Autoimmune processes can affect the body in various ways. Autoimmunity can result in the slow destruction of specific types of cells, tissues, organs or joints, in stimulation of an organ into an excessive growth. Or an interference with its function. Organs and tissue's frequently affected include the Endocrine glands (such as the thyroid and pancreas, and adrenal glands), components of the blood (such as red blood cells), and the connective tissues, skin, muscles, and joints.
Autoimmune diseases are frequently classified into organ-specific diseases and non organ-specific types.
In organ-specific diseases, the autoimmune process is directed against a single organ. Examples of Autoimmune diseases in this category include Hashimotos, Thyroiditis, (Thyroid gland) Pernicious Anemia, (Stomach) Addisons disease (adrenal disease) and type 1 diabetes (Pancreas).
In non-organ specific diseases, autoimmune activity is widely spread throughout the body. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic Lupus Erythematousus (SLE, or Lupus) and Dermatomyositis.