When we fall ill, we trust our doctors to help us get better. However, there are some illnesses that are not immediately apparent and can be difficult to diagnose.

These hidden illnesses can linger for years, causing chronic pain and discomfort, and may even be misdiagnosed as something else. Here are some of the hidden illnesses that doctors may miss.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an illness caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is usually transmitted to humans through tick bites. The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary widely, and many people may not even know they have it.

Some of the common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and flu-like symptoms.

Because these symptoms are common in many other illnesses, Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed.

If Lyme disease goes undiagnosed and untreated, it can cause long-term health problems, including chronic joint pain, heart problems, and neurological issues.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain and discomfort. It affects many women, but is often misdiagnosed or overlooked because the symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions.

Some of the symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, pain during sex, and infertility. If left untreated, endometriosis can lead to chronic pain and may require surgery to remove the affected tissue.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. It is often overlooked or misdiagnosed because there is no definitive test to diagnose it.

Some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia include muscle pain, fatigue, and trouble sleeping. Because these symptoms can be caused by many other conditions, fibromyalgia is often difficult to diagnose.

If left untreated, it can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a condition where a person experiences extreme fatigue that is not improved by rest. It can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to many other illnesses, and there is no specific test for it.

In addition to fatigue, CFS can cause cognitive problems, muscle pain, and headaches. It can be a debilitating illness that affects a person’s ability to work and participate in everyday activities.

Migraines

Migraines are a type of headache that can be severe and debilitating. They are often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are similar to other types of headaches.

In addition to severe head pain, migraines can also cause nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. If left untreated, migraines can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, from fatigue and weakness to vision problems and muscle spasms.

MS is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms can be similar to many other conditions. If left untreated, MS can lead to permanent disability, so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.

Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating many of the body’s functions, including metabolism. When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can cause a wide range of symptoms that may be overlooked or misdiagnosed.

Some of the symptoms of thyroid disorders include weight gain or loss, fatigue, and mood changes. These symptoms can be caused by many other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose a thyroid disorder.

If left untreated, thyroid disorders can lead to long-term health problems.

Depression

Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause a range of symptoms, including sadness, low energy, and difficulty sleeping.

Depression is often misdiagnosed or overlooked because the symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions. If left untreated, depression can have serious consequences, including an increased risk of suicide.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that can cause feelings of fear, worry, and apprehension. They can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions.

Some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders include excessive worrying, restlessness, and trouble sleeping. If left untreated, anxiety disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a condition where a person experiences pain that lasts for more than six months. It can be caused by many different conditions, and is often difficult to diagnose and treat.

Chronic pain can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, affecting their ability to work and participate in everyday activities. While there is no cure for chronic pain, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms.