An autoimmune disorder is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your cells, tissues, and organs. It occurs when your immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign invaders—such as viruses and bacteria—and your own cells.
Autoimmune disorders cannot be cured. However, they can often be successfully managed with treatments that reduce your immune system activity and drive down inflammation.
Here are some of the most common autoimmune disorders and their symptoms and signs it’s time to see your doctor.
What Causes Autoimmune Disorders?
The exact cause of autoimmune disorders remains unknown. However, certain genetic and environmental factors increase the risk for autoimmune disorders.
Possible risk factors and causes of autoimmune disorders include:
- Sunlight. Exposure to UV rays in sunlight may increase the risk of juvenile dermatomyositis.
- Smoking. Smoking is a top risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Pesticide exposure. Pesticides and agricultural chemicals may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Mercury exposure. Organic mercury may trigger autoimmune disorders—particularly lupus, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Race. Caucasian people may be at higher risk for autoimmune muscle disease.
- Vitamin D deficiency. Lack of vitamin D may lead to autoimmune muscle disease and lupus.
Common Autoimmune Disorders
There are more than eighty types of autoimmune disorders. Some of them are widely known and common—such as diabetes and lupus—while others are extremely rare and difficult to diagnose.
Common autoimmune disorders include:
- Type 1 diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas that produce insulin—resulting in little or no insulin production.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. In this type of arthritis, the immune system attacks the joints to cause joint stiffness, pain, and soreness.
- Psoriasis. In this skin disorder, an overactive immune system causes skin cells to quickly multiply and form inflamed, itchy, scaly patches on the skin.
- Multiple sclerosis. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the protective coating around nerve cells known as the myelin sheath—eventually leading to balance issues and difficulty walking.
- Lupus. In lupus, the immune system attacks various cells and tissues in the body to cause rashes, fatigue, and joint pain.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In IBD, the immune system responds incorrectly to viruses and bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract to cause inflammation and symptoms, including diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.
- Celiac disease. In celiac disease, the immune system responds incorrectly to a protein called gluten to cause symptoms including inflammation, joint pain, and infertility.
Symptoms of Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders share many of the same symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms across many autoimmune disorders include:
- Joint and muscle pain
- Joint stiffness
- Muscle weakness
- Inflammation
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- Redness and heat
- Rashes and sores
- Dry skin
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
Your symptoms may vary depending on the part of the body being affected. You may also experience symptoms not listed above. For instance, Type 1 diabetes produces additional symptoms, including blurred vision, increased thirst, and increased urination.
Symptoms of autoimmune disorders may also come and go. Periods when symptoms show up are known as flares.
Treatments for Autoimmune Disorders
The goal of autoimmune disorder treatment is to reduce your symptoms and control your immune system activity. Controlling your immune system response can often help reduce the pain and inflammation that trigger a wide range of other symptoms.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and immunosuppressants are the most common treatments for autoimmune disorders.
NSAIDS help reduce pain and inflammation, and they can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. Ibuprofen, naproxen, and high-dose aspirin are NSAIDS that may be used to treat autoimmune disorders. These medicines are usually intended for short-term use only. Long-term use can lead to side effects including diarrhea, flatulence, and abdominal pain.
Immunosuppressants are medications that reduce the strength of your immune system. They help prevent your immune system from attacking your body and triggering symptoms of the autoimmune disorder.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications to treat your type of autoimmune disorder and may also recommend exercising regularly and eating healthy foods to reduce and combat inflammation.
When to See a Doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you are experiencing one or more symptoms associated with autoimmune disorders. Your doctor can perform an exam, review your medical history, and talk to you in more detail about your symptoms.
In some instances, your doctor may refer you to a medical specialist who can properly diagnose and treat your autoimmune disorder. Gastroenterologists can treat IBD and celiac disease, while dermatologists can treat psoriasis. Rheumatologists can work with you to treat and manage lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Many autoimmune disorders cannot be cured, but receiving treatment can often reduce your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.
Resource Links
- “Autoimmune Diseases” via National Institutes of Health
- “What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “Understanding Autoimmune Diseases” via National Institutes of Health
- “Type 1 Diabetes” via National Institutes of Health