Medicine Online
Any medical inquiries? Search MOL for answers:
NEWS
Home > News > 2007 > February > 14 > Health Tip: Understanding Autoimmune Disorders
Medical References
Diseases & Conditions
Women's Health
Mental Health
Men's Health
Healthy Choice News
Site Map Links
Medical Tips
Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Health Tip: Understanding Autoimmune Disorders

(HealthDay News) -- Autoimmune diseases occur when the body''s immune system destroys its own healthy tissues instead of the foreign, harmful substances it was designed to fend off. The immune system typically defends the body from germs and toxins.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) says autoimmune disorders can affect organs and tissues including red blood cells, blood vessels, the thyroid, pancreas, muscles, joints and skin.

Common autoimmune diseases include type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Grave''s disease and Celiac disease.

Most of these diseases are chronic, but depending on the condition, many can be controlled with treatment, the NLM says.



-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Feb. 14, 2007

Copyright © 2007 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.

HomeSitemap Contact UsAdvertisingPress RoomGive Us Your FeedbackRead Our Terms & Conditions and Our DisclaimerPrivacy Statement