To date, more than 80 autoimmune diseases have been identified. While some of them, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are relatively common, others are quite rare. Autoimmune diseases affect approximately 5 to 8 percent of the U.S. population, primarily women.

The number of autoimmune diseases is increasing, and scientists do not yet know why nor do they know exactly how to fight some of them. Unlocking this mystery could help improve the quality of life for a large number of people throughout the world. Because these are chronic illnesses, finding cures would greatly decrease medical costs for individuals and society.

The immune system is the body's means of protection against microorganisms and other foreign substances. It is the body's mechanism for fighting disease. In autoimmune diseases, what occurs is that the body turns against itself. Sometimes it is organ specific. However, with a disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), any or multiple organs may be under attack when a flare-up occurs.

Over a lifetime, the immune system develops an ability to identify substances and microorganisms that are threatening the body. The vaccination process helps stimulate the body to resist major threats such as measles or diphtheria. The immune system creates antibodies that protect against infectious agents.

With autoimmune diseases, the immune system loses the ability to identify one's own self and may launch an attack against one's own body. The body produces an inappropriate immune response against its own tissues. This causes inflammation and damage.

There is currently no cure for autoimmune disorders, although in rare cases they may disappear on their own. Many people may experience flare-ups and temporary remissions; others have chronic symptoms or a progressive worsening.

Autoimmune disorders are diagnosed, evaluated, and monitored through a combination of autoantibody blood tests, blood tests to measure inflammation and organ function, clinical presentation, and through non-laboratory examinations such as X-rays.

Treatment of autoimmune disorders is tailored to the individual and may change over time. The goal is to relieve symptoms, minimize organ and tissue damage, and preserve organ function. Research into the causes of autoimmune diseases is focusing on the molecular and cellular levels, and scientists are examining the role inflammation plays in many of the symptoms of the multitude of autoimmune diseases. This should help with creating targeted treatments. The majority of immunologists think that understanding genetic links within the illnesses will eventually permit genetically tailored medicines that should help control--or one day cure--these various puzzling diseases.

Free term papers are not written to satisfy your specific instructions. You can use our professional writing services to buy a custom written research paper, term paper, or essay on Health at affordable price. CustomTermPapers is the best solution for those who seek help in writing term papers, essays, and research papers related to Health and other relevant topics.