Unit VIII Homework
Instructions
Using the Internet, conduct a search of autoimmune disorders. How many disorders can you find? What tissues can be attacked by your immune system? Select one autoimmune disease to summarize. What are the common signs and symptoms exhibited in a patient with this disease? Include a strong introduction.Your response should be at least one page in length. Include at least two references to support your work in APA format from the CSU Online Library. You may use your textbook as source material for your response. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations. Adhere to APA Style when creating citations and references for this assignment. APA formatting, however, is not necessary.
Here is the Finding Articles: A Quick-Start guide to assist you when utilizing the library.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Autoimmune disorders are diseases in which the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells, leading to tissue damage and dysfunction. These disorders can affect any part of the body, and the symptoms and severity can vary depending on the particular disorder. In this assignment, we will explore autoimmune disorders, the tissues they can attack, and common signs and symptoms exhibited in patients with the disease.
Autoimmune Disorders:
Through research, several autoimmune disorders can be found, and they include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, and psoriasis, among others. According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, over 50 million Americans suffer from an autoimmune disorder, and there are over 80 known autoimmune disorders worldwide.
Tissues Attacked:
The immune system has the function of protecting the body against harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. However, in autoimmune disorders, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues leading to damage and dysfunction. The tissues that can be attacked by the immune system include joints, connective tissues, skin, nerves, endocrine glands, and internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
Summary of an Autoimmune Disease: Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can affect any part of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs. Lupus occurs when the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues leading to inflammation, pain, and damage. The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but researchers believe that genetic and environmental factors may play a role.
Common Signs and Symptoms:
The signs and symptoms of lupus can vary among individuals and can be similar to other autoimmune disorders, making it challenging to diagnose. Some of the most common symptoms are a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, joint pain and stiffness, fatigue, skin lesions, hair loss, fever, headaches, and shortness of breath. Additionally, lupus often affects the kidneys, leading to proteinuria, high blood pressure, and kidney damage.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, autoimmune disorders are a collection of diseases in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues, leading to tissue damage and dysfunction. There are over 80 known autoimmune disorders worldwide, and they can attack any part of the body. Lupus is an example of an autoimmune disorder that can affect various tissues and has unique signs and symptoms. It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly if you experience any symptoms of autoimmune disorders to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
