Autoimmune Diseases Dictionary

fatigue: A state of exhaustion, weariness and tiredness.

Felty's Syndrome: A condition characterized by the triad of rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly and granulocytopenia

flare-ups: Lupus tends to be a cyclical disease. After periods of remission symptoms will suddenly "flare-up," then go back into remission.

flatulence: Gas in the intestinal tract.

flatus: Gas produced by the intestinal tract. The intestines produce a number of gases, including hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide.

fluorescent antinuclear antibody (FANA): A blood test used to search for the presence of abnormal antibodies. These abnormal antibodies, called autoantibodies, bind to components of the person’s own cells, called “antigens,” causing the immune system to attack the body in an effort to combat disease.

gastroenteritis: An inflammation of the stomach and the intestines.

gastrointestinal: Of or related to the stomach and intestines.

gliadin: A combination of a protein and a carbohydrate, gliadin is found in wheat, oats, barley, millet, and rye. People with celiac disease often have sensitivity to gliadin in addition to an immune response to gluten.

gluten: A protein found in wheat, other grains, and many types of prepared food.

gluten enteropathy: Another name for celiac disease.

glycosaminoglycans (GAG): Carbohydrates found naturally in cartilage and connective tissues.

hematuria: The presence of blood in urine.

IgG Antibodies: A type of antibody whose patterns indicate central nervous system inflammation, a common feature of multiple sclerosis.

ileum: The lower third of the small intestine, connecting the large intestine to the jejunum.

immune response: Any action taken by the body's immune system.

immune system: The body system that differentiates the body from foreign invaders, seeking out and killing invasive substances.

immunosupression: A suppressed immune system. The immune system may be depressed due to illness, or purposefully suppressed using immunosuppressive medication.

inflammation: An immune response characterized by heat, redness, pain, and swelling.

interferon: A medication administered by injection to decrease the frequency of multiple sclerosis exacerbations. Interferon slows the progression of MS about 33 percent of all patients. Interferon treatment can also reduce the number of multiple sclerosis lesions that develop in the nervous system, as well as slow or limit the level of disability caused by multiple sclerosis.

intention tremor: A tremor that is greatest during physical movement. With intention tremors, patients don’t shake when they are at rest. The tremor develops and becomes more pronounced as the person tries to grasp or reach for something, or move a hand or foot to a precise spot. This is the most common and generally most disabling type of tremor that occurs in people with MS.

intestinal obstruction: Anything that blocks the flow of food and waste products through the intestines.

intestine: The long organ beneath the stomach that continues the process of digestion.

jejunum: The middle third of the small intestine.

joint deformation: Untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can cause joints to become severely deformed, especially the hands and feet. This deformation may be accompanied by a loss of mobility and joint flexibility.