Immune system disorders are conditions in which the immune system doesn’t work as it should.
The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against viruses, bacteria, and other invaders.
There are different ways that immune system disorders can develop.
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The diagnoses can be made months after birth or many years later.
These disorders can be triggered by a single gene defect.
Children with this condition are missing important white blood cells.
in these cases, your body can’t tell the difference between your healthy, normal cells and invaders.
Asthma is one of the most common conditions associated with an overactive immune system.
Seasonal allergens can trigger itchy/watery eyes and a runny nose.
They are chronic conditions that require ongoing treatment.
They usually do not have a cure.
The cause is unknown.
It has been hypothesized that they are because of a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.
Different autoimmune diseases affect the body in different ways and cause different symptoms.
It commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists, and knees.
RA can begin at any age, and it is more common between 45 and 60 years old.
Women have a higher chance of developing the disease and experiencing more severe pain from the condition.
This condition often begins between ages 30 and 50 years.
For many people with psoriasis, PsA starts about 10 years after psoriasis develops.
This condition damages the myelin sheath, which is the material that surrounds and protects nerve cells.
This damage slows down or blocks messages between the brain and body.
The first signs of MS often appear between 20 and 40 years old.
Multiple sclerosis affects women more than men.
It tends to run in families, and it affects women more than men.
Excess thyroid hormones can cause a variety of problems.
Graves' disease affects about 1 in 200 people.
It is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States.
Women have higher chances of developing the disease.
Sjogren’s disease primarily affects women age 40 and older.
People with other autoimmune diseases are also more likely to have this condition.
It can develop at any age.
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnosis of immune-related problems can be tricky.
In some cases, symptoms might be subtle, and they may wax and wane with time.
Some immune-related problems also have similar, overlapping symptoms.
Sometimes these diseases can only be diagnosed after ruling out other potential causes.
The tests needed will depend upon your symptoms and your overall medical picture.
For example, your healthcare provider might recommend arheumatoid factor testif your symptoms indicate you might have rheumatoid arthritis.
But this test is sometimes positive in other autoimmune conditions as well.
One initial screening test isantinuclear antibody (ANA), which may be positive in several different autoimmune conditions.
If that is positive, your clinician might recommend additional antibody tests, depending on the clinical picture.
Autoimmune disease diagnosis can be tricky.
You are the person who knows your body best.
For symptoms that might indicate an infection, like fever, see a healthcare provider promptly.
For any life-threatening symptoms, like sudden difficulty breathing, call 911.
A Word From Verywell
The journey to a diagnosis of autoimmune disease can be long and stressful.
The symptoms of autoimmune diseases are often nonspecific and episodic.
It is important for you to tell your healthcare provider about any new symptoms you are experiencing.
Early treatment generally leads to better outcomes.
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