What is an autoimmune disease?
A person with an autoimmune disease has an abnormal immune system, which normally fights infection. The abnormal immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissue in the body, causing inflammation and scarring of the tissue. An autoimmune disease may damage the skin, heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, blood vessels, and joints. More widely known autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

What are the symptoms of an autoimmune disease?
Symptoms of an autoimmune disease depend on the tissue that is attacked by immune system. Common symptoms include rashes, joint pain, joint swelling, eye pain, eye redness, muscle aches, and weakness or fatigue.

How does the doctor treat an autoimmune disease?
Treatment for an autoimmune disease includes medications that suppress inflammation or the immune system. Options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, corticosteroids, and chemotherapeutic agents, such as methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and hydroxychloroquine.