An autoimmune disease is a condition where a person’s immune system attacks the body by mistake. Typically, the immune system can differentiate between the body’s cells and foreign cells. With an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakes part of the body as foreign.
There are many different autoimmune diseases. Some of the most common ones are type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. Researchers have yet to pinpoint what causes these diseases. A variety of factors, such as diet, genetics, and infections, could all possibly play a role in what causes autoimmune diseases.
Below, we list five common symptoms of autoimmune diseases. These diseases are often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed by doctors, so people should look for signs and raise them with the doctors if necessary. Please note that it is not uncommon to experience multiple symptoms at the same time with autoimmune diseases. If your symptoms do not go away with at-home treatment or they continue to worsen, you should contact your doctor’s office for your next steps.
1. Fatigue
Fatigue is a very common side effect of a lot of different issues. It is a feeling of being tired and lacking energy. It is not synonymous with sleepiness, though sleepiness can be a symptom of fatigue. Often, the cure to fatigue is rest and proper nutrition. If you make positive changes to your routine to accommodate a better, consistent sleep schedule and a healthy diet and you still experience fatigue on a regular basis, it is probably time to consult with your doctor, as this could be a symptom of an autoimmune disease.
2. Hair Loss
Like fatigue, hair loss can be a symptom of many different issues. In addition to medical issues, hair loss can be genetic, due to stress or hormonal changes, or aging. It can also appear in different ways, from patchy bald spots to gradual thinning to sudden loosening of hair. If hair loss is sudden, frequent, or severe, consider consulting your doctor. Depending on what the root issue is, the sooner it is addressed and treated can help you avoid a larger loss of hair or possible permanent baldness.
3. Tingling/Numbness in Hands and Feet
Tingling and numbness in hands and feet can occasionally occur due to everyday issues like sleeping in an uncomfortable position or crossing your arms or legs for an extended period of time. If these are not the causes of your tingling and numbness, and the symptoms persist with other symptoms like pain or itching, you will want to make an appointment with your doctor. These can be signs of nerve damage and autoimmune diseases.
4. Achy Muscles
Achy muscles are typically caused by overuse while exercising. If your achy muscles are not exercise-related, this may be a sign of an autoimmune disease. Aches can be located in one region of the body, they can spread to other regions, or they can even affect your whole body. If you have begun to experience inexplicable muscle pains, possible actions to take can include rest and reduction of muscle use, taking ibuprofen, and the application of ice to the target area. If these steps do not alleviate your pain, it may be time to consult with your doctor.
5. Low-Grade Fever
A normal internal temperature reading is around 98.6 degrees. That of a low-grade fever ranges from 100.4 to 102.2 degrees. Low-grade fevers can be a symptom or an early sign of an autoimmune disease. It is important to rest, eat well, and get enough sleep while experiencing a low-grade fever. If your fever lasts more than three days, does not improve, or worsens, you should contact your doctor for your next steps.
Maxim always recommends consulting a medical expert to discuss any concerns you may have regarding medical symptoms.