How Do I Know if I Have an Autoimmune Disease?

We often categorize fatigue and other recurring symptoms such as muscle aches, joint pain or swelling, as just a part of life. But what if your joint pain or ongoing brain fog is more than everyday wear and tear? If you notice an onset of new, unexplainable symptoms, you may be experiencing signs of an autoimmune disorder.

WHAT ARE AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES?

Our immune systems are our body’s soldiers, designed to protect us from anything foreign, such as bacteria and viruses that make us sick. When these external invaders strike, our immune system sends an army of autoantibodies to attack. Normally, our bodies can tell the difference between foreign cells and our own cells. Sometimes our immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. When this happens, it’s called an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases affect approximately 23.5 million Americans. There are over 80 different types, and they can attack almost any part of your body. The most common include:

■ Chron’s disease

■ Diabetes (type 1)

■ Lupus

■ Multiple sclerosis

■ Psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis

■ Rheumatoid arthritis

■ Certain thyroid diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Grave’s disease

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of autoimmune diseases often overlap and are mistaken for other conditions. Ths makes it extremely difficult to diagnose exactly the cause. These sneaky indicators can look like any of the following:

■ Fatigue

■ Achy muscles

■ Joint swelling and redness

■ Low-grade, recurring fever

■ Trouble concentrating

■ Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet

■ Hair loss

■ Skin rashes

■ Joint pain

■ Abdominal pain or digestive issues

■ Swollen glands

“It’s easy to mistake autoimmune symptoms with other conditions,” said Dr. Donna Jose, a rheumatologist at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital. “ That is why it’s very important to document your symptoms and discuss family history with your physician so they can help you connect the dots and achieve an effective treatment plan.”

Causes Of Autoimmune Disease

There is no defintive cause, but researchers have some theories on who is more susceptible to having an autoimmune disease. Factors that potentially play a role include:

■ Gender – women are more likely to have an autoimmune disorder, especially during childbearing years.

■ Genetics – people who have a family history of autoimmune diseases are more susceptible to having an autoimmune disorder themselves.

■ Environmental factors – exposure to certain chemicals and toxins potentially have an impact, especially on those who smoke.

■ Diet – the western diet of high fat, high sugar and overly processed food has been linked to diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis.

■ Infections or traumas – some conditions may be triggered or worsened by certain infections or bodily injuries.

“Individuals with one autoimmune disease are more likely to develop another,” Jose shared. “People who have been diagnosed with one should be aware of this possibility and stay in contact with their doctor for close monitoring.”

You don’t have to suffer in silence if you are experiencing unexplainable or chronic symptoms. •

Talk to a Rheumatologist

The specialists at Houston Methodist Rheumatology Associates in Clear Lake provide individualized, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of systemic autoimmune conditions and musculoskeletal diseases. Call 281.523.3270 to make an appointment.