Chronic illness as the name implies, is a medical condition that typically lasts for an extended period of time. Whereas many illnesses/sicknesses last for a short duration, many chronic illnesses last for the rest of a person’s life.

Having a chronic illness requires one to modify their way of living to accommodate their condition which often entails chronic fatigue and physical limitations. It is often said that: living with a chronic illness is like living life on “difficult mode.” Afterall, simple things that many take for granted such as, dressing oneself or going for “pain-free” walks are privileges many chronic illness sufferers don’t have.

Learning More About Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune disease is an example of chronic illness in which the immune system which is normally tasked with defending the body against harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses, mistakenly targets and attacks the body’s own healthy tissues and cells. Autoimmune diseases can affect virtually any organ or system in the body, and there are over 80 known autoimmune diseases, each with its own set of symptoms and specific target tissues.

Common Examples of Autoimmune Disease

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, leading to joint inflammation and pain.
2. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus): A condition that can affect various organs and tissues, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart.
3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): An autoimmune disease that damages the protective covering of nerve fibers in the central nervous system. This leads to a range of neurological symptoms.
4. Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to high blood sugar levels.
5. Celiac Disease: An autoimmune condition triggered by the consumption of gluten, causing damage to the lining of the small intestine and digestive symptoms.
6. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: An autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.
7. Graves’ Disease: This is an autoimmune thyroid condition, but in this case, it causes hyperthyroidism.
8. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Including conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These are autoimmune disorders that affect the digestive tract.
9. Fibromyalgia: An autoimmune disease characterized by widespread pain and fatigue.

See Related: Here are 10 Signs of Chronic Illness Burnout