Understanding Self-Parasitism: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Self-parasitism is a phenomenon that occurs when an organism's own immune system attacks its own cells and tissues, leading to damage and dysfunction. This can occur in various contexts, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancer.

In the case of autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly identifies the body's own cells and tissues as foreign invaders and attacks them, leading to inflammation and damage. Examples of autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.

In allergies, the immune system overreacts to harmless substances such as pollen or dust mites, leading to an excessive response that can cause symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and swelling.

In cancer, the immune system may attack the body's own cells and tissues, leading to damage and dysfunction. This can occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy cells as cancerous or when it overreacts to a perceived threat.

Self-parasitism is a complex phenomenon that is not yet fully understood, but research suggests that it may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins, infections, or stress. Treatment options for self-parasitism depend on the underlying cause and can include medication, lifestyle changes, and immunotherapy.