Are you feeling tired all the time? Do you have unexplained aches and pains? It could be more than just stress or aging.
Millions of Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Women are especially at risk, making up 80% of those affected.1
The symptoms can be vague and easily dismissed, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. However, paying attention to these warning signs could help you catch an autoimmune disease early.
Here are 16 signs that may indicate your immune system is working against you.
1. Fatigue That Won’t Go Away
Feeling tired is one of the most common symptoms of autoimmune diseases. But this isn’t just regular tiredness that goes away after a good night’s sleep.
With autoimmune disorders, your body’s own immune cells are attacking healthy tissues, which can leave you feeling exhausted no matter how much you rest.
Fatigue affects majority of people with autoimmune conditions like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The severity can vary, but many describe it as a deep exhaustion that makes it difficult to function normally.
If you’ve been struggling with persistent, unexplained fatigue for several weeks or months, it’s worth talking to your doctor.
2. Joint Pain & Swelling
Aching, swollen joints are a hallmark of many autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis.
Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, autoimmune joint pain tends to occur symmetrically – meaning both sides are affected equally. So if one knee is painful and inflamed, chances are the other one will be too.
The pain and stiffness are often worse in the mornings or after periods of inactivity. Over time, the chronic inflammation can cause permanent joint damage and deformity.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term complications. If you’re experiencing persistent joint symptoms, don’t brush them off as just getting older – see a rheumatologist to investigate.
3. Skin Rashes or Lesions
Many autoimmune disorders can affect the skin, causing various types of rashes, lesions, and other changes. Lupus is known for its characteristic “butterfly rash” across the cheeks and nose.
Psoriasis causes thick, scaly patches. Scleroderma leads to hardening and tightening of the skin.
Other skin-related symptoms may include sensitivity to sunlight, dry eyes and mouth, and changes in skin pigmentation. Autoimmune skin problems can be very painful and emotionally distressing.
While they may not be life-threatening, prompt treatment is important for managing symptoms and preventing complications.
4. Digestive Issues
Autoimmune diseases can wreak havoc on the digestive system. Conditions like celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cause the immune system to attack the lining of the intestines.
This leads to abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal distress.
Studies estimate that up to 1% of people worldwide have celiac disease, an autoimmune reaction to gluten. (ref) IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affects millions of Americans.
These conditions can make it difficult to absorb nutrients from food. Severe cases may require surgery. If you have chronic tummy troubles, it’s important to see a gastroenterologist to rule out an autoimmune cause.
5. Recurrent Fevers
While everyone gets a fever now and then, frequent or persistent fevers can be a red flag for autoimmune problems. Many autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause recurrent low-grade fevers as part of the inflammatory process.
Usually, this means a temperature between 99°F and 101°F that comes and goes. If you’re having fevers on a regular basis, especially along with other symptoms like fatigue and achiness, it’s best to get checked out.
Keeping a symptom diary can help you and your doctor identify any patterns.
6. Dry Eyes & Mouth
Having dry, gritty-feeling eyes and a persistently dry mouth is a common sign of Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva. The dryness can lead to eye irritation, tooth decay, and difficulty swallowing.
Sjögren’s affects an estimated 4 million Americans, 90% of whom are women. (ref) It often occurs alongside other autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
If you have dry eyes and mouth that don’t resolve with over-the-counter treatments, see your doctor. There are prescription medications and other therapies that can help manage symptoms.
7. Numbness & Tingling
That pins-and-needles feeling in your hands and feet could be a sign of an autoimmune disease affecting your nerves. Multiple sclerosis, lupus, and Sjögren’s syndrome are just a few examples of conditions that can cause numbness, tingling, and burning sensations.
These symptoms occur when the immune system attacks and damages the protective covering around nerves. Over time, this can lead to weakness, pain, and even paralysis if left untreated.
If you experience persistent numbness or strange sensations, don’t ignore it – talk to your doctor to investigate the cause.
8. Hair Loss
Thinning hair or bald patches could be a sign that your immune system is attacking your hair follicles. This is a condition called alopecia areata, which affects nearly 7 million Americans. (ref) It can cause hair loss on the scalp, face, and other parts of the body.
While the exact cause is unknown, alopecia areata is believed to have an autoimmune component. It’s also associated with other autoimmune diseases like thyroid disorders and vitiligo.
Hair loss can be very distressing, but there are treatments available to help regrow hair and prevent future loss. See a dermatologist if you notice any concerning changes in your hair.
9. Unexplained Weight Changes
Losing or gaining weight without trying could be a sign that your immune system is off-balance. Some autoimmune diseases, like Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, affect the thyroid gland and can cause weight changes along with other symptoms like fatigue and mood swings.
Other conditions like celiac disease and IBD can lead to unintentional weight loss due to malabsorption of nutrients. On the flip side, some autoimmune treatments like corticosteroids can cause weight gain.
If you have a significant change in weight that you can’t explain, it’s worth getting checked out.
10. Muscle Aches & Weakness
Persistent muscle pain and weakness may indicate an autoimmune disease targeting your muscles. Conditions like polymyositis and dermatomyositis cause inflammation and damage to muscle fibers, leading to aches, cramps, and progressive weakness.
These symptoms can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks like climbing stairs or lifting objects. Some people may also have skin rashes.
If you have muscle problems that are getting worse over time, see a rheumatologist for an evaluation. Early treatment is important to prevent permanent muscle damage.
11. Sensitivity to Sun
Many autoimmune diseases can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Even brief sun exposure can trigger a flare-up of symptoms like rashes, fever, and joint pain.
This photosensitivity is a hallmark of lupus, but it can also occur with dermatomyositis and some other conditions.
If you find that your skin burns easily or you feel sick after being in the sun, it could be a sign of an underlying autoimmune problem.
Protect yourself by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, covering up with clothing, and limiting your time outdoors during peak sunlight hours. See a doctor if your symptoms are severe or persistent.
12. Headaches & Dizziness
Frequent headaches and dizziness could stem from an autoimmune disease affecting your brain or nervous system. Lupus, multiple sclerosis, and antiphospholipid syndrome are some examples of conditions that can cause neurological symptoms.
These may include migraines, vertigo, vision changes, and cognitive problems like brain fog and memory loss. Some people may even have seizures.
If you have headaches or dizziness that interfere with your daily life, don’t just chalk it up to stress. See a neurologist to rule out an autoimmune cause.
13. Raynaud’s Phenomenon
If your fingers and toes turn white or blue when exposed to cold temperatures, you may have Raynaud’s phenomenon. This is a condition where the blood vessels in your extremities narrow in response to cold or stress, limiting blood flow.
Raynaud’s can occur on its own, but it’s also associated with several autoimmune diseases like lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, it can lead to skin sores or even gangrene.
If you have frequent episodes of Raynaud’s, see a doctor to check for an underlying autoimmune disorder.
14. Mouth Sores
Frequent mouth sores or ulcers can be a sign of an autoimmune disease like lupus, Behcet’s disease, or Crohn’s disease. These painful sores can make it difficult to eat, drink, and speak.
Some people may also have sores on other mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, and genitals. If you get mouth sores more than a few times a year, or they’re very large or painful, see a doctor.
There are treatments available to speed healing and prevent recurrences.
15. Chest Pain & Shortness of Breath
Autoimmune diseases can sometimes target the lungs and heart, causing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma are some examples of conditions that can affect the cardiopulmonary system.
Inflammation in the lungs can lead to scarring and breathing difficulties. Damage to the heart muscle and blood vessels increases the risk of heart failure and heart attacks.
If you have unexplained chest pain or trouble breathing, especially with exertion, see a doctor right away to rule out a serious problem.
16. Dry, Brittle Nails
Believe it or not, your nails can provide clues about your overall health, including autoimmune diseases. Some conditions like psoriasis and lichen planus can cause nail changes like pitting, ridging, and discoloration.
Brittle, cracking, or peeling nails may be a sign of thyroid problems or nutritional deficiencies that can occur with autoimmune diseases affecting the digestive system.
While nail changes alone aren’t necessarily cause for concern, it’s worth mentioning them to your doctor, especially if you have other symptoms.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, don’t panic – but don’t ignore them either. Many autoimmune diseases are highly treatable, especially when caught early.
See your primary care doctor for an initial evaluation. With proper care and management, many people with autoimmune diseases are able to live full, active lives.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
