Autoimmune Diseases That Start With S

Autoimmune diseases are a group of complex and poorly understood medical conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. These diseases arise when the immune system fails to distinguish between self and non-self antigens, leading to immune attacks against healthy tissues and organs. Depending on the type of autoimmune disease, symptoms can be mild or severe and may include fatigue, joint pain, hair loss, weight changes, and organ dysfunction. The diagnosis of autoimmune diseases often involves a combination of physical examinations, blood tests, imaging studies, and biopsies. Although researchers continue to investigate the causes of autoimmune diseases, it is believed that a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors is involved.

Trying to come up with a list of autoimmune diseases that would correspond with every alphabet was no walk in the park. It was going to take all of my energy.

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

11 Autoimmune Diseases That Start With S

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

Systemic scleroderma

Systemic scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that causes hardening and thickening of the skin, mainly on the limbs and face. This disease can also damage internal organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and heart. It affects women more than men and the onset of symptoms often occurs in middle-aged individuals. There is no known cure for systemic scleroderma, and treatment is focused on managing symptoms.

Susac’s syndrome

Susac’s syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the brain, retina, and inner ear. It usually affects young women, and symptoms may include hearing loss, vision loss, and confusion. The exact cause of the disease is not known, and there is no cure. Treatment typically involves corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, and sometimes antiplatelet therapy.

Sjogren syndrome

Sjogren syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease, primarily affecting women, that attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands and causes dryness of the mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes. Onset usually occurs in middle age, but can occur at any age. There is no cure for Sjogren syndrome, and treatment involves managing symptoms with artificial tears, saliva substitutes, and other medications.

Scleritis

Scleritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the sclera, the white outer layer of the eye. It causes inflammation, redness, and pain in the affected eye, and can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Scleritis is rare and affects women more than men, and there is no cure. Treatment typically involves corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and other medications to manage inflammation.

Schnitzler syndrome

Schnitzler syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic urticaria (hives) and a persistent, low-grade fever. It may also cause joint pain, eye inflammation, and bone pain. The disease typically affects middle-aged individuals and is more common in men. Treatment involves managing symptoms with anti-inflammatory medication and immunosuppressants.

Stiff-person syndrome

Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system and causes muscle stiffness and spasms, often resulting in difficulty moving and walking. The disease is more common in women and usually begins in middle age. Treatment involves managing symptoms with medications that increase the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in various parts of the body, most commonly in the lungs, lymph nodes, skin, and eyes. The disease can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, and skin rashes. Sarcoidosis can affect people of any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 40. There is no cure for sarcoidosis, and treatment typically involves managing symptoms with corticosteroids and other medications.

Sympathetic ophthalmia

Sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare autoimmune disorder that occurs after an eye injury or surgery, where the immune system attacks the unaffected eye. It causes inflammation, vision loss, and usually has an onset after weeks or months of the injury or surgery. Sympathetic ophthalmia is more common in men and is treated with immunosuppressants and steroids to manage inflammation and preserve vision.

Sydenham’s chorea

Sydenham’s chorea is an autoimmune disorder associated with streptococcal infections, mainly affecting young girls. It causes involuntary movements of the limbs, face, and torso, accompanied by emotional disturbances. The symptoms tend to improve with time, but treatment with penicillin or immunosuppressants may reduce the severity of the disorder.

Subacute bacterial endocarditis

Subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE) is an infection caused by bacteria that infects the heart’s inner lining, usually through an injury or breach. SBE can lead to serious complications such as heart valve damage, sepsis, and stroke, and requires prompt medical intervention with antibiotics. While SBE can occur in anyone, it is more common in people who have a history of heart disease, heart valve replacement, or other risk factors.

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and tissues, including the skin, kidneys, heart, and joints. Symptoms can vary widely but may include joint pain, rashes, fever, and fatigue. The onset of SLE usually occurs in women of childbearing age, but it can affect people of any age or gender. Treatment typically involves managing symptoms with anti-inflammatory medications and immunosuppressants.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of S autoimmune diseases.

Compiling a list of autoimmune diseases felt like solving a complex puzzle. It was a problem that required careful consideration and keen attention to detail.

In summary, autoimmune diseases are a complex group of disorders caused by an autoimmune response against one’s own healthy cells. They can affect any organ or tissue in the body, leading to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and functional impairment. Several factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, hormonal imbalances, and infections, can trigger autoimmune disease development. Diagnostic methods, such as lab tests, imaging, and biopsy, help identify specific autoimmune diseases and guide treatment. Currently, treatments aim at controlling symptoms, preventing flare-ups, and delaying the disease progression. However, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of autoimmune diseases and the development of more specific and effective therapies are crucial in improving outcomes and quality of life of affected individuals.

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