a crucial role in supporting students with autoimmune diseases. By being aware of the signs and symptoms, they can provide accommodations and support to help students manage their condition. Many of these conditions do onset in early childhood into early adulthood – some as late as 55 years old.

This is where organizations like The Autoimmune Alliance come in. Their program, AutoAware, is dedicated to educating students, teachers, and even parents about autoimmune diseases. By providing educational programs for students of all ages, from K-12 to college, AutoAware aims to reduce bullying and stigma against students with autoimmune diseases and provide reasonable accommodations. 

The Autoimmune Alliance's mission is to ensure that no child or student is forced to drop out of school due to an illness they cannot control. By promoting awareness and understanding, they hope to create a supportive environment where students with autoimmune diseases can thrive. AutoAware's programs focus on reducing the stigma and bullying that often accompanies invisible disabilities like autoimmune diseases. By educating students and teachers about the realities of living with an autoimmune disease, AutoAware hopes to create a more inclusive and supportive community.

Examples of problems students with an autoimmune disorder may face.

Autoimmune diseases can have a profound impact on an individual's quality of life. By understanding the types, signs, and symptoms of these diseases, we can work towards early diagnosis, effective treatment, and better management. Raising awareness and promoting education are crucial in supporting individuals with autoimmune diseases, especially students, as timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes.