The human body, though vulnerable, is quite capable of protecting itself. The nature that nurtures us has elements in it that are known to cause damage, which can be short-term or can last a lifetime. The body’s immune system is credited with protecting the body from outside agents, and this ensures that we don’t fall prey to diseases that aim at disrupting our body’s functioning. However, trouble surfaces when the very immune system that is supposed to protect the body, starts attacking it from the inside.

The immune system begins attacking the healthy cells instead of the bacteria and viruses, and this affects the functioning of the body’s organs. The autoimmune diseases that arise due to the malfunctioning immune system can affect any part of the body and result in the deterioration of the same. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, rheumatism, thyroid diseases, etc. are examples of common autoimmune diseases.

However, some autoimmune diseases are rare, and the damage they cause is quite grave as well. Here are some rare autoimmune diseases that can cause severe pain if left untreated.

• Grave’s disease – One of the most severe autoimmune diseases that can affect people is Grave’s disease. When the immune system produces antibodies, which activate the TSH receptors, and this, in turn, leads to an overproduction of the thyroid hormone. This results in hyperthyroidism, and the symptoms of Grave’s disease are- rapid heart rate, weakness, brittle hair, weight loss. Extreme measures like surgery or removal of the thyroid gland can treat this autoimmune disease.
• Addison’s disease – Addison’s disease is one of the rarest autoimmune diseases and affects 1 in 1,00,000. The body maintains its balance by using hormones to send signals to the different parts and commands it to perform its functions. When the adrenal gland, which secretes hormones necessary to sustain a healthy life, are affected, they don’t produce the required amount of hormones. Since it controls the bodily functions, the body’s absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, blood pressure, the cardiovascular function goes haywire.
• Granulomatosis- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis or Wegener’s granulomatosis, is a rare autoimmune disease that occurs due to the inflammation of the blood vessels. This results in a lot of collateral damage in the form of damage to the kidneys and respiratory tract. This condition is triggered when the immune system is affected by some virus that prompts it to attack the blood vessels. It becomes fatal when left untreated.
• Giant Cell Myocarditis – Giant Cell Myocarditis is one of the fatal autoimmune diseases known to humankind. In certain cases, this condition has resulted in immediate death as well. This condition is characterized by the inflammation of the heart muscle due to the influx of giant inflammatory cells, which destroys the cells in the heart muscle.