Many people experience various forms of allergic reactions. Almost anything may be an allergen. The skin may redden and blister, and the breathing may become strained. Again, it is as if the immune system can rapidly program and reprogram itself. Some diseases are referred to as autoimmune.
Diseases considered to be of autoimmune origin include myasthenia, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
However, molecules of the body's own tissue that resemble the target may also be attacked. Many cancers may be examples of autoimmune disease. A healthy immune system destroys cancer cells before the cancer attracts diagnostic attention. If diet or stress impairs the immune system, autoimmune disease may be more likely to occur. The benefits of allergies can be placed in four basic groups.