A member asked:

What does autoimmune mean?

5 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Body attacks itself: Autoimmune means when your own immune system or antibodies unfortunately attacks itself. This occurs in disease such as lupus and type 1 diabetes.

Answered 1/8/2012

6.5k views

Thank
Dr. Latisha Smith answered

Specializes in Wound care

Self appears foreign: The body's immune system is designed to protect the body from foreign invaders like bacteria or unknown proteins. The body produces anti-bodies to fight the invading agent. In autoimmune conditions the body mistakenly produces anti-bodies to itself. When these self-antibodies attack the proteins they are directed against an inflammatory reaction occurs. The reaction causes symptoms like rashes.

Answered 7/6/2018

6.5k views

Thank
Dr. Randy Baker answered

Specializes in Holistic Medicine

Body attacks itself: In autoimmune disease your immune system attacks your own body. This causes serious problems like colitis, thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis & lupus. There are often genetic predispositions but there is growing evidence that microbes and environmental toxins such as molds, heavy metals & pesticides play a key role. A well-written book on this is http://www.Donnajacksonnakazawa.Com/blog/?Page_id=7.

Answered 5/2/2014

6.5k views

Thank

Related Questions

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more