Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Most Common Immune Disorders?

Susan Grindstaff
Susan Grindstaff

There are many different types of immune disorders, and they are typically categorized in two sub-types. Systemic immune disorders describe a condition where the immune disorder affects more than one organ in the body, whereas localized immune disorders typically only affect one organ. Some of the more common types of systemic immune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Common types of localized immune disorders include diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, and Addison’s disease. Immune disorders typically describe diseases where the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys healthy tissue within the body, though some immune disorders involve a weakened immune system.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that usually causes inflammation and deterioration of joints. It can develop in any joints in the body, but most commonly affects hands and wrists. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by bacterial infections within joints or the tissue surrounding joints. It can affect people of any age group, though it is more common in people over the age of 30, and seems to be more common in women than in men. Rheumatoid arthritis is a non-contagious systemic immune disorder, and once the immune system begins attacking joint tissue, it typically spreads, and may also attack healthy tissue in the lungs and other organs.

Oxygen therapy may be administered to boost a patient's immune system.
Oxygen therapy may be administered to boost a patient's immune system.

Lupus is another type of systemic immune disorder, and like rheumatoid arthritis, it too is more common in women than in men. It is not believed to be contagious, and the exact cause of the disease has not been determined. Some research seems to show that lupus may be at least in part due to genetics, as people who have relatives who suffer from the disease have a higher risk of contracting lupus themselves. Some researchers believe there may be an environmental trigger that brings about the onset of lupus. Smoking and exposure to ultraviolent light are possibly linked to the disease.

Leukocytes are an important component of blood and a key player in the body's immune system.
Leukocytes are an important component of blood and a key player in the body's immune system.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune disorder that primarily affects the nervous system. It is considered a localized disorder, but because it attacks the nervous system, the symptoms can exhibit in many parts of the body. MS is a disease that causes the immune system to attack the protective coating of nerves. The severity of the disease varies greatly from one individual to another, but in very extreme cases, suffers may be unable to walk or speak. There is currently no cure for MS.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune disorder that commonly affects the hands and wrists.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune disorder that commonly affects the hands and wrists.

Acquired immune deficiency disorder (AIDS) is a completely different type of immune disorder. AIDS is not characterized by the immune system attacking healthy tissue, instead it is a condition where the immune system is so weakened that it does not function well enough to combat illnesses. Unlike most other immune disorders, AIDS is considered contagious, through exchange of body fluids such as mucus or blood.

Discussion Comments

anon343787

I went for the results of some blood work my doctor had ordered. The CBC showed that I do not have enough white blood cells. I am supposed to get another test done in a month. In the meantime, I have to stay away from anybody who is sick.

Another thing that bothers me is I told the doctor I was having problems with my memory and was told that a couple more blood tests would be ordered. One is for B12, and the next one has me confused because it is the RPR blood test. Everything I have looked up about it points to syphilis. Is there any other reason for this test to be ordered besides that? I appreciate any information you can give me.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Oxygen therapy may be administered to boost a patient's immune system.
      By: sudok1
      Oxygen therapy may be administered to boost a patient's immune system.
    • Leukocytes are an important component of blood and a key player in the body's immune system.
      By: designua
      Leukocytes are an important component of blood and a key player in the body's immune system.
    • Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune disorder that commonly affects the hands and wrists.
      By: Stephen VanHorn
      Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune disorder that commonly affects the hands and wrists.
    • Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the more common systemic immune disorders.
      By: rob3000
      Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the more common systemic immune disorders.
    • Injectable drugs may be used to soothe joint pain caused by immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
      By: Andrei Tsalko
      Injectable drugs may be used to soothe joint pain caused by immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Smoking may be linked to lupus.
      By: Hunor Kristo
      Smoking may be linked to lupus.
    • Once the immune systems begins attacking joint tissue, it may attack healthy tissue in the lungs.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      Once the immune systems begins attacking joint tissue, it may attack healthy tissue in the lungs.
    • Multiple sclerosis is a common autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system.
      By: joshya
      Multiple sclerosis is a common autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system.