Autoimmune illnesses are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body, causing inflammation and damage.

These illnesses can affect different organs and systems in the body and can be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. In this article, we will discuss some of the common symptoms of autoimmune illnesses and how to recognize them.

1. Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of autoimmune illnesses such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is often described as an extreme tiredness that is not relieved by rest.

Fatigue can be debilitating and can affect a person’s ability to perform daily activities.

2. Joint Pain and Stiffness

Joint pain and stiffness are hallmark symptoms of autoimmune illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis. These conditions can cause inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.

The pain and stiffness can be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

3. Skin Rashes

Autoimmune illnesses such as lupus, dermatomyositis, and psoriasis can cause skin rashes. These rashes may be red, scaly, or blistering and can occur anywhere on the body. They may also be accompanied by itching or burning.

4. Digestive Issues

Autoimmune illnesses such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune hepatitis can affect the digestive system. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.

These symptoms can also be accompanied by fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes.

5. Muscle Weakness

Autoimmune illnesses such as myasthenia gravis and polymyositis can cause muscle weakness.

This weakness can affect the muscles of the arms, legs, face, and throat, making it difficult to perform daily activities such as climbing stairs, lifting objects, or swallowing.

6. Fever

Fever is a common symptom of autoimmune illnesses such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis. The fever may be low-grade or high and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes.

7. Hair Loss

Autoimmune illnesses such as alopecia areata and lupus can cause hair loss. The hair loss can be patchy or diffuse and can occur on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of the body.

8. Dry Eyes and Mouth

Autoimmune illnesses such as Sjogren’s syndrome can cause dry eyes and mouth. These symptoms can be accompanied by fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes.

9. Difficulty Breathing

Autoimmune illnesses such as systemic scleroderma and lupus can affect the lungs, causing difficulty breathing. This can be a result of inflammation or scarring of the lung tissue.

10. Numbness and Tingling

Autoimmune illnesses such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barre syndrome can cause numbness and tingling in the arms, legs, and other parts of the body. This can be a result of damage to the nerves.