{Aches And Fatigue|Autoimmune Diseases|Autoimmune Disease Symptoms}
If you constantly struggle with aches and fatigue, it could be an autoimmune disease. There are more than 80 autoimmune diseases that exist, after all.. Lifescript.com explores the six most common autoimmune diseases and the symptoms that are associated with these conditions:
1. Rheumatoid Arthritis – Commonly referred to as RA, rheumatoid arthritis effects about 1.3 million Americans, both adult and chldren. The greatest number of RA sufferers are women, averaging approximately 75%. With RA, inflammation and pain is caused when blood cells of the immune system attack the lining of the joints. Moderate to severe joint damage is usually present within the first two years of developing RA. Symptoms tend to range by patient, and could be as simple as pain in the hands and feet.
2. Type 1 diabetes means that autoantibodies target cells of the pancreas that secrete insulin. Symptoms include excessive thirst and frequent urination, as well fatigue, vision problems, weight loss, and vaginal yeast infections.
3. Lupus – Approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer from lupus, which is a disease that attacks tissues and organs and may damage joints, kidneys, blood cells, skin, the heart, lungs and the brain.
4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Also referred to as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), these diseases also including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), which are painful conditions that effect the digestive system. The symptoms include may including the following symptoms: inflammation of the large intestine, and sores and ulcerations in the gastrointestinal tract. The digestive tract may be damaged and can also result in rectal bleeding, abdominal bleeding nad diarrhea.
5. Approximately 4 million people in the U.S. have Sjogren’s Syndrome, and if effects nine times more women than men. Sjogren’s Sydrome is caused by genetic and environmental factors, and means that immune cells attack and destroy the glands that produce tears and saliva.
For the full article, visit Lifescript.com, a leading web site for women’s health information.
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The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).
Tags: aches and fatigue, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, Women's Health