Autoimmune Diseases

Question 1

Autoimmune diseases

Answer 1

When the immune system stops recognising “self cells” and starts to attack healthy body tissue

Question 2

Causes of autoimmune diseases

Answer 2

• genetic causes
• immune system responding abnormally to a mild pathogen or normal body microorganism
• T regulator cells not working effectively

Question 3

Cure for autoimmune diseases

Answer 3

• immunosuppressant drugs can be used to prevent the immune system from working
• depriving the body of its natural defences against communicable diseases

Question 4

Autoimmune diseases examples

Answer 4

• type 1 diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus

Question 5

Lupus

Answer 5

• affects skin + joints = causes fatigue
• can attack any organ in the body eg. Kidney,liver and lungs
• Treatment :
• no cure
• steroids
• anti-inflammatory drugs
• immunosuppressants

Question 6

Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 6

• affects joints especially hand, wrists, ankles and feet
• Treatment
• no cure
• steroids
• pain relief
• anti-inflammatory drugs

Question 7

Type 1 diabetes

Answer 7

• insulin secreting cells of the pancreas
• Treatment :
• insulin injections
• pancreas transplants
• immunosuppressant drugs