Autoimmune Diseases
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Cause: Immune system attacks the joints
Symptoms:
- Joint pain and swelling (especially in hands and feet)
- Morning stiffness
- Fatigue
- Warm, tender joints
- Loss of joint function over time
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Cause: Immune system attacks multiple organs, including skin, kidneys, and joints
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain and swelling
- Butterfly-shaped rash on the face
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Kidney problems
Type 1 Diabetes
Cause: Immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas
Symptoms:
- Frequent urination (polyuria)
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
Multiple Sclerosis
Cause: Immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves (myelin)
Symptoms:
- Muscle weakness
- Vision problems (blurred or double vision)
- Numbness or tingling in limbs
- Balance and coordination issues
- Fatigue
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Cause: Immune system attacks the thyroid gland, reducing hormone production
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Hair thinning
- Depression
Graves’ Disease
Cause: Immune system overstimulates the thyroid gland, increasing hormone production
Symptoms:
- Weight loss despite normal appetite
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Heat intolerance
- Bulging eyes (exophthalmos)
- Anxiety and irritability
Psoriasis
Cause: Immune system attacks skin cells, leading to rapid skin cell growth
Symptoms:
- Red, scaly patches on skin
- Itching and burning sensation
- Cracked, dry skin that may bleed
- Thickened nails
- Joint pain (psoriatic arthritis)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Cause: Immune system attacks the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
Symptoms:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Chronic diarrhea
- Blood in stool
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Celiac Disease
Cause: Immune system reacts to gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye), damaging the intestines
Symptoms:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Bloating and gas
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nutrient deficiencies
Myasthenia Gravis
Cause: Immune system attacks communication between nerves and muscles
Symptoms:
- Muscle weakness (especially in the face, neck, and limbs)
- Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
- Difficulty swallowing and speaking
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue that worsens with activity
When to Seek Medical Advice?
Consult a doctor if you experience:
✅ Persistent fatigue and unexplained symptoms
✅ Chronic joint pain or swelling
✅ Skin rashes or hair loss
✅ Digestive issues that last for weeks
✅ Muscle weakness or coordination problems