What is the Difference Between Autoimmune Disease and Immunocompromised?

The main difference between autoimmune disease and being immunocompromised lies in the function of the immune system.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune response targets itself, attacking its own cells and tissues. There are almost 100 recognized autoimmune disorders, including Addison's disease, celiac disease, and Graves' disease. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system is overactive, mistaking healthy cells for foreign invaders and attacking them.

On the other hand, being immunocompromised means that the immune system is weakened or not functioning properly, making it more difficult to fight off infections. Immunocompromised individuals are more vulnerable to infections and may have a harder time responding to vaccines. Some reasons for being immunocompromised include genetic mutations, certain diseases like AIDS, cancer, and hepatitis, or taking medications that suppress the immune system.

While people with autoimmune diseases are not typically considered immunocompromised, certain medications and treatments used to reduce autoimmune reactions may cause immunosuppression. In summary:

Autoimmune diseases: Immune system is overactive, attacking healthy cells.
Immunocompromised: Immune system is weakened or not functioning properly, making it difficult to fight infections.

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What is the Difference Between Autoimmune Disease and Immunocompromised?

Comparative Table: Autoimmune Disease vs Immunocompromised

Here is a table comparing the differences between autoimmune diseases and immunocompromised conditions:

Autoimmune Disease	Immunocompromised Condition
Occurs when the body's immune response targets itself, attacking its own cells and tissues	Refers to a weakened immune system that may have trouble fighting off infections
There are almost 100 recognized autoimmune disorders, e.g., Addison's disease, Celiac disease, Graves' disease	Immunocompromised can result from various reasons, such as aging, certain diseases (AIDS, cancer, hepatitis), and medications used to suppress the immune system
Autoimmune conditions don't necessarily cause a weakened immune system, but some medications used to treat these disorders may cause a weakened immune response	Immunocompromised people are more prone to infections and may have difficulty responding to vaccines
People with autoimmune diseases aren't typically considered immunocompromised, unless they take certain medications that slow down their immune system

In summary, autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues, while immunocompromised conditions refer to a weakened immune system that may have trouble fighting off infections.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.