Autoimmune disease occurs when the body's immune system attacks the body and views normal cells as a threat. Body cells have recognition sites on them that allow the immune system to differentiate them from bacteria, viruses, fungus, toxins, cancer and transplanted organs. In autoimmune disease, these recognition sites may be defective due to genetics, and the immune system proceeds to target normal cells. There are more than 80 known types of autoimmune disease, and each type affects a different body part, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Blood and Circulatory System
According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia is a condition that reduces the number of red blood cells and could be fatal. Symptoms include severe anemia, weakness, fatigue, lightheadedness and an enlarged spleen. Pernicious Anemia is a condition where damage occurs to the lining of the stomach preventing absorption of vitamin B12 which is required to make red blood cells. Symptoms are anemia, weakness, fatigue, light- headedness, loss of sensation, incontinence and weakness. Vasculitis is a condition where blood vessels in the body are affected. Symptoms include weight loss, abdominal pain, rash, coughing, chest pain, headache, difficulty breathing, loss of vision, kidney failure and nerve damage depending on location.
Skin and joints
Bullous Pemphigoid is a condition that affects the skin and includes symptoms such as itching and large blisters surrounded by red, swollen tissue. Pemphigus is also a skin condition that can be fatal and is characterized by large blisters. Rheumatoid Arthritis affects the skin, tissue and joints. Symptoms include swelling under the skin, loss of sensation, rash, fatigue, joint pain, stiff and deformed joints, fever, shortness of breath and chest pain. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus affects joints, skin, heart, lungs, brain and blood. Symptoms are anemia, rash, fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness, itching and chest pain.
Thyroid and nerves
Graves' disease affects the thyroid gland by stimulating and enlarging it producing large levels of hormones. Symptoms are rapid heart rate, tremors, weight loss, nervousness, and intolerance of heat. Hashimoto's thyroiditis damages the thyroid gland causing inflammation resulting in less hormones produced. Symptoms include weight gain, drowsiness, weight gain, coarse skin and intolerance to cold. Multiple Sclerosis affects the coverings of nerve cells which prevents the nerves from passing signals in the body. Symptoms are muscle spasms, vision problems, incontinence, weakness and vertigo. Myasthenia gravis affects the connections between nerves and muscles resulting in weakened eye muscles that tire easily.
Lung, kidneys and Diabetes
Goodpasture's syndrome affects both the lungs and kidneys. Symptoms include coughing up blood, fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling and itching. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus occurs when cells of the pancreas that produce insulin are damaged. Symptoms include excessive thirst, appetite and urination.
