Autoimmune diseases are a group of diseases in which the body's immune system attacks normal tissues within the body. One of the first steps in the development of the immune system is that each immune cell is created knowing the difference between the body's normal cells and other foreign, or non-self, cells, according to LabTestsOnline. The immune cells are supposed to target and destroy abnormal or foreign cells. However, in some individuals, the immune system is unable to perform this task and creates cells that can damage that person's normal tissue. The damage caused by this immunological attack results in the various symptoms of the autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Sometimes autoimmune diseases affect only certain cell types. In autoimmune hemolytic anemia, only red blood cells are damaged by the immune system, states the Merck Manual. This disease is characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells, which can cause weakness, dizziness, and fatigue. The patient's spleen may enlarge. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia can be fatal.
Thyroid Disease
Grave's disease is an autoimmune disease that targets the thyroid gland. This disease causes the thyroid to become overactive and produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Symptoms of this disease include insomnia, irritability, bulging eyes, weight loss, and heat sensitivity. Grave's disease may also present with no symptoms.
Another thyroid disease that is caused by immune dysfunction is Hashimoto's disease. The thyroid in patients with this disorder is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone. Patients can experience fatigue, weakness, cold intolerance, muscle aches, constipation, and weight gain.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 diabetes mellitus results from an autoimmune disease that only targets one part of the body but can cause symptoms in many parts of the body. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin, which is a hormone necessary for metabolism, states the Merck Manual. Insulin allows the cells of the body to absorb glucose, or sugar, from the blood. Without insulin, high amounts of glucose remain in the bloodstream. Symptoms of high blood glucose levels include increased thirst, nerve damage in the limbs, blurry vision, frequent urination, and excessive appetite.
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that targets the patient's nerves and muscles, reports Women's Health. Symptoms of this disease include double vision, drooping eyelids, muscle weakness or paralysis, difficulty speaking, and difficulty swallowing. These symptoms are relieved if the person rests.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is an autoimmune disease that damages the joints, kidneys, heart, skin, brain, blood cells, and lung, according to the Merck Manual. Anemia, fatigue, weakness, difficulty breathing, itching, chest pain, rash on the skin of the face, and dizziness are all symptoms of the disease.
