Autoimmune diseases are a class of illnesses where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks normal healthy cells, tissues, and organs. The reason for this is unknown, and autoimmune diseases can affect any part of the body.

Many autoimmune diseases present with similar symptoms, but each disease affects the body differently.

Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases

Common symptoms of autoimmune diseases include:.

1. Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of autoimmune diseases. Fatigue is a feeling of being tired or exhausted that does not go away, even with rest.

This can be a challenging symptom to manage, and many people with autoimmune diseases find that it affects their daily life significantly.

2. Joint Pain and Swelling

Joint pain and swelling are symptoms commonly associated with arthritis, an autoimmune disease that affects the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are two autoimmune diseases that cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.

These symptoms can occur in any joint in the body and can make movement difficult and painful.

3. Skin Rashes

Many autoimmune diseases affect the skin and can cause rashes and other skin changes. Examples of autoimmune diseases that cause skin rashes include psoriasis and lupus.

These rashes can be itchy, painful, and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

4. Digestive Problems

Autoimmune diseases can affect the digestive system, causing symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease that can cause these symptoms and more.

IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

5. Hair Loss

Autoimmune diseases can cause hair loss or thinning in both men and women. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that affects hair follicles, causing hair loss in patches or all over the body.

This type of hair loss can cause significant distress to those experiencing it.

6. Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of autoimmune diseases. Fatigue is a feeling of being tired or exhausted that does not go away, even with rest.

This can be a challenging symptom to manage, and many people with autoimmune diseases find that it affects their daily life significantly.

7. Raynaud’s Syndrome

Raynaud’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow, reducing blood flow.

This can cause the fingers and toes to feel cold and become numb or change color (white, then blue, then red) in response to cold temperatures or stress.

8. Fever

Many autoimmune diseases cause fevers, which are temperatures above the normal range of 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. These fevers can come and go, and their duration and severity depend on the autoimmune disease causing them.

9. Dry Eyes and Mouth

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the salivary and tear glands in the body, causing dry eyes and mouth. This can be a very uncomfortable symptom and can cause problems with vision and eating.

10. Sensitivity to Cold

Autoimmune diseases can cause a lack of circulation, leading to sensitivity to cold. This can make it difficult to regulate body temperature and can cause problems with temperature changes outdoors or indoors.

People with autoimmune diseases that cause sensitivity to cold may need to wear warm clothing indoors, even in the summer months.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak to a doctor. There is no cure for autoimmune diseases, but there are treatments available to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.