Autoimmune Disease and the Long Search for a Diagnosis (ch. 4)

Question 1

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 1

The immune system attacks the joints.

Question 2

Type 1 Diabetes

Answer 2

The immune system destroys beta cells in pancreas that produce insulin

Question 3

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Answer 3

The immune system attacks the thyroid glands

Question 4

Multiple Sclerosis

Answer 4

The immune system attacks the myelin sheath of axons

Question 5

Sjogren’s syndrome

Answer 5

The immune system attacks the tears, saliva, and sweat glands

Question 6

Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)

Answer 6

Attacks the nucleus of cells; any part of the body can be affected

Question 7

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis

Answer 7

The immune system attacks NMDA receptors in the brain responsible for memory and behavior.

Question 8

Hypothyroidism

Answer 8

Reduced thyroid function. Symptoms include fatigue, depression, heightened sensitivity to cold, weight gain, muscle pain, slow heart rate, constipation, dry skin and dry hair.

Question 9

Hyperthyroidism

Answer 9

Elevated thyroid function. Symptoms include anxiety, irritability, increased sensitivity to heart, weight loss, racing heart, hand tremors, difficulty sleeping, thinning of the skin, and brittle hair.

Question 10

Rheumatologists

Answer 10

Physicians who are experts in diseases of the muscles and joints. They work with patients who have Rheumatoid Arthritis and lupus and other autoimmune disorders

Question 11

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer 11

Uses magnetic fields to take photos of the inside of a person’s body

Question 12

Computed Tomography (CT) scan

Answer 12

Uses X-ray imaging to look at specific parts of the body.