What are the diseases of the immune system?
Jul 02, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, immune system diseases include Sjögren's syndrome, bronchial asthma, autoimmune thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and others. There are many types of immune system diseases, and their symptoms vary widely. If related symptoms appear or if you suspect you have an immune system disease, you should seek timely medical attention and receive diagnosis and treatment from a qualified physician.
Commonly seen immune system diseases include Sjögren's syndrome, bronchial asthma, autoimmune thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Sjögren's Syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease potentially associated with multiple factors such as infections, endocrine influences, and genetic background. It causes reduced secretion from multiple glands throughout the body, presenting symptoms such as dry mouth and dry eyes.
2. Bronchial Asthma
Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation, commonly associated with genetic and environmental factors. During asthma attacks, pathological changes such as airway smooth muscle contraction, airway wall edema, increased mucus secretion, and inflammatory cell infiltration within the airways may occur. Patients may experience symptoms such as wheezing and chest tightness.
3. Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Autoimmune thyroiditis may be related to multiple factors including genetics, gender, infections, iodine intake, cytokines, and stress. This condition can lead to hypothyroidism, affecting the body's metabolism and energy consumption. Symptoms may include goiter, pain, fatigue, and others.
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an antigen-induced, T-cell-mediated, genetically associated multisystem inflammatory autoimmune disease. It primarily affects peripheral joints in a symmetrical distribution. Clinically, it presents with symptoms such as morning stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional impairment in the affected joints.
5. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a diffuse connective tissue disorder mediated by autoimmunity, prominently characterized by immunological inflammation. During the acute phase, skin lesions such as facial rashes, butterfly-shaped erythema, joint swelling and pain, oral ulcers, and hair loss may occur. As the disease progresses, it may involve the kidneys, hematopoietic system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system.
There are many types of immune system diseases with varying symptoms. If related symptoms appear or an immune system disease is suspected, timely medical consultation and diagnosis and treatment by professional physicians are necessary.
