4.1.1: Communicable Diseases: Autoimmune Disease Flashcards
What is an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune disease is when your immune system identifies your own body cells as ‘foreign’ and therefore potentially harmful.
This results in your white blood cells attacking your own body cells.
What happens when the immune system responds abnormally?
The immune system may attack healthy ‘good’ microorganisms or overreact to mild pathogens.
This can lead to various health issues and contribute to autoimmune diseases.
What role do T regulator cells play in the immune system?
T regulator cells help regulate the immune response.
If they do not work properly, the immune response isn’t properly regulated.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is when the immune system attacks the cartilage in joints, causing inflammation and pain.
It primarily affects the joints.
What symptoms are associated with lupus?
Lupus causes inflammation to joints, skin, organs, and fatigue.
It is a systemic autoimmune disease.
What treatments are available for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus?
Treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, pain relief, and immunosuppressant drugs.
These treatments help relieve the symptoms but do not cure the diseases.
Fill in the blank: An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks _______.
its own body cells.
True or False: There is a cure for both rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
False.
There is currently no cure for either disease.
