Do You Have an Autoimmune Disease?

by Mary J. Shomon

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. "Autoimmune disease" refers to a category of more than 80 chronic illnesses, each very different in nature, that can affect everything from the endocrine glands -- like the thyroid -- to organs like the kidneys, to the digestive system. Underlying all autoimmune conditions is the concept of autoimmunity. Autoimmunity refers to the process by which the immune system gets confused, and rather than protecting organs and cells, turns around and actually attacks those same organs and cells, producing inflammatory reactions and other serious symptoms and diseases.

Autoimmune diseases predominantly strike women and are more common during childbearing years, and frequently appear in women who have just had a baby, after periods of high emotional or physical stress or accidents, or during periods of hormonal change. Autoimmune diseases also can run in families, and having one autoimmune disease increases your risk slightly of developing another. you should familiarize yourself with the symptoms of various autoimmune diseases, so you can monitor your own health, and the health of your family, for evidence of other conditions.

See this comprehensive exploration of autoimmune disease online.