Autoimmune disease is a condition that causes your immune system mistakenly to attack your body. The
immune system, when working properly, will guard against germs like bacteria and common viruses.
When it senses these foreign invaders, it sends out fighter
cells to attack them. Normally, the immune system can tell the difference between foreign cells and your own cells.
With an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakes part of your body,
like skin or joints, as foreign. It then releases proteins called
autoantibodies that attack healthy cells. Some autoimmune
diseases target only one organ. Type 1 diabetes damages the pancreas.
Other diseases, like lupus, affect the whole body.
Internal inflammation is a silent issue. Because you can't see it, the autoimmune sufferers are often ignored. Inflammation is associated with Lupus, MS, Arthritis, Celiac disease, and PCOS. Requires a medical diagnosis
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that causes muscle
pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders. Signs and symptoms of
polymyalgia rheumatica (pol-e-my-AL-juh rue-MAT-ih-kuh) usually begin
quickly and are worse in the morning.
Most people who develop polymyalgia rheumatica are older than 65. It rarely affects people under 50.
This condition is related to another inflammatory called giant cell
arteritis. Giant cell arteritis can cause headaches, vision
difficulties, jaw pain and scalp tenderness. It's possible to have both
conditions together.
- Aches or pain in your shoulders
- Aches or pain in your neck, upper arms, buttocks, hips or thighs
- Stiffness in affected areas, particularly in the morning or after being inactive for a time
- Limited range of motion in affected areas
- Pain or stiffness in your wrists, elbows or knees
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
- A general feeling of not being well (malaise)
- Loss of appetite
- Unintended weight loss
- Depression
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