a utoimmune d isorders. a rthritis o verview one of the most common, disabling diseases three types:...

AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS

ARTHRITIS OVERVIEW

One of the most common, disabling diseases

Three types: Osteoarthritis Gout Rheumatoid Arthritis

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Wear and Tear on joints

Affects mostly older adults; men & women

Joint pain, stiffness

Relieved by pain relievers and low-impact exercise

GOUT

Build up of uric acid in joints

Affects mostly older males

May be very painful

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Autoimmune disorder Causes inflamed tissue that destroys cartilage

Affects young and middle-age adults; more females than males

May be very painful

ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Another type of arthritis

Affects the joints of the spine

Likely genetic

Symptoms / treatment

FIBROMYALGIA

“Waste basket diagnosis”

Complex, chronic pain disorder

Affects about 10 million Americans Mostly women

FIBROMYALGIA CONTINUED Diagnosis include

Detailed history Pain in at least 11 of

18 designated tender points.

Other diseases need to be ruled out first

Symptoms include: Widespread pain,

fatigue, sleep disorders, fibro “fog”, headaches, anxiety, and/or depression

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME (CFS)

Another “Waste basket diagnosis”

Diagnosis must meet 2 criteria: Patient must have unexplained, persistent

fatigue for 6 months or more (other diseases ruled out)

Four or more “approved” symptoms must be present for at least 6 months CFS “fog”, unrefreshing sleep, muscle pain, joint pain

without swelling, headaches, flu-like symptoms, tender lymph nodes, recurring sore throat

CFS CONTINUED May be very debilitating

No medications; no cure

Complementary & alternative medicines may help Cognitive Behavior

Therapy (CBT) Graded Exercise

Therapy (GET)

SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) Immune system

produces antibodies to body cells causing inflammation and tissue damage.

One main characteristic: butterfly facial rash

Other symptoms: Fatigue, joint pain,

fever

SLE CONTINUED

Affects mostly young women

May co-exist with other autoimmune conditions

May affect any organ in the body Death usually occurs from organ failure Survival increasing