In its simplest terms, the overall function of the immune system is to prevent or limit infection. The immune system is complex and pervasive. There are numerous cell types that either circulate throughout the body or reside in a particular tissue. Each cell type plays a unique role, with different ways of recognizing problems, communicating with other cells, and performing their functions.

Click here for more about your immune system and how you can help keep it healthy.

​Generally, the body does an impressive job of regulating itself, however, complications can arise when it does not function properly.  For people suffering from autoimmune disorders, the body may feel as if it is under siege.

Immune system disorders cause abnormally low activity or overactivity of the immune system.  Some issues are less pervasive, such as pollen allergy, while others are extensive, such as genetic disorders that wipe out the presence or function of an entire set of immune cells. In cases of immune system overactivity, the body attacks and damages its own tissues (autoimmune diseases). Immune deficiency diseases decrease the body’s ability to fight invaders, causing vulnerability to infections.

The NCBI states that:

• 30% of all autoimmune diseases are connected to genetic predisposition
• 70 % are due to environmental factors, including toxic chemicals, dietary components, gut dysbiosis, and infections. ​

Healthline indicates that there are more than 80 different autoimmune diseases. Here are 14 of the most common ones.

1. Type 1 diabetes
2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
3. Psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis
4. Multiple sclerosis
5. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
6. Addison’s disease
7. Graves’ disease (overactive thyroid)
8. Sjögren’s syndrome
9. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (underactive thyroid)
10. Myasthenia gravis
11. Autoimmune vasculitis
12. Pernicious anemia
13. Celiac disease
14. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe conditions that cause inflammation in the lining of the intestinal wall. Each type of IBD affects a different part of the GI tract.

• • Crohn’s disease can inflame any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus.
  • Ulcerative colitis affects only the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

With so many conditions associated with autoimmune disorders, diagnosing might seem daunting. However, we employ Avise CTD testing.

AVISE CTD is an accurate, comprehensive, and innovative rheumatic disease diagnostic test that uses patented CB-CAPs technology. AVISE CTD can provide us with the information we need to help you get a diagnosis. 

AVISE testing uses patented biomarkers and the highest quality standards to provide us with accurate results to help make an accurate diagnosis. When combined with our clinical assessment, AVISE testing can provide the information necessary to help make a dierential diagnosis.

With the convenience of a single blood draw, AVISE CTD can save time and money and help get you on the path to better health. Getting an accurate and early diagnosis depends on you communicating your symptoms to your physician. That information, along with accurate test results may help assist in an earlier diagnosis.

Treatment plans can also include Ozone Therapy. Read more here.