Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the body’s natural defense system attacks itself because it cannot tell the difference between their cells and foreign ones. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases that affect various parts of the body.
Some of the most common types of autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus and thyroid disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the joints. Psoriasis causes scaly patches to appear on the skin and may also develop into psoriatic arthritis. Lupus damages various parts of the body, including joints, organs and the skin. The autoimmune condition Graves’ disease can cause your body to produce too much or too little of a thyroid hormone.
Those that suffer from autoimmune diseases may experience anything from mild to severe symptoms. The environment, genetics, and any underlying health issues may all play a role in determining how much your autoimmune condition impacts your everyday life.
Because autoimmune diseases involve an overactive immune system, some people have a higher risk of being impacted by those diseases than others. Lupus and multiple sclerosis, for example, can run in your family.
Although there are a variety of autoimmune diseases, they share some common symptoms. Many of them cause abdominal pain or digestive issues, fatigue, joint pain and swelling, recurring fever, skin problems and swollen glands.
Obese and overweight individuals have a higher chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis because of the stress excess weight puts on the joints and fatty tissue, increasing the likelihood of joint inflammation.
Researchers have discovered a link between smoking and the increased chance of developing certain autoimmune diseases like lupus, hyperthyroidism, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. If you are on certain medications like antibiotics or blood pressure medicines, your chances of developing an autoimmune disease may increase.
Sometimes the symptoms of autoimmune diseases can be so severe that they limit or completely inhibit your ability to work and be gainfully employed. You may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if this describes you.
Not everyone who has an autoimmune disease will qualify for benefits. Not every applicant who experiences severe symptoms will have their application approved on their first attempt. A Social Security Disability attorney here in Oklahoma City can advise you of your prospects for receiving benefits after reviewing your case’s details.