¿Qué es una enfermedad autoinmune? Estas son las más comunes y sus síntomas

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases

What Are Autoimmune Diseases?

• Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, treating them as foreign invaders.

• There are over 100 different autoimmune diseases, with varying impacts on the body; some affect single organs (e.g., vitiligo), while others can impact multiple systems (e.g., lupus).

Prevalence and Common Types

• Hypothyroidism is noted as the most common autoimmune disease, particularly affecting 30% of Colombian women aged 40 to 60.

• Other prevalent autoimmune conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes.

Diagnosis Challenges

• Diagnosing autoimmune diseases can be difficult due to initial symptoms that may be overlooked or mistaken for other issues.

• Persistent symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, joint pain, and skin sensitivity to sunlight should prompt further investigation.

Genetic Factors and Triggers

• A family history of autoimmune diseases increases the risk for other family members to develop different autoimmune conditions.

• Environmental factors like tobacco use and low vitamin D levels can trigger these hereditary risks.

Living with Autoimmune Diseases

• Although chronic in nature, many patients learn to manage their conditions effectively; treatments are available that help improve quality of life.