The immune system defends the body from attack by invaders recognized as foreign. It is an extraordinarily complex system that relies on an elaborate and dynamic communications network that exists among the many different kinds of immune system cells that patrol the body. At the heart of the system is the ability to recognize and respond to substances called antigens whether they are infectious agents or part of the body (self antigens). If a person has an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks self, targeting the cells, tissues, and organs of a person's own body. The word "auto" is the Greek word for self.
Answers to Common Questions
Are autoimmune diseases contagious?
No autoimmune disease has ever been shown to be contagious or "catching." Autoimmune diseases do not spread to other people like infections. They are not related to AIDS, nor are they a type of cancer.
Are they inherited?
The genes people inherit contribute to their susceptibility for developing an autoimmune disease. Certain diseases such as psoriasis can occur among several members of the same family. This suggests that a specific gene or set of genes predisposes a family member to psoriasis.
In addition, individual family members with autoimmune diseases may inherit
and share a set of abnormal genes, although they may develop different autoimmune
diseases. For example, one first cousin may have lupus, another may have
dermatomyositis,
and one of their mothers may have rheumatoid arthritis.
The genes a person inherits together with the way the person's immune system responds to certain triggers or environmental influences may influence the development of an autoimmune disease.
What other factors may influence the development of autoimmune diseases?
Some autoimmune diseases are known to begin or worsen with certain triggers such as viral infections. Sunlight not only acts as a trigger for lupus but also can worsen the course of the disease. It is important to be aware of the factors that can be avoided to help prevent or minimize the amount of damage from the autoimmune disease. Other less understood influences affecting the immune system and the course of autoimmune diseases include aging, chronic stress, hormones, and pregnancy.
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