Autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. The immune system is designed to protect the body from foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. However, in people with autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakes healthy cells for foreign invaders.
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, including lupus, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Many of these conditions are chronic and can be difficult to treat. Some may even be life-threatening.
Autoimmune diseases can affect anyone at any age, but they are more common in women than men. They also tend to run in families, so you may be more likely to develop one if you have a family history of autoimmune disease.
There is no single cause of autoimmune disease. Instead, it is thought that a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role in its development. For example, certain infections or medications may trigger an autoimmune response in people who are genetically susceptible to the condition.