These reactions also occur in allergies, which are a related phenomenon. Some lymphocytes are capable of reacting against self, but these lymphocytes are usually suppressed. Autoimmune diseases occur when there is some interruption of the usual control process, allowing lymphocytes to avoid suppression, or when there is an alteration in some body tissue so that it is no longer recognized as self and is thus attacked. Are There Different Types of Autoimmunity Autoimmune processes can have various results, for example, slow destruction of a specific type of cells or tissue, stimulation of an organ into excessive growth, or interference in its function. In organ-specific disorders, the autoimmune process is directed mostly against one organ.
Some autoimmune diseases fall between the two types.
Patients may experience several organ-specific diseases at the same time. There is, however, little overlap between the two ends of the spectrum. What About Treatment Of first importance in treating any autoimmune disease is the correction of all major deficiencies. An example would be replacing hormones that are not being produced by the gland, such as thyroxin in autoimmune thyroid disease or insulin in type one diabetes. In autoimmune blood disorders, it may be necessary to replace components of the blood by transfusion.