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Adapted by Mary Shomon

For comprehensive help preventing, diagnosing, treating and even curing many autoimmune diseases, read Living Well With Autoimmune Disease from bestselling author Mary Shomon.

This special section on "Understanding Autoimmune Diseases" covers a variety of information about autoimmune diseases, and discusses the causes, symptoms, treatments, and information resources associated with autoimmune conditions. Many autoimmune conditions are discussed, including common thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and other autoimmune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others. We have tried to anticipate those terms which need further definition and clarification. Throughout this special section, those terms, when they first appear in the text, are in italics. Italicized words and phrases are defined in the Glossary that is included. Understanding Autoimmune Diseases -- Table of Contents What Are Autoimmune Diseases, and Who Is Affected by Them? A brief overview of basic information about autoimmune diseases.

What Are the Causes of Autoimmune Diseases?
Are they contagious? Are they inherited? What other factors may influence the development of autoimmune diseases?

How Does the Immune System Work?
A look at T and B Cells, Macrophages, Neutrophils, MHC and Co-Stimulatory Molecules, Cytokines and Chemokines, Antibodies, Autoantibodies, Immune Complexes and the Complement System, and Genetic Factors

How Are Autoimmune Diseases Diagnosed and Treated?

What Are Some Examples of Autoimmune Diseases?
Discusses Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Immune-Mediated or Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma, and Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases

What Research Is Under Way on Autoimmune Diseases?

Resources

Glossary