Autoimmune Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatment
Learn how autoimmune diseases affect the body, understand common symptoms and conditions, and discover how doctors diagnose and manage these immune-system disorders.
What Is an Autoimmune Disease?
An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues or organs in the body. Autoimmune conditions can affect different parts of the body and may cause inflammation and a wide range of symptoms.
How Does an Autoimmune Disease Affect the Body?
The immune system normally helps protect the body from harmful substances. In autoimmune disease, this protection system can become directed toward the body's own tissues.
Immune System
The immune system normally recognizes and responds to harmful foreign substances.
Abnormal Immune Response
In autoimmune disease, immune activity is directed against the body's own cells or tissues.
Inflammation & Tissue Effects
The resulting immune response can cause inflammation and affect different organs or body systems.
Common Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune diseases can affect many different organs and body systems.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune condition that commonly affects joints and causes inflammation.
Lupus
A systemic autoimmune condition that can affect multiple parts of the body.
Multiple Sclerosis
An autoimmune-related disease involving the central nervous system.
Type 1 Diabetes
The immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Psoriasis
An immune-mediated inflammatory skin condition associated with rapid skin-cell growth.
Hashimoto's Disease
An autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid gland and its function.
Graves' Disease
An autoimmune condition that can cause the thyroid gland to become overactive.
Crohn's Disease
A chronic inflammatory bowel condition involving abnormal immune activity.
Sjögren's Syndrome
An autoimmune condition that commonly affects moisture-producing glands.
Which Parts of the Body Can Be Affected?
Different autoimmune conditions affect different organs and systems, so symptoms can vary considerably.
Joints & Muscles
Pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement may occur with some autoimmune conditions.
Skin
Some conditions can cause rashes, redness, scaling or other skin changes.
Digestive System
Autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases can affect the digestive tract and bowel function.
Nervous System
Some autoimmune diseases can affect nerves or the central nervous system.
Thyroid
Autoimmune thyroid diseases can affect thyroid hormone production.
Eyes
Certain autoimmune conditions can cause inflammation involving the eyes.
Blood & Blood Vessels
Some autoimmune diseases affect blood cells or blood vessels.
Organs
Systemic autoimmune conditions may affect organs such as the kidneys, lungs or heart.
Common Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease
Symptoms vary depending on the specific autoimmune condition and which part of the body is affected.
What Causes Autoimmune Disease?
The exact cause of most autoimmune diseases is not fully understood. Researchers believe that several factors may contribute.
Genetics
Some autoimmune conditions occur more often in people with certain genetic or family-history factors.
Infections
Certain infections may influence immune-system activity in people who are susceptible.
Environmental Factors
Environmental exposures may interact with genetic susceptibility and immune responses.
Medications
Some medicines can alter immune responses and may contribute to autoimmune reactions in certain situations.
Smoking & Other Exposures
Smoking and certain environmental exposures have been associated with increased risk for some autoimmune diseases.
Multiple Factors
In many cases, autoimmune disease may develop through an interaction between several factors rather than one cause.
How Are Autoimmune Diseases Diagnosed?
Diagnosis can take time because symptoms may overlap with other conditions. Doctors usually combine medical history, examination and test results.
Medical History
Your doctor reviews symptoms, duration, family history, medications and previous health conditions.
Physical Examination
The doctor checks for physical signs that may help identify patterns associated with disease.
Laboratory Tests
Blood and urine tests may help identify inflammation, antibodies or changes affecting organs.
Imaging & Other Tests
Imaging or additional testing may be used when needed to investigate specific organs or tissues.
Common Tests Used in Autoimmune Evaluation
The tests selected depend on your symptoms and the autoimmune condition being considered.
Autoantibody Tests
Tests such as ANA may look for antibodies associated with autoimmune activity.
Complete Blood Count
A CBC can help evaluate blood cells and provide information relevant to some conditions.
Inflammation Tests
Tests such as ESR and CRP can help assess inflammation in the body.
Metabolic Testing
Blood chemistry testing can help evaluate organ function and other health factors.
Urinalysis
Urine testing may help identify changes involving the kidneys or urinary system.
Imaging
X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be used to examine joints, organs or affected tissues.
How Are Autoimmune Diseases Treated?
Treatment depends on the specific condition, symptoms, affected organs and overall health.
Immune-Modifying Medicines
Some medicines reduce or modify abnormal immune activity to help control disease.
Anti-Inflammatory Treatment
Medicines may be used to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling associated with some conditions.
Targeted Therapies
Certain treatments target specific parts of the immune system involved in particular diseases.
Replacement Therapy
Some autoimmune diseases can reduce important body substances and may require replacement treatment.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Persistent or unexplained symptoms may need medical evaluation, especially when several symptoms occur together.
Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Seek urgent medical care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, difficulty breathing, sudden neurological changes, severe chest pain, loss of consciousness or other symptoms that may indicate a medical emergency.
Which Doctor Treats Autoimmune Disease?
Depending on the symptoms and condition, care may involve a primary care doctor and specialists such as a rheumatologist, endocrinologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist or dermatologist.
Explore Related Guides
Autoimmune Disease FAQs
Medical Information Reviewed for Accuracy
Have Persistent or Unexplained Symptoms?
Understanding the cause of ongoing symptoms is an important step toward appropriate care. A healthcare professional can review your symptoms and determine whether further evaluation is needed.
