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Bind Tissues Can Be Affected By These Diseases

Human connective tissue is like an adhesive that makes the body have a shape. In addition, another function that can be performed by connective tissue is to maintain position and support the work of all organs in the body. However, these various functions can be disrupted if the connective tissue experiences certain diseases. Connective tissue is composed of two types of protein tissue, namely collagen and elastin. Tendons (urates), ligaments, cartilage, fatty tissue, lymphatic tissue (lymphatics), skin, blood, and solid bone, are part of connective tissue. Considering its broad function and role, the connective tissue needs to be maintained so that it can continue to work optimally.

Various connective tissue diseases

Here are some diseases that can affect the function of connective tissue:
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that can reduce the function of connective tissue. This disease is caused by the immune system that attacks the thin membranes in the joint lining. As a result, sufferers will experience pain, stiffness in the joints, and heat and swelling in the joints. In addition, other symptoms that may appear are fever, loss of appetite, anemia, and fatigue. If not treated immediately, this disease will lead to complications in the form of permanent damage to the joints.
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (systemic lupus erythematosus / SLE)

  • Other diseases that can reduce connective tissue function are systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE. Systemic lupus erythematosus is a type of chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue, causing disorders in various organs of the body, such as joints, skin, kidneys, and brain. Women aged 15 to 44 years are more susceptible to this disease. Symptoms that can be felt by people with lupus include rashes on the skin of the face and throughout the body, irritation of the skin after exposure to sunlight, hair loss, nerve disorders, loss of concentration, anemia, and disorders of the kidneys.
  • Scleroderma

  • Scleroderma is a disorder of the immune system characterized by thickening and hardening of the skin, formation of scar tissue, and organ damage. This disease occurs when the immune system, whose role is to protect the body from infection, attacks your own body. Scleroderma is divided into two types, namely local and systemic. If it only occurs in the skin tissue, then this condition is categorized as local scleroderma. Meanwhile, if it affects the skin, underlying tissues, blood vessels and major body organs, then this condition is categorized as systemic or comprehensive scleroderma.
  • Vasculitis

  • Vasculitis is inflammation of blood vessels that causes changes in the walls of blood vessels, including weakening, thickening, narrowing, until scar tissue is formed. There are more than 20 types of diseases that are marked by this condition. Because it involves inflammation of blood vessels, this disease can affect blood flow to other organs and body tissues.
  • Mixed connective tissue disease

  • Mixed connective tissue disease is a term often used to describe a group of connective tissue diseases that suffer simultaneously. The symptoms that appear are a mixture of symptoms of various connective tissue diseases, such as lupus, scleroderma, polymyositis or dermatomyositis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Women aged 55 years and over are more prone to suffer from this disease. Some people affected by this disease will only feel mild symptoms. However, some others can feel severe symptoms.
There are more than 200 diseases or conditions that show abnormalities in the connective tissue. The effects that can be caused are varied, ranging from mild pain to respiratory problems and permanent damage to the connective tissue structures of the body. Therefore, you should immediately consult a doctor if you experience complaints related to connective tissue, so that proper examination and treatment can be done.

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