Immune Dysfunction - Autoimmune Diseases Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is an autoimmune disease?
Caused by an individuals making antibodies to their own self antigens, essentially the body’s immune system attacking the body’s own cell
What can be a trigger for an autoimmune disease?
Genetics
Environment
Drugs
Why do different autoimmune diseases affect different parts of the body and create different symptoms?
Depends on the antibody being made, depends on which is getting killed
How are autoimmune diseases normally treated?
Steroid drugs to reduce the inflammation response, or taking immunosuppressants medication
What is the cause of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
Severe insulin deficiency due to autoimmune destruction of beat cells in the islets of langerhans in pancreas
What is low levels of blood sugar also called?
Hypoglycaemia
What is high levels of blood sugar also called?
Hyperglycaemia
What are some symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
Higher frequency of urination
Tiredness
Weight loss
What are some treatments for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
Management of diet and using blood glucose monitoring and injecting insulin
What is the cause of Multiple Sclerosis?
Disease of the CNS where the immune response destroys brain, optic nerve, spinal and tissues leading to irreversible motor disability and cognitive impairment over time
What are some symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?
Fatigue
Pain
Bladder + bowl issues
Movement + coordination problems
What treatment is there for Multiple Sclerosis?
There is no current treatment
What can be used to help control Multiple Sclerosis?
Steroids
Modifying therapy
What is the cause of Crohn’s disease?
A part of your gut becomes inflames
Immune system attack of the gut
Genetics and environment - genetic history, smoking
What are some symptoms of Crohn’s disease?
Diarrhoea
Blood in poo
Feeling unwell
Loss of appetite
What treatment can be done for the symptoms of Crohn’s disease?
Steroids to reduce inflammation
Surgical removal of damaged tissue
Healthy diet
What is the cause of Rheumatoid arthritis?
Long term condition
Attacks cells that line joints
What does Rheumatoid arthritis usually affect?
Feet
Wrists
Hands
Who is more at risk for developing Rheumatoid arthritis?
Women
Family history
Smoking
What are some symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis?
Pain
Stiffness
Swelling
Lack of energy
Poor appetite
Weight loss
What are treatment options for Rheumatoid arthritis?
Disease modifying anti-rherumatic drugs
Injections to stop chemical in blood activating immune system
