Autoimmune Arthritis Disease

There are 100 different conditions that are considered arthritic. Most of these affect the joints and musculoskeletal system. In autoimmune arthritis diseases, however, the immune system rejects the body's tissue, causing problems throughout your body.

Diseases

The most prevalent autoimmune arthritis diseases are rheumatoid arthritis (which affects more than 1 million people in the U.S. alone), lupus and psoriatic arthritis.

Significance

Since it's the healthy tissue that is attacked in someone with autoimmune arthritis, your body is susceptible to more infections and illnesses than most.

Long Term

Autoimmune arthritic diseases are chronic; they do not go away. Patients with autoimmune disorders may take DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) to help control their immune system.

Severity

Organ problems, and even organ failure, are possible with autoimmune arthritis, as your body also can reject healthy organs--like your liver and kidneys--necessitating dialysis or even a transplant.

Considerations

With medication and monitoring from a rheumatologist, patients with autoimmune arthritis diseases can control their illness and live fairly normal lives.

References

• Arthritis Foundation