Autoimmune diseases of the intestine
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are counted among the autoimmune diseases of the intestine. Both diseases are chronic inflammatory reactions of the intestinal mucosa. A characteristic feature of Crohn’s disease is the irregular infestation of the mucous membrane from the mouth to the anus.
The disease is most frequently localized in the lower section of the small intestine and in the large intestine. It is possible that individual healthy sections of the intestine lie between the diseased mucosa. In addition to the classification as an autoimmune disease, genetic components, a defect in the barrier between the intestinal wall and microorganisms and the presence of a certain mycobacterium play a role.
Typical symptoms are abdominal pain and sometimes bloody diarrhea. In therapy, a distinction is made between treatment of the acute phase and prevention of renewed attacks. In this way, an attempt is made to weaken the reaction of the immune system.Ulcerative colitis also progresses in relapses and is treated immunosuppressively.
The symptoms are similar to those of Crohn’s disease. Until now, ulcerative colitis was also considered an autoimmune disease. The latest findings suggest that it is rather a malfunction of the immune system against intestinal bacteria. The uniform infestation of the intestinal mucosa is limited to the colon. Therapeutically, if the patient does not respond to medication, there is the possibility of surgical removal of the colon.
Life expectancy
Life expectancy is not limited for most autoimmune diseases with appropriate therapy. If the disease is not recognized for a long time, a lower life expectancy can result due to organ damage. The same applies if no therapy is given.
The autoantibodies formed cause irreversible damage to the respective tissue. The more advanced this damage is, the more difficult a successful treatment can be. Rarer diseases such as lupus erythematosus can be treated much better than before thanks to modern therapeutic options. Around 80 percent of those affected survive the first ten years after the start of therapy. Since there are no definitive cures to date, adequate therapy should be provided in any case to maintain life expectancy.
