Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases arise from an inappropriate immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body. In other words, the immune system mistakes some part of the body as foreign and attacks its own cells. Some examples of common autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Some of the less common ones are Wegener’s granulomatosis, Vasculitis, and Raynaud’s phenomenon. 

For a more complete list of the autoimmune disorders see: www.rheumatology.org

Author: Norman B. Gaylis, M.D., F.A.C.P., M.A.C.R.