This is characterized by the immune system attacking itself. This occurs because the disease causes a mutation in the cells. This mutation makes the cells and tissues unrecognizable to the body. Because it becomes unrecognizable the immune system treats it as an intruder. The body then attacks it in the same way and disease, sickness or infection would be attacked. Over time the immune system kills the cells. When this happens the body loses cells, tissues and sometimes even organs that could be vital to the body. This loss can result in sickness, loss 0f function and in some extreme cases, even death. (U.S. National Library Of Medicine October 28, …show more content…
They are sometimes characterized by flare-ups and remissions. There is significant evidence that suggests that these diseases could be genetic. It seems to also be more prevalent in women. There is also some speculation that certain races are more likely to contract these problems. These include native american, african american and hispanic american. Other than these few factors there is no other evidence that shows what could possibly be a cause of these autoimmune diseases. (U.S. National Library Of Medicine October 28, 2014) There are at least 80 different symptoms for different types of autoimmune diseases. There are some classic symptoms of all autoimmune diseases though. These are symptoms that will be experienced by anyone with any of the many types of diseases categorized as autoimmune. These symptoms include a low fever, fatigue and muscle aches. These are then followed by more classic examples that if combined will give away the disease. These include heat, swelling, pain, inflammation and redness. (U.S. National Library Of Medicine October 28,