When your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your own normal cells, this is what’s known as an autoimmune disease. It can be puzzling because the symptoms you experience might not always point directly to an autoimmune disorder. They often start with fatigue, muscle aches, swelling, and redness.

Sometimes, you might notice skin rashes or issues with your skin, which is your body’s largest organ and often a billboard for your health. What’s tricky is that these symptoms can overlap with many other conditions, making it a challenge to pin down the actual cause without a doctor’s help.

Common Types of Autoimmune Diseases

There are many different autoimmune diseases, over 80 types in fact, and they can affect just about any part of the body.

Type 1 Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, a hormone that helps your body use sugar.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This is when your immune system goes after your joints, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving.

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

With psoriasis, your immune system targets your skin, causing red, scaly patches. Psoriatic arthritis combines skin symptoms with joint issues.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS affects your nervous system, leading to a wide range of symptoms like muscle weakness, trouble with coordination, and vision problems.

Lupus

Lupus can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs, leading to a very wide array of symptoms.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, your immune system attacks your thyroid, which often leads to an underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism. You might feel unusually tired, gain weight without eating more, feel cold, and have dry skin. It’s like your body’s entire energy system is dialing down.

Graves’ Disease

On the other hand, Graves’ disease revs up your thyroid, leading to an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism. If you have Graves’ disease, you might notice that you’re feeling jittery or anxious, losing weight even though you’re eating normally, feeling hot, or seeing changes in your menstrual cycle. It’s as if your body’s energy system is stuck at high speed.

General Autoimmune Disease Symptoms

Fatigue

You might feel really tired, even after you’ve had a good night’s sleep. This kind of fatigue is more than just feeling sleepy; it’s a deep exhaustion that doesn’t get better with rest.

Muscle and Joint Pain

Pain and stiffness in your muscles and joints can be a frequent visitor. You may notice swelling and redness around the joints, and the pain can be pretty persistent.

Skin Changes

Rashes, including red, scaly patches, might appear. Your skin might also become sensitive to the sun, causing a rash after exposure.

Fever

A low-grade fever that comes and goes could be a signal. Since fevers are common in many illnesses, this alone doesn’t confirm an autoimmune disease, but it’s often one of the puzzle pieces.

Swelling and Redness

Your body might respond with swelling and redness in different parts of your body. It’s like an alarm system telling you something’s not quite right inside.

Specific Symptoms Related to Certain Autoimmune Diseases

Digestive Issues

For example, people with conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis often experience abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel problems.

Thyroid Problems

If your autoimmune disease targets the thyroid, like in Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease, you might notice weight changes, either gaining or losing without trying, and changes in energy levels.

Numbness and Tingling

Some autoimmune diseases affect the nerves. This can lead to sensations of numbness and tingling, much like your leg “falling asleep,” but it can occur in various parts of your body.

Dry Eyes and Mouth

Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome typically leave you with dry eyes and a mouth that feels like it’s always thirsty.

When You Should See a Doctor

If you’re frequently dealing with these symptoms, it’s essential to talk to your doctor. They can do tests to figure out what’s going on. Since autoimmune diseases can affect different parts of the body, it’s important to keep track of your symptoms, no matter how small they may seem, and share them with your healthcare provider.

Remember, while these symptoms can be signs of an autoimmune disease, they can also be caused by many other health conditions. It takes a careful process to determine if an autoimmune disease is at play, and this is where a doctor’s expertise comes into the picture. They’ll help you connect the dots and work towards finding a solution that brings relief and supports your health.