According to the American Academy of Rheumatology, antinuclear (ANA) bodies refer to proteins that form in your body and attack the normal proteins in your cells. A blood test called a fluorescent antinuclear antibody test (FANA) is available to view these particular proteins underneath a microscope. A positive ANA level may indicate the presence of certain diseases.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosis
Systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) is a disease in which you have a positive antinuclear antibody test. Specifically, your body attacks its own tissues.
According to the Mayo Clinic, SLE is a chronic inflammatory condition in which you develop such symptoms as a butterfly-shaped rash over your face, joint pain or stiffness, a fever, fatigue, hair loss, chest pain, dry eyes and depression. SLE can also cause mouth sores and hair loss.
SLE treatments include such medications as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including aspirin and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Other treatments include taking antimalarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine.
Sjogren's Syndrome
Sjogren's syndrome is another disease with a positive ANA presence. MedlinePlus says this syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce saliva and tears are damaged. Symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome include dry mouth or eyes, trouble swallowing or eating, mouth pain or sores, hoarseness and fatigue. Sjogren's syndrome can also cause joint pain, swollen glands and a fever.
Treatment includes using artificial tears and lubricating ointments to relieve your dry eyes, says MedlinePlus. Disease-modifying drugs and tumor necrosis inhibitor factor drugs can also be utilized to treat Sjogren's syndrome.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is another medical disease with antinuclear antibodies. MedlinePlus says scleroderma is a connective tissue disease in which collagen (a type of fiber) accumulates in your skin and organs. Manifestations of scleroderma include tight skin, skin thickening, hair loss, joint pain, joint stiffness, a dry cough, heartburn and trouble swallowing.
Treatment for scleroderma involves using such medications as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants including methotrexate and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Unfortunately, these medications only treat the symptoms; scleroderma is a progressive disease. Heart failure, kidney failure and pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring) are a few potentially life-threatening complications of scleroderma.
