Autoimmune Disorder

Autoimmune disorders are illnesses that occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. They can affect almost any part of the body, including the heart, brain, joints, skin, and other organs. They can be mild or can lead to severe, disabling symptoms and can even be life-threatening. Treatment involves controlling the symptoms and reducing the activity of the immune system. It is estimated that up to 8% of the population in the US has an autoimmune disorder, making it one of the most common types of chronic illnesses. It is important to recognize and treat autoimmune diseases early on to reduce the risk of complications.