Bullous Pemphigoid

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disorder. If you have it, your immune system attacks healthy cells in your skin and mouth, causing blisters and sores. No one knows the cause. Bullous pemphigoid does not spread from person to person. It does not appear to be inherited. But some people’s genes put them more at risk for bullous pemphigoid. Bullous pemphigoid is most common in older adults and may be fatal for older, sick patients. Bullous pemphigoid usually occurs in elderly persons and is rare in young people. 

Behcet’s Disease

Behcet’s disease is a chronic, multisystem autoimmune disease involving inflammation of blood vessels, called vasculitis, throughout the body. It is a rare disease, most commonly found in the Eastern Mediterranean countries and in eastern Asia. It affects more young men than women in those countries, but in the US it affects more women, most often in their 20s and 30s. The central nervous system, heart, and intestinal tract may be involved. Because this disease is so rare and it’s symptoms overlap those of other diseases, it may be very difficult to diagnose. Spontaneous remission may occur, which can add to the difficulty in diagnosis.

Axonal & neuronal neuropathy (AMAN)

Axonal & neuronal neuropathy (AMAN) is a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disease. It is characterized by acute paralysis and loss of reflexes without sensory loss. The syndrome typically presents as a progressive symmetric paralysis (loss of muscle function) with areflexia (absence of neurologic reflexes such as the knee jerk reaction), often causing respiratory failure. Antibodies attack the coating of the motor neurons without causing inflammation. It does not affect sensory neurons, so sensation remains intact despite loss of movement.

Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED)

Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is an unusual form of progressive non-age-related sensorineural hearing loss and sometimes vertigo. It occurs in both ears with cochlear and vestibular symptoms that progress over a period of weeks to months and affects hearing, and often balance function, in both ears. The classic presentation is with bilateral fluctuating but progressive sensorineural hearing loss leading on to severe deafness. Tinnitus (ringing, tinkling, buzzing, or other sounds in the ear) and intra-aural pressure may occur, as well as dizziness or vertigo.

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the liver. It usually occurs by itself, but it can coexist with other autoimmune diseases. The male/female ratio is 8:1, and it most often occurs in persons of Northern European extraction. It is usually classified as Type I or Type II. Type I is the most common and occurs at any age, most commonly in women. Type II is less common, affecting mostly girls between the ages of two to fourteen, although adults can have it too. 

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune syndrome caused by antiphospholipid antibodies. These antibodies are often referred to by different terms, including anticardiolipin antibody, lupus anticoagulant, and antiphospholipid antibody. APS can be primary or secondary, and also can be referred to by the name Hughes syndrome or “sticky blood”. 

Anti-GBM/Anti-TBM nephritis

Anti-GBM/Anti-TBM nephritis: Anti–glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) antibody disease is a rare autoimmune disorder caused by autoantibodies that attack the walls of small blood vessels (capillaries) in the kidney. Anti-GBM disease that only affects the kidneys is called anti-GBM glomerulonephritis. This is a form of inflammation (-itis), which is injury to tissue caused by white blood cells (leukocytes). Glomerulonephritis due to Anti-GBM antibody disease is rare. It occurs in less than 1 case per million persons. It affects mostly young, white men aged 15-35. After age 50, women are more likely to be affected. The sexes overall are affected approximately at a male-female ratio of 3:2. It is seen very rarely in children. Some evidence suggests that genetics may play an important role in this disease. 60-70% of patients have both lung and kidney involvement. This is called Goodpasture’s Syndrome. 20-40% have only kidney involvement, which is called “renal limited” anti-GBM disease. Symptoms may include: chills and fever, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, chest pain, bleeding may cause anemia, respiratory failure, and kidney failure. Treatment of anti-GBM disease is focused on removing the anti-GBM antibody from the blood.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease and is a type of arthritis of the spine. It causes swelling between your vertebrae, which are the disks that make up your spine, and in the joints between your spine and pelvis. The disease is more common and more severe in men. It often runs in families. Early symptoms include back pain and stiffness. These problems often start in late adolescence or early adulthood. Over time, ankylosing spondylitis can fuse your vertebrae together, limiting movement. Symptoms can worsen or improve or stop altogether. The disease has no cure, but medicines can relieve the pain, swelling and other symptoms. Exercise can also help.

Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. The cause of primary amyloidosis is unknown. The condition is related to abnormal and excess production of antibodies by a type of immune cell called plasma cells. Clumps of abnormal proteins build up in certain organs. This reduces their ability to work correctly. Symptoms depend on the organs affected. This disease can affect the tongue, intestines, skeletal and smooth muscles, nerves, skin, ligaments, heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys. Symptoms include: abnormal heart rhythm, fatigue, numbness of hands or feet, shortness of breath, hoarseness or changing voice, and joint pain.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder which is characterized by hair loss. Alopecia areata is found equally in both men and women. The disease can occur at any age, including childhood.

The hair loss may result in round bald patches on the scalp (alopecia areata) or involve the loss of all facial and scalp hair (alopecia totalis). The loss of all body hair is called alopecia universalis. Alopecia postpartum is characterized by loss of significant hair following pregnancy and is usually temporary. When a patient is diagnosed with alopecia, the first question is usually about whether or not the hair will regrow. The answer is usually vague as each case is different. Regrowth of hair may occur in some patients; and in other, the hair loss is permanent.

Agammaglobulinemia

Agammaglobulinemia is an immune disorder related to antibody deficiency (hypogammaglobulinemia) and is manifested in a variety of immune deficiency disorders in which the immune system is compromised. This group of immune deficiencies may be the consequence of an inherited condition, an impaired immune system from known or unknown cause, a relation to autoimmune diseases, or a malignancy.

Immunoglobulin deficiencies may be referred to by many different names, as there are several variables within the separate but related immune disorders; and there are also many subgroups. Antibody deficiency, immunoglobulin deficiency, and gamma globulin deficiency are all synonyms for hypogammaglobulinemia.

Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is an uncommon autoimmune disease, characterized by chronic and insufficient functioning of the outer layer of the adrenal gland. The adrenal glands are located atop each kidney and produce vital glucocorticoid hormones. Because of this chronic under-functioning of the adrenal glands, persons with Addison’s disease have a deficiency in the production of glucocorticoid hormones. Glucocorticoid hormones are involved in how the body utilizes and stores carbohydrates, protein, fat and blood sugar.

The adrenal gland also plays a role in the immune response. A deficiency in glucocorticoid hormones causes an increase in the release of sodium and a decreased release of potassium in the urine, sweat, saliva, stomach and intestines. These changes can cause low blood pressure and increased water excretion that can in some cases lead to severe dehydration.

Although there are many underlying factors in the development of adrenal insufficiencies, including destruction of the adrenal cortex due to diseases such as tuberculosis, the growth of tumors, non-autoimmune diseases amyloidosis and adrenoleukodystrophy, and atrophy of the gland due to prolonged use of cortical steroids used in the treatment of other conditions and illnesses, most cases of Addison’s disease are thought to be autoimmune in nature.

Canker Sores

Story at-a-glance

• Canker sores, which also go by the name of aphthous ulcers, are the most common type of mouth ulcers among people
• Although canker sores cause extreme pain for a person, these lesions tend to heal fast — the pain usually goes away within seven to 10 days, while complete recovery is estimated at one to three weeks

The term "canker sores" may not ring a bell for some, but most people have actually been affected by these already. If you've experienced pain because of round or oval sores that have a grayish-white film and red, inflamed borders,1 this means that you've had canker sores.

Fast Facts About Canker Sores

Canker sores, which also go by the name of aphthous ulcers, are the most common type of mouth ulcers among people.2 These painful but non-contagious sores typically appear on the inner surface of the cheeks and lips, upper surface of the mouth, on the tongue and at the base of the gums.3,4

Anyone can be affected by canker sores. However, adolescents and young adults should take extra precaution, since canker sores seem to be prevalent during this period.5 Women also have a higher risk for canker sores compared to men.6Canker sores can be classified into three types: minor canker sores, major canker sores and Herpetiform canker sores. People can distinguish these sores from each other by examining their sizes, appearances, pain and even recovery time.7

Why Do People Get Canker Sores?

Canker sores often develop because of minor mouth injuries, such as from dental work, sports accidents, intense brushing of teeth and accidental cheek bite(s). Some sores may also arise because of toothpastes and mouth rinses containing a chemical called sodium lauryl sulfate, or by eating foods that you may be either sensitive or allergic to, having nutrient deficiencies and even exposure to certain bacteria strains.8

In some cases, canker sores might actually be symptoms for other potentially devastating diseases like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, Behcet's disease, HIV/AIDS and/or a weakened immune system.9

How You Can Go From Painful to Painless

Although canker sores cause extreme pain for a person, these lesions tend to heal fast — the pain usually goes away within seven to 10 days, while complete recovery is estimated at one to three weeks. Moreover, treatment isn't necessary for canker sores, as they usually heal on their own.10

Additional medical treatment might only be required if a patient experiences large, persistent and unusually painful canker sores.11Unfortunately, this is where trouble can creep in, since some conventional cures can potentially cause more pain and affect your body negatively.

If you've struggled or are currently struggling with canker sores, take some time to read these pages. You will find information about how these sores can affect you. Plus, learn about the best foods you can eat, natural remedies that you can utilize and preventive measures that you should consider.

Bronchitis

Story at-a-glance

• Bronchitis is a disease that targets an important component of your breathing — the bronchial tubes or bronchi
• Bronchitis can be prevented by simply opting for a healthier lifestyle and eliminating certain factors that can either cause or increase your risk for this disease

Because of the hustle and bustle of their daily lives, most people fail to pay attention to a vital process that's happening in their bodies: their breathing. Peaceful and proper breathing serves many purposes, such as:1

Oxygenating the body	Replenishing the organs, cells and tissues	Stimulating energy production
Eliminating toxins	Boosting focus and concentration	Lessening stress, tension and anxiety
Increasing feelings of calmness and relaxation	Enhancing the immune system	Improving bowel function

Oxygen enters via the nose or mouth and goes into the larynx and then the trachea, the main passageway to the lungs.

The trachea is divided into the left and right bronchus, where smaller pathways like bronchi and bronchioles exist. These tubes then divide into smaller collections of air sacs called the alveoli, where the exchange of vital oxygen and waste carbon dioxide occurs.2

These air passageways are lined with special hairs called cilia that are coated with a sticky mucus. They are very important because they trap germs and other foreign particles that you may breathe in and sweep these all the way to your nose or mouth, where they are either swallowed, coughed or sneezed out of your body.3

To say that breathing is important to the maintenance and proper function of the body is a huge understatement — each step is vital to make sure that this system works well and you end up breathing properly to perform your daily tasks. Should there be a disturbance to the function of this respiratory process, you could become sick with any one of a number of airway diseases such as asthma or bronchitis.

Breaking Down Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a disease that targets an important component of your breathing — the bronchial tubes or bronchi. Having bronchitis means that these passageways are swollen or inflamed. The patient eventually finds it difficult to breathe in air and oxygen into the lungs, and develops high amounts of mucus or phlegm in these airways.4

Common symptoms of bronchitis include shortness of breath, coughing, mucus production (either clear, white, yellowish-gray or green), fatigue, slight fever and chills and chest discomfort.5 Viruses, such as those that could cause either a cold or flu, or certain bacteria strains are responsible for most cases of bronchitis.

However, if the patient is frequently exposed to lung irritants such as tobacco or cigarette smoke, dust, fumes, vapor or polluted air, this could lead to the onset of this disease.6 Patients can be diagnosed with either acute or chronic bronchitis.7

Don't Let Bronchitis Affect Your Body

Diseases that involve the respiratory system, like bronchitis, may seem like they will be inevitable at one point in life, but this is where people are mistaken. Bronchitis can be prevented by simply opting for a healthier lifestyle and eliminating certain factors that can either cause or increase your risk for this disease.

However, make sure to be on the lookout for conventional treatment protocols that may look like they're treating the disease, but are actually exposing you to further harm. Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-viral or pain-relieving drugs and antibiotics are typically prescribed to bronchitis patients, yet research has shown that these come with risky side effects.

These Bronchitis pages will provide you with the vital knowledge that you need. Learn more about what causes the disease, the symptoms that you should look out for, the best natural treatments to follow and how to prevent further cases from happening. Don't wait until it's too late — there is no better time to shield yourself from bronchitis than right now.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Story at-a-glance

• Originally, bacterial vaginosis was called Gardnerella vaginitis because it was thought that the Gardnerella strain was solely responsible for causing this condition
• Visit your doctor right away once you develop vaginal discharge because a different microorganism other than bacteria may have caused it

The vagina is a sensitive organ that is susceptible to numerous infections, with most women likely to get at least one infection during their lifetime.1 One of these types is vaginitis, a group of diseases that produces vaginal discharge, itching and pain in the vaginal region.2

Bacterial Vaginosis Is a Common Form of Vaginitis

Originally, bacterial vaginosis was called Gardnerella vaginitis because it was thought that the Gardnerella strain was solely responsible for causing this condition. However, more strains have been discovered such as Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Eubacterium, Fusobacterium and Peptostreptococcus.3

It may be hard to believe, but the female vagina can contain all these different bacteria, where they live in a delicate balance. But if this balance is disrupted, the vagina will produce a watery discharge with a foul odor. A burning feeling during urination may be present as well.4 Sexual activity is mainly linked to the development of bacterial vaginosis. It is more common among women who are sexually active and have multiple sex partners from both genders.5

However, bacterial vaginosis is not necessarily a sexually transmitted disease because women who are not sexually active have a chance of developing it as well.6 Poor nutrition may also cause bacterial vaginosis. If your diet lacks vitamin C and beta-carotene, pathogenic bacteria can cause an infection in your vagina. To help mitigate this problem, you should increase your intake of nutritious fruits and vegetables.7

How Bacterial Vaginosis Is Diagnosed

There are two tests that can help provide accurate results right away:

• Vaginal pH test: The doctor will take a sample of your discharge and analyze the pH level. If it is higher than 4.5, you most likely have bacterial vaginosis.8
• Cotton swab sample: Your vaginal discharge will be analyzed to check if bacterial infection is actually responsible for the symptoms, because a yeast infection can have similar symptoms to bacterial vaginosis.

This Guide Will Help Educate You About Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial disease may go away on its own without treatment, but that doesn't mean you should do nothing if you get it. Leaving bacterial vaginosis untreated can lead to complications that you should watch out for, such pelvic inflammatory disease. If you're pregnant, untreated bacterial vaginosis can cause premature birth and low birth weight for the infant. In extreme cases, it may even lead to a miscarriage.9

This guide will help you learn all about bacterial vaginosis, including steps on how to safely treat it with home remedies and how to prevent it from occurring in the first place. But note that you should not use this guide as your sole reference to treat the condition on your own. Visit your doctor right away once you develop vaginal discharge because a different microorganism other than bacteria may have caused it.

Important Facts on Appendicitis: Types, Symptoms and Treatment

Of all the organs inside the human body, the most misunderstood one is probably the appendix. It’s often described to be “useless” and “unimportant,” and is thought to be a remnant of human evolution. Charles Darwin concluded that it may be an organ that cavemen used to digest tree bark and other fibrous plant materials.1

Today, when talk of the appendix arises, most people tend to think of it as a “good for nothing” body part that may potentially lead to painful inflammation. But there’s actually more to this organ than what most people think.

What Is the Appendix and What Does It Do?

The appendix is found in the lower right portion of your abdomen. This slimy, finger-shaped organ is attached to the cecum, a small pouch that’s part of the intestines (the cecum is considered to be the beginning of the large intestine) and is part of your gastrointestinal tract.2

The appendix is thin and small, measuring only 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long.3 For a long time, the appendix has been regarded as an organ that does not serve any function, and that removing it will not harm a person. But now, research has made it clear that it may be useful after all.

According to scientists in France and Australia, the appendix may actually play a role in your immunity, as it has an important function for your gut bacteria.

Published in Nature Immunology, their study showed that the appendix — with the help of white blood cells known as innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) — works as a reservoir for “good bacteria,” which are essential for good gut health and healing from infections.4

When certain diseases eliminate the healthy bacteria in your gut, the appendix works as a “safe house” for some of these probiotics.

Once the body’s immune system has gotten rid of the infection, the bacteria will emerge from the biofilm of the appendix, and then recolonize your gut, bringing it back to its healthy state.5 According to Gabrielle Belz, a professor at Melbourne’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute:

"We've found that ILCs may help the appendix to potentially reseed 'good' bacteria within the microbiome — or community of bacteria — in the body. A balanced microbiome is essential for recovery from bacterial threats to gut health, such as food poisoning."6

The researchers say that these findings should make people rethink whether the appendix is “irrelevant” to their health.

Real Trouble Arises When Inflammation Sets In

Many people live long and healthy lives without having to worry about their appendix. However, in some cases, this organ becomes susceptible to infection and obstruction — paving the way for appendicitis.

To put it simply, appendicitis is an inflammation in the appendix, usually due to pathogenic bacteria. Once these bad bacteria multiply rapidly, it can lead to swelling and formation of pus in the organ.7 It is a fairly common condition and, in the U.S., it is the most common cause of abdominal pain leading to surgery.8 Physicians perform at least over 250,000 appendectomies (removal of the appendix) in the country every year.9

The hallmark symptoms of appendicitis include intense and progressively worsening pain, nausea and vomiting.10 It can occur at any age, although people ages 10 to 30 are more susceptible to it.11

Appendicitis Facts: Everything You Need to Know About This Ailment

Appendicitis is a very serious health concern, which is why it’s crucial to be familiar with this painful condition. If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from it, seek medical attention immediately. If not addressed, the swollen appendix can rupture and may be fatal.

Anxiety: An Introduction to This Potentially Debilitating Disorder

Your life isn’t just defined by the happy highs, such as graduation or getting your first paycheck, but by the lackluster lows too, including divorce or physical injuries.

Although it is normal to be concerned about aspects of your life, such as your job, relationships, bank account or health, too much stress and worry can be devastating for your body.

At first glance, this may look like just a simple rise in your stress levels or an increase in tiredness, but if there are bodily changes that are physical, mental or emotional, or a combination of all three, then this could mean that you are already experiencing an anxiety disorder.

Distinguishing Anxiety Disorders From Everyday Emotions

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary simply defines anxiety as a “fear or nervousness about what might happen.”1 However, anxiety actually refers to a group of disorders that can cause nervousness, fear, apprehension and worrying. There are seven common types of anxiety disorders, namely:2

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)	Panic Disorder
Phobias	Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Social Anxiety Disorder	Separation Anxiety Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

These diseases have their own symptoms, triggers and complications, but these are arguably the most common signs that you have an anxiety disorder, as noted by HelpGuide:3

Emotional	Physical
• Feelings of apprehension or dread, looking out for signs of danger and anticipating the worst • Restlessness • Difficulty in concentrating • Feeling tense, jumpy or irritable • Feeling absent-minded or that the mind has gone blank	• Pounding heartbeat • Sweating • Headaches • Upset stomach • Dizziness • Frequent urination or diarrhea • Shortness of breath • Muscle tensions, tremors and twitches • Fatigue • Insomnia

How Prevalent Are Anxiety Disorders?

Numbers related to mental illnesses (anxiety disorders are some of them) are sadly rising in the U.S. In fact, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) notes that these disorders are already the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting around 40 million adults aged 18 and above — that’s 18 percent of the population. Here’s a breakdown of how many adults in the U.S. are affected by certain anxiety disorders:4

Generalized Anxiety Disorder — 6.8 million (3.1 percent), women are twice as likely affected as men	Panic Disorder — 6 million (2.7 percent), women are twice as likely to be affected than menr
Social Anxiety Disorder — 15 million (6.8 percent), equally common among men and women	Phobias — 19 million (8.7 percent), women are twice as to be affected than men
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder — 22 million (1.0 percent), equally common among men and women	Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder — 7.7 million (3.5 percent)

Plus, according to a study commissioned by the ADAA entitled “The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders,” these disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion dollars annually, or nearly one-third of the $148 billion total mental health bill of the country.5

Good News: You Can Alleviate Anxiety Minus the Health Risks

Given that numbers for various mental illnesses (not just anxiety disorders) have been rising significantly, drugs have already been made available to treat these conditions. However, it’s been proven time and time again that these medications have side effects that can cause further harm.

The good news is there are natural treatments and lifestyle practices that patients with anxiety disorder can follow to help combat these feelings of anxiety and stress. Furthermore, you can actually enrich your daily diet with various stress-busting foods too.

Don’t let these disorders affect you or someone you know. Learn more about Anxiety in these informative pages. See how anxiety usually affects the mental and emotional health of people, as well as the various types of symptoms that you should watch out for, along with natural treatments that are inexpensive and beneficial.