Patho - autoimmune diseases

what is significant about autoimmune diseases

The body attacks itself with autoimmune diseases. You need to understand what is being attacked, and the goal of treatment is symptom relief since there is no cure. If someone has one, they are at higher risk of developing another. They are more common in women than in men (78% are female), and exposure to toxins or serious illness can cause a cascade, but we don't know what causes the attack

What is psoriasis?

A chronic, noninfectious, inflammatory disease.

What are the characteristics of psoriasis lesions?

Discrete pink/red lesions with silvery scaling.

What causes the dry, cracked, and encrusted areas in psoriasis?

Cells producing 5-10 times more than normal.

At what age range does psoriasis typically start?

15-50 years old.

Is pruritis common in psoriasis?

Yes, pruritis is common.

What are some treatments for psoriasis?

UV light, steroid/nonsteroid creams, antihistamines, or biologic medications.

What is alopecia?

Alopecia is an absence or loss of hair.

What are the two types of alopecia?

The two types of alopecia are scarring and nonscarring.

Is there a treatment for scarring alopecia?

There is no treatment for scarring alopecia; it is permanent.

What is scarring alopecia often linked to?

Scarring alopecia is often linked to another illness.

What is the focus of treatment for scarring alopecia?

Treatment for scarring alopecia is more therapeutic and focuses on coping.

What should be protected in cases of scarring alopecia?

The skin where the hair was should be protected.

What is scleroderma also known as?

Systemic sclerosis

Is scleroderma progressive and curable?

It is progressive and incurable.

What type of tissue changes occur in scleroderma?

There is fibrosis of the skin and organs.

What is a common symptom of scleroderma related to mobility?

There is a lack of mobility due to degeneration of tissues.

What condition is often associated with scleroderma due to blood vessel hardening?

Raynaud's phenomenon

What types of treatments are used for scleroderma?

Immunosuppressant and chemotherapy drugs

What is the prognosis for scleroderma?

Very poor; 33% of people usually die within 5-10 years of diagnosis.

What happens in rheumatoid arthritis?

The body mistakenly attacks its own joint tissue.

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Swelling of joints, bent and deformed joints, crooked fingers, and potential nerve pain.

What can happen if rheumatoid arthritis is not treated?

The disease will progress, leading to rough bones on bones and loss of mobility in the joint.

What are common systemic symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Pain, malaise, fever, and weight loss.

How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

Through blood tests (rheumatoid factor) and x-rays.

What are some treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis?

Injectables, NSAIDs, water therapy, and occupational therapy.

What is the goal of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?

To help maintain mobility and allow patients to continue a normal, independent life.

What happens to acetylcholine transmitters in myasthenia gravis?

There is a disappearance of acetylcholine transmitters.

What are common symptoms of myasthenia gravis?

Drooping eyelids, double vision, blank expression, dysphagia, respiratory weakness, and fatigue.

How does myasthenia gravis typically progress in terms of muscle weakness?

It works from the face down and leads to muscle weakness later in the day.

Which demographic is more frequently affected by myasthenia gravis?

Women aged 20-40.

What role do antibodies play in myasthenia gravis?

Antibodies produced in the thymus gland attack the neuromuscular junction.

What treatments are used for myasthenia gravis?

Anti-cholinergic medications and corticosteroids.

What is a significant concern in the progression of myasthenia gravis?

Avoiding myasthenic crisis.

What is systemic lupus erythematosus commonly known as?

Lupus

What type of disorder is lupus?

A systemic connective tissue disorder

How much more common is lupus in women compared to men?

8 times more common

What is a common skin manifestation of lupus?

The butterfly rash

What type of sensitivity is commonly associated with lupus?

Extreme sensitivity to the sun

What tests can be done to diagnose lupus?

Blood work, anti-DNA test, and SAID rate

Why is early diagnosis important in lupus?

The prognosis is worse when organs are involved

What is multiple sclerosis?

MS is the destruction of the myelin sheath, which prevents neuro-impulses from being transmitted.

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

Symptoms can include trouble standing, walking, issues with senses, sight, speech, and digestion.

How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?

It is hard to diagnose MS as it requires ruling out everything else.

What type of care is typically provided for multiple sclerosis?

Treatment is primarily palliative care, focusing on symptom management and preventing attacks.

Is multiple sclerosis a progressive condition?

Yes, MS is progressive and individuals gradually lose their independence.

What lifestyle practices can help manage multiple sclerosis symptoms?

Yoga, meditation, water therapy, counseling, and maintaining a healthy diet and tailored exercise plan can help.

What types of medications are used for multiple sclerosis?

Medications can be given to prevent attacks and to help manage symptoms.

What is Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

It is the most common type of hypothyroidism that involves swelling and inflammation of the thyroid.

Who is more likely to develop Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Women are 7 times more likely to develop Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis be diagnosed before a drop in thyroid hormones?

Yes, it can be diagnosed before there is a drop in the thyroid hormones.

What is the treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis once thyroid hormone levels drop?

Synthetic thyroid hormones are given as treatment.

What happens to the beta islet cells in type 1 diabetes?

The body eats away at the beta islet cells, which produce insulin.

What is the role of insulin in the body?

Insulin allows glucose to go from the bloodstream to the cell.

What is the only treatment for type 1 diabetes?

The only treatment is insulin.

What types of insulin are used in the treatment of type 1 diabetes?

Both long-acting and short-acting insulin are used.

What factors determine the type of insulin administered in type 1 diabetes?

The current glucose level and what the patient is going to eat.

What is a common initial symptom of type 1 diabetes?

Patients may feel very sick before being diagnosed.

What is celiac disease?

A condition where the body attacks the mucosal lining in the digestive tract.

What does celiac disease create a sensitivity to?

Gluten

What part of the digestive system is affected by celiac disease?

The villi, which absorb nutrients.

What foods must be avoided to prevent an attack in celiac disease?

Rye, barley, and wheat.