When your immune system, which is supposed to protect you from harmful bacteria and viruses, mistakenly targets your own healthy cells, an autoimmune disorder develops. This can affect almost any organ or tissue, from your skin and joints to your nerves or digestive system.
In the U.S. alone, more than 50 million people are affected by an autoimmune condition. While this number may sound astounding, it is essential to understand that with the right care plan, most autoimmune diseases are manageable. Many people continue to live active, fulfilling lives for years after their diagnosis.
This article will walk you through exactly what autoimmune diseases are, what causes them, the common signs to watch for, how they are diagnosed and who is at risk of autoimmunity. We’ll also discuss some of the most common chronic illnesses as well as day-to-day coping tips.
What is an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune disease is a condition where your immune system, which normally protects you from harmful bacteria and viruses, mistakenly targets your own healthy cells. This means the body’s defense system turns against itself, causing inflammation and damage to various organs or tissues.
Usually, immune cells (or regulatory T and B cells) know how to tell the difference between “self” (body’s own cells) and “foreign” (outside cells from bacteria, viruses or infections). In an autoimmune condition, this recognition system breaks down.
So, instead of attacking germs, the immune system releases proteins called autoantibodies that damage its own tissues and organs. As a result, nearly any body system (skin, joints, nerves, muscles, organs) can be affected.
There are more than 100 known autoimmune diseases, but some types are far more common than others, such as Lupus, Thyroid Disorders or Type 1 Diabetes. Our autoimmune disease list highlights 10 conditions that most frequently affect people worldwide. Each disease has distinct causes, symptoms, and treatment options, ranging from medication and lifestyle changes to immune-modulating therapies.
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What causes autoimmune disease?
Doctors and scientists don’t yet know the exact cause of autoimmune diseases. However, they have concluded that it is triggered by a combination of lifestyle, genetic and environmental factors, such as:
- Family history or genetics: Autoimmune diseases often run in families and are passed down through generations.
- Hormones: Estrogen, the primary female hormone, boosts immune activity, which helps fight infections. But it can also make the immune system more likely to attack healthy cells in women than in men.
- Infections: Certain viruses (COVID-19 and Epstein-Barr virus) and bacteria may confuse the immune system, and it may start attacking healthy cells.
- Environmental exposures: Smoking, tobacco, or harmful chemicals can trigger an autoimmune response.
Researchers with clinical trials continue to study why these triggers affect some people with an autoimmune disease but not others.
Types of autoimmunity
Autoimmune conditions are broadly classified into two categories:
1. Systemic autoimmune diseases
These affect multiple organs, tissues, or systems simultaneously. For example, Lupus can involve the skin, kidneys, joints, and even the heart. Likewise, Rheumatoid or Psoriatic Arthritis can cause problems throughout the body.
2. Organ-specific autoimmune diseases
These target one particular organ or tissue. For instance, Type 1 Diabetes affects the pancreas only, while Vitiligo affects the skin’s pigment cells.
Additionally, doctors classify immune system disorders based on the part of the body they affect. For example, skin conditions such as Psoriasis or Scleroderma are typically treated by a dermatologist, while digestive and liver conditions like Celiac disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS), or Autoimmune Hepatitis are best handled by gastroenterologists.
Who is at risk for autoimmunity?
Autoimmune diseases can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk than others.
- Gender: A study published by Cureus in 2020 found that about 80% of autoimmune cases occur in women or Assigned Females at Birth (AFABs), especially during their reproductive or menstruating years between 15 and 44.
- Ethnicity: Some conditions are more common in specific groups, such as Lupus in African American and Hispanic women.
- Stress and trauma: It can also affect immune system regulation, potentially triggering autoimmunity in genetically predisposed individuals.
- Obesity: It is linked to increased inflammation and a higher risk of autoimmune conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Medical history: Having one autoimmune disease might increase the odds of developing another one.
Even if someone has one or more of these risks, it doesn’t mean they will definitely develop autoimmunity or an autoimmune condition.
Autoimmune disease symptoms
Although each autoimmune condition presents with different symptoms, most illnesses cause inflammation, which appears as swelling, pain, redness, or heat in the affected area.
Some other common autoimmune disease signs include:
- Extreme or persistent fatigue
- Joint pain, stiffness, aching, or swelling
- Recurrent fever or low-grade fever without infection
- Skin rashes or color changes
- Abdominal pain or digestive issues such as diarrhea or bloating
- Swelling in glands, especially the throat or face
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in muscles and nerves
- Trouble concentrating or headaches
Since these signs can flare up, subside or spread to different body systems, they are difficult to diagnose. Moreover, many autoimmune diseases share similar symptoms, which makes it even more challenging.
How are autoimmune diseases diagnosed?
Diagnosing an autoimmune disease can be challenging because there’s no single test that provides a clear, concrete answer. That is why doctors often use a combination of exams, blood tests, and imaging to make an accurate diagnosis.
- Physical examination: Your healthcare provider will look for visible signs such as rashes, swelling, a parched tongue, or joint stiffness.
- Differential diagnosis: They will begin ruling out other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of autoimmune disease.
- Blood tests: These are performed to identify immune system markers and signs of inflammation. Standard tests include C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) and White Blood Cell (WBC) count.
- Imaging: X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs can be ordered to check for joint damage, organ inflammation, or tissue changes.
- Biopsy: If needed, a small tissue sample may be tested under a microscope to confirm a diagnosis.
Autoimmune disease treatment
While autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, the goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent long-term tissue or organ damage. Its treatment usually involves a combination of:
- Medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biologics, or anti-inflammatory drugs are used to control the immune response and reduce flare-ups.
- Physical therapy, hormone replacement, or surgery may be recommended to manage specific complications.
- Regular monitoring is done through blood tests and follow-up visits to track disease progression and adjust the treatment plan, as needed.
5 tips to manage chronic illness or autoimmune diseases
Living with an autoimmune condition can feel overwhelming, but small, steady steps can make it easier to manage in day-to-day life. Here are a few supportive strategies to help you or your loved one cope with an immune system disorder:
- Know your body and pace yourself: Understand your condition, respect your limits, and rest before exhaustion to prevent flare-ups.
- Stay involved in your care: Follow your treatment plan, track medications, and talk openly with your doctor about side effects or new options.
- Adopt a healing lifestyle: Eat balanced meals, avoid trigger foods, stay hydrated, and include gentle exercise like walking or yoga.
- Manage stress and emotions: Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or creative hobbies. Seek therapy if and when needed.
- Stay informed and connected: Keep up with new research and clinical trials. Whether online or in person, consider joining support groups for encouragement and shared healing.
Remember that coping with autoimmunity isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It is about finding routines and support systems that work for you to live a fulfilling life despite your condition.
When should you see a doctor?
If you suspect an autoimmune condition or your existing symptoms worsen, see a doctor promptly. Early diagnosis allows timely treatment and helps prevent long-term complications.
Schedule a doctor’s visit if:
- Your symptoms persist, flare frequently, or interfere with daily life.
- You experience new or unexplained changes in your health.
- You notice side effects or concerns with your current medication.
Conclusion
Autoimmune diseases may not always come with clear answers as researchers continue to investigate their causes by examining factors such as genetics, hormones, infections, and even vaccines. However, most autoimmune diseases are manageable with the right strategy.
Whether you’re dealing with systemic conditions like Lupus or organ-specific ones such as Type 1 Diabetes or Rheumatoid Arthritis, combining medical care, healthy habits, and emotional support can help you lead a fulfilling, active life.
It is okay to feel discouraged sometimes, but don’t carry the weight alone. Stay informed about the latest clinical trials and don’t hesitate to reach out for support from your loved ones or your medical team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asthma an autoimmune disease?
No, Asthma is not an autoimmune disease. Instead, it is a chronic inflammatory condition triggered by allergens or irritants. While it involves immune system hypersensitivity, it is not caused by the body attacking its own cells.
Can vaccination trigger autoimmune disorders?
No, vaccines are generally safe, and the risk of developing an autoimmune disorder from vaccination is relatively low compared to the risk of infection without it. Rare exceptions include Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which has been linked to certain flu vaccines.
What is the average life expectancy of someone with an autoimmune disease?
Most autoimmune diseases are not fatal and do not shorten lifespan. Although life expectancy depends on the type of condition, its severity, and proper management, most patients with autoimmune disorders can live long, healthy lives, especially when diagnosed early.
Can autoimmune disease be cured?
No, autoimmune diseases cannot be fully cured. However, they can be controlled or managed with treatments (Immunosuppressants, Biologics and Immunoglobulin IVs) and lifestyle changes. Research is ongoing to find a cure, while new therapies are helping to improve the quality of life for patients.
Can inverse vaccines cure autoimmune diseases?
No, inverse vaccines cannot currently cure autoimmune diseases. Current research suggests that these vaccines may help retrain the immune system and reduce the risk of autoimmunity. However, they are still experimental as studies are ongoing to evaluate their safety and long-term benefits for conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and Diabetes.
What are the most common fatal autoimmune diseases?
Autoimmune diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Multiple Sclerosis, Scleroderma, and severe Vasculitis can be fatal if not diagnosed and managed correctly. However, with prompt treatment, many people live long, healthy lives even with these conditions.
Can you prevent an autoimmune disease?
No, autoimmune diseases usually can’t be fully prevented. However, early detection and healthy habits like balanced nutrition, exercise, stress management, and avoiding smoking can lower risks and reduce complications. Regular check-ups and awareness of family history also help with better outcomes.
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