Autoimmune Disease: Fast Facts

Autoimmune diseases are complicated, chronic conditions that affect many people worldwide. These diseases happen when our immune system attacks our own cells and tissues, causing ongoing inflammation and harm to different organs.

Some autoimmune diseases can affect the whole body, while others target specific organs or tissue. Any type of organ or tissue in the body can be affected by an autoimmune disease.

Fast facts about autoimmune diseases:

• There are over 80 different autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes ¹.
• Over 24 million people in the United States have an autoimmune disease ¹.
• The causes of autoimmune diseases are not completely understood, but a combination of genes and things in our environment can play a role. Studies have shown that certain factors you inherit can make you more likely to develop an autoimmune disease ².
• One person can have multiple autoimmune diseases, and family members can have the same or similar autoimmune disease.
• Common triggers include infections, hormonal changes, stress, and exposure to certain chemicals or medications.
• There is no cure for autoimmune diseases, but treatments aim to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and control the immune response. The type of treatment depends on the disease and organs affected.
• Medications like corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics are commonly used. These medications decrease the activity of the immune system or block inflammation.
• Making lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and getting enough rest can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Symptoms and Testing

Autoimmune diseases can cause many different non-specific symptoms depending on the affected organs. Diagnosing autoimmune diseases is complicated because the symptoms can resemble other illnesses. These symptoms might include:

• Joint pain
• Muscle weakness
• Rashes
• Stomach problems
• Trouble with thinking
• Tiredness

Healthcare providers use a combination of medical history, physical exams, lab tests, and special procedures to make an accurate diagnosis. Blood tests ordered by your healthcare provider might include:

• Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Immunofixation (IFE)
• Autoantibodies panel (chosen based on patient symptoms)

For More Information

Finding antibodies is often the first step in diagnosing an autoimmune disease but it’s not enough to make a complete diagnosis by itself. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare team to effectively diagnose and manage autoimmune conditions.

Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider during your next visit.
For more information about autoimmune diseases, visit the National Library of Medicine.