Definition

Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which a person's immune system (the network of organs, tissues, cells, and chemicals whose job it is to protect the body from foreign invaders, like bacteria and viruses) attacks the body's own cells. As cells are killed, tissues begin to die off.

Description

Many forms of autoimmune disorders are now recognized. These disorders are classified as general or organ specific. A general autoimmune disorder is one that attacks a number of tissues throughout the body. An organ specific disorder attacks only one type of organ at a time.

Some examples of autoimmune disorders include:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (pronounced LOO-puhs er-uh-THEM-uhtuhs; see lupus entry) is a general autoimmune disorder. The condition occurs primarily in young and middle-aged women.
• Rheumatoid (pronounced ROO-muh-toid) arthritis (see arthritis entry) is inflammation of joints. It occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys tissue that lines...