Lupus is categorized as which type of disease?

Lupus is categorized as an autoimmune disease because it occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system fails to recognize certain cells as part of the body and produces antibodies against them, leading to inflammation and damage.

In the case of lupus, this can affect various systems within the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart, resulting in a wide range of symptoms. Understanding lupus as an autoimmune disease highlights the underlying issue of immune dysregulation, which differentiates it from viral, bacterial, or allergic diseases. These types of diseases involve pathogens or specific allergic reactions rather than the body’s own immune response turning against itself.