Autoimmune Diseases That Start With A

Autoimmune diseases refer to a group of disorders where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues, leading to inflammation and damage in various organs. These conditions can occur at any age, affect both men and women, and can be chronic or life-threatening. Examples of autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. While the exact cause of autoimmune diseases is not fully understood, factors such as genetics, environmental triggers, and hormonal imbalances may contribute to their development.

The task I set for myself was extremely challenging. I had to come up with a list of autoimmune diseases for every alphabet. It was no mean feat.

So, let’s begin exploring this list of autoimmune diseases starting with A!

29 Autoimmune Diseases That Start With A

And here’s the list of autoimmune diseases that begin with A letter.

Autoimmune inner ear disease

Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is a rare disease where the immune system attacks the ear. It is a chronic disease that can cause ringing in the ear, hearing loss, and vertigo. The disease can affect one or both ears, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Treatment for AIED includes steroids and other anti-inflammatory medications.

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (APS) is a rare disease that affects multiple endocrine organs. It is caused by an autoimmune response that attacks the endocrine glands, including the adrenal glands, pancreas, and thyroid. Symptoms of APS can include fatigue, weight loss, and skin pigmentation changes. Treatment includes hormone replacement therapy.

Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane nephritis

Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane nephritis (GBM) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys. It is caused by immune system attacks on the GBM, which is a protein layer in the kidneys. Symptoms of GBM nephritis can include blood in the urine, high blood pressure, and shortness of breath. Treatment includes steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs.

Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis

Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis (NMDAR) is a recently discovered autoimmune disease that affects the brain. It is caused by antibodies that attack the NMDA receptor in the brain. Symptoms of NMDAR encephalitis can include psychosis, seizures, and memory loss. Treatment includes immunosuppressive drugs and plasmapheresis.

Autoimmune retinopathy

Autoimmune retinopathy (AIR) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the eyes. It is caused by attacks on the retina by the immune system. Symptoms of AIR can include vision loss, night blindness, and color vision problems. Treatment includes steroids and immunosuppressive drugs.

Autoimmune thyroiditis

Autoimmune thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto’s disease, is a common autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. It is caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland, leading to an underactive thyroid. Symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis can include fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Treatment includes hormone replacement therapy.

Autoimmune neutropenia

Autoimmune neutropenia is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the white blood cells. It is caused by an autoimmune response that attacks the bone marrow, where white blood cells are made. Symptoms of autoimmune neutropenia can include frequent infections and fever. Treatment includes immunosuppressive drugs.

Addison’s disease

Addison’s disease is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the adrenal glands. It is caused by the immune system attacking the adrenal glands, leading to a lack of hormones. Symptoms of Addison’s disease can include fatigue, weight loss, and mood changes. Treatment includes hormone replacement therapy.

Autoimmune urticaria

Autoimmune urticaria is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the skin. It is caused by an autoimmune response that attacks the skin, leading to hives or rash. Symptoms of autoimmune urticaria can include itching, swelling, and redness. Treatment includes antihistamines and immunosuppressive drugs.

Antisynthetase syndrome

Antisynthetase syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the muscles and lungs. It is caused by an autoimmune response that attacks the cells that produce certain amino acids, called syntheses. Symptoms of antisynthetase syndrome can include muscle weakness, shortness of breath, and joint pain. Treatment includes steroids and immunosuppressive drugs.

Autoimmune enteropathy

Autoimmune enteropathy is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the gut. It is caused by the immune system attacking the lining of the small intestine, leading to diarrhea and malabsorption. Symptoms of autoimmune enteropathy can include weight loss, bloating, and abdominal pain. Treatment includes steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs.

Autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the liver. It is caused by an autoimmune response that attacks the liver cells, leading to inflammation and damage. Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis can include fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain. Treatment includes steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs.

Adiposis dolorosa

Adiposis dolorosa, also known as Dercum’s disease, is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the fatty tissue. It is caused by an autoimmune response that attacks the fat cells, leading to painful growths. Symptoms of adiposis dolorosa can include pain, nodules, and fatigue. Treatment includes pain management and immunosuppressive drugs.

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the spine and joints. It is caused by an autoimmune response that leads to inflammation and stiffness in the spine. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis can include back pain, limited mobility, and fatigue. Treatment includes exercise and other therapies to improve mobility, as well as medications to manage symptoms.

Autoimmune Angioedema

Autoimmune Angioedema is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes. It is caused by an autoimmune response that leads to swelling of the skin and mucous membranes. Symptoms of autoimmune angioedema can include swelling, itching, and difficulty breathing. Treatment includes antihistamines and immunosuppressive drugs.

Aplastic anemia

Aplastic anemia is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the bone marrow. It is caused by an autoimmune response that attacks the cells in the bone marrow that produce blood cells. Symptoms of aplastic anemia can include fatigue, shortness of breath, and infections. Treatment includes immunosuppressive drugs and bone marrow transplant.

Acute motor axonal neuropathy

Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the nerves. It is caused by an autoimmune response that attacks the motor axons, which are responsible for muscle control. Symptoms of AMAN can include muscle weakness, paralysis, and difficulty breathing. Treatment includes immunosuppressive drugs and physical therapy.

Adult-onset Still’s disease

Adult-onset Still’s disease is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the joints and organs. It is caused by an autoimmune response that leads to inflammation in the joints and other organs. Symptoms of Adult-onset Still’s disease can include fever, joint pain, and rash. Treatment includes steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs.

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the lymph nodes and immune system. It is caused by an autoimmune response that leads to an overgrowth of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells. Symptoms of ALPS can include swollen lymph nodes, autoimmune disorders, and an increased risk of cancer. Treatment includes immunosuppressive drugs and monitoring for cancer.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the hair follicles. It is caused by an autoimmune response that leads to hair loss, usually in patches on the scalp. Symptoms of Alopecia Areata can include hair loss, itching, and burning. Treatment includes steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs.

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, also known as ADEM, is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. It is characterized by inflammation of the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers, leading to neurological symptoms such as headaches, seizures, confusion, and weakness. The onset of ADEM is typically sudden and occurs after an infection or vaccination. The condition is treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the nervous system.

Autoimmune Uveitis

Autoimmune Uveitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It is caused by an autoimmune response that leads to inflammation and damage to the tissues of the eye. Symptoms can include eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressive drugs, and surgery in severe cases. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent permanent vision loss.

Autoimmune Progesterone Dermatitis

Autoimmune Progesterone Dermatitis is a rare autoimmune disorder that is triggered by hormonal changes, specifically in response to progesterone. It causes a range of symptoms, including rashes, hives, itching, swelling, and abdominal pain. The condition can be managed with a variety of medications, including antihistamines and corticosteroids, and may also involve avoiding triggers such as certain foods or medications.

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia is a condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys red blood cells. This can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Treatment may involve medications to suppress the immune system and may also include blood transfusions in severe cases.

Autoimmune Oophoritis

Autoimmune Oophoritis is a condition in which the immune system attacks the ovaries, leading to inflammation and damage. This can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, irregular periods, and infertility. Treatment may involve medications to reduce inflammation, hormone replacement therapy, or surgery in severe cases.

Autoimmune Orchitis

Autoimmune Orchitis is a condition in which the immune system attacks the testicles, leading to inflammation and damage. This can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, swelling, and infertility. Treatment may involve medications to reduce inflammation, hormone replacement therapy, or surgery in severe cases.

Autoimmune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Autoimmune Thrombocytopenic Purpura is a condition in which the immune system attacks platelets, leading to a low platelet count. This can cause a range of symptoms, including bruising, bleeding, and fatigue. Treatment may involve medications to suppress the immune system, blood transfusions, or surgery in severe cases.

Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Autoimmune Pancreatitis is a rare form of chronic pancreatitis that is caused by an autoimmune response. It can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice. Treatment may involve medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms, as well as surgery in severe cases.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Antiphospholipid Syndrome is a condition in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack phospholipids, a type of fat found in cell membranes. This can cause a range of symptoms, including blood clots, miscarriage, and neurological problems. Treatment may involve blood thinners and immunosuppressive medications to reduce the risk of blood clots and manage symptoms.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of A autoimmune diseases.

When I started compiling the list of autoimmune diseases, I had no idea how long it would take. I was determined to do it right, however.

In conclusion, autoimmune diseases pose a significant health risk to individuals worldwide, with over 80 recognized types that affect multiple organs and tissues. These diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy cells, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue destruction. While the exact causes of autoimmune diseases remain unknown, several factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental triggers play a role. A proper diagnosis, treatment, and management of these conditions are essential to minimize further damage, improve quality of life, and prevent complications. Therefore, ongoing research on autoimmune diseases is critical for developing effective therapies and finding a cure for these chronic debilitating illnesses.

Hope this post on autoimmune diseases beginning with A alphabet has been useful to you!