Tag: Autoimmune disorders

The human body's immune system is a sophisticated network of defenses, and one of its key strategies is inflammation. In fact, a fever is a classic sign of this systemic inflammatory response, as immune system signaling molecules can tell your brain to raise your body's core temperature.

According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness, affects about 14 to 20 out of every 100,000 people. As this statistic shows, there are several diseases that can affect muscles, causing a wide range of symptoms from mild weakness to severe degeneration.

Approximately 1 in 10 Americans live with a rare disease, and many such illnesses fall under the category of idiopathic, meaning their cause is unknown. This guide explores **what diseases have no known cause**, delving into the medical terminology and latest research surrounding these baffling conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six in ten adults in the United States have at least one chronic disease, which is a key example of a long-term physical condition. Understanding **what are examples of long-term physical conditions** can shed light on the widespread impact these health issues have on individuals and society.

Did you know that white blood cells, or leukocytes, are a critical component of your immune system, with over a trillion circulating in your blood at any given time? This protective role means that when a person experiences **disorders that affect white blood cells**, their overall health and immunity can be severely impacted, ranging from manageable conditions to life-threatening diseases.

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, infections can spread from a contained area to affect the entire body, leading to potentially life-threatening conditions like sepsis. Understanding **what does it mean when something becomes systemic** is therefore a critical step in recognizing a serious health issue.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a low white blood cell count, or leukopenia, can be caused by infections, certain medications, and autoimmune disorders. This critical component of the immune system can be compromised by a variety of factors, so understanding what kills off white blood cells is crucial for maintaining good health.

Without an immune system, even the bacteria that naturally live on and inside the body can become lethal. This grim reality helps explain what happens if you lose your immune system, a condition that transforms a person into a host vulnerable to even the most benign microorganisms.

The lymphatic system, a vital part of our immune defense, contains small, bean-shaped glands called lymph nodes that filter lymph fluid to remove waste and infectious organisms. When you notice swollen lymph nodes in my neck and groin, it's a common sign that your immune system is mounting an active response against an infection or illness.

An estimated half of all healthy children have palpable lymph nodes at any given time, but it is important to know **what are three conditions that might cause enlarged lymph nodes in the neck** and when they signal a more serious issue. Enlarged lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenopathy, are a sign that your body's immune system is actively fighting off an illness or other health problem. While often caused by minor infections, understanding the full range of potential causes is crucial for making informed health decisions.