An autoimmune disease is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the body's own tissues. Normally, the immune system produces antibodies to protect the body against harmful substances, but in the case of autoimmune diseases, it cannot distinguish between healthy cells and harmful invaders. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain and swelling, skin problems, abdominal pain, recurring fever, and swollen glands
. There are more than 80 known autoimmune diseases, some of which are well- known, such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
. The exact cause of autoimmune diseases is unknown, but they are believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors
