Understanding Autoimmune Diseases and Their Early Signs
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system becomes unable to differentiate between the system’s own cells and foreign particles. As a result, the body begins to produce autoantibodies that attack healthy cells and make one more susceptible to infections. There are over hundred types of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease, Hashimoto’s disease, and alopecia areata. While some conditions may target only one organ, others may affect the entire body.
Here are some of the most common first signs of autoimmune diseases.
- Unexplained rashes
Red, itchy, scaly, dry, or irritated skin that comes and goes is often one of the first signs of autoimmune diseases like lupus and psoriasis.
Unexplained pain or sensitivity in the muscles and joints could be a signal of autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. Those experiencing such pain must visit their doctor for a thorough checkup.
Those who feel exhausted despite getting adequate sleep daily (7 to 9 hours) may be exhibiting the early signs of an autoimmune disease like multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Stomach aches, bloating, gas, and acidity are rather prevalent, and are generally associated with eating overly processed foods. However, these symptoms could also be a sign of underlying autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s or Celiac. Once diagnosed, it is advisable to follow a specific nutritional plan to reduce abdominal discomfort.
Autoimmune conditions can affect the production and functioning of hormones in the body. Excessive amounts of autoimmune activity could lead to a disruption in the production of hormones in the thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism. This condition could also be triggered by chronic stress, nutritional deficiencies, and inflammation. When left untreated, hypothyroidism could lead to heart disease, nerve damage, goiter, complications during pregnancy, and a life-threatening condition called myxedema coma.
People with autoimmune conditions such as Graves’ disease or alopecia areata may experience hair thinning and patchy or complete hair loss. Moreover, insomnia, irritability, and shaky hands are common symptoms of Graves’.
Some other symptoms of common autoimmune conditions may also include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, muscle weakness, inflammation, constipation, acid reflux, nausea, blood or mucus in the stool, dry eyes, dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, anxiety, depression, blurry vision, memory issues, migraines, lightheadedness, low-grade fever, chest pain, swollen glands, rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and temperature sensitivity.
Recognizing the signs of common autoimmune disorders
Here are some of the most common autoimmune disorders and their telltale signs.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
It is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that could cause symptoms such as pain and stiffness in more than one joint, tenderness and swelling in the joints, fever, fatigue, and weakness. - Multiple sclerosis
This condition can cause a wide range of symptoms and affect any part of the body. Some of the common symptoms include fatigue, vision problems, numbness and tingling, muscle spasms, stiffness, weakness, mobility problems, cognitive impairment (especially with thinking, learning, and planning), depression, anxiety, erectile dysfunction, decreased vaginal lubrication, recurrent UTIs, and urinary and bowel incontinence.
- Psoriasis
Psoriasis affects the skin, causing the cells to grow and multiply too quickly, leading to symptoms such as patchy rashes, small scaling spots, and dry and cracked skin that is prone to bleeding, itching, burning, and soreness. - Type-1 diabetes
The pancreas is responsible for insulin production in the body to manage blood glucose levels. However, as a result of type-1 diabetes, the immune system begins to attack insulin production until it reduces and eventually stops. This type of diabetes is generally diagnosed during childhood and has signs and symptoms such as extreme thirst, fatigue, loss of muscle bulk, passing urine frequently (especially at night), and persistent infections such as thrush. - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Lupus can affect any part of the body and each person diagnosed with this condition may have varying symptoms. Some common signs include muscle and joint pain, fever, rashes, chest pain, hair loss, photosensitivity, kidney problems, mouth sores, extreme fatigue, anemia, memory problems, blood clotting, and eye disease. - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
IBD is a collective term used to refer to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which affect the gastrointestinal tract. These conditions can lead to symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and fatigue. - Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
This autoimmune disorder can cause an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Common symptoms include fatigue, trouble tolerating cold temperatures, joint and muscle pain, constipation, dry skin, dry or thinning hair, irregular menstrual cycle, pregnancy problems, and slowed heart rate. - Myasthenia gravis
This is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that weakens the skeletal muscles. Early signs and symptoms include weakness in the eye muscles, drooping of the eyelid(s), blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, impaired speech, and weakness in the arms, hands, fingers, neck, and legs.
Autoimmune disorders cannot be diagnosed by a single test. Doctors will rely on the history of symptoms and appropriate physical examinations to reach a diagnosis. While these conditions are not curable, an early diagnosis is key to managing symptoms well and controlling an overactive immune response to reduce inflammation and improve one’s quality of life.
