10 Autoimmune Diseases – When to Worry, and When to See a Doctor

10 Autoimmune Diseases – When to Worry, and When to See a Doctor

Lupus (SLE) ‘butterfly’ rash

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

• What it is: RA is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and potentially severe joint damage.
• Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, fatigue, fever, and loss of function.
• When to Worry: Persistent joint pain or stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of rest.
• When to See a Doctor: If joint pain persists for more than a few weeks or interferes with daily activities.

• What it is: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.
• Symptoms: Fatigue, fever, joint pain, skin rashes (especially a butterfly-shaped rash on the face; see above), and CKD (chronic kidney disease).
• When to Worry: Unexplained fever, rash, or joint pain that persists or worsens.
• When to See a Doctor: If you experience symptoms like unexplained fever, severe joint pain, or a characteristic rash.

3. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (hypothyroidism)

• What it is: Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
• Symptoms: Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, hair loss, dry skin, and depression.
• When to Worry: Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, or cold intolerance.
• When to See a Doctor: If you experience symptoms of hypothyroidism or have a family history of thyroid disease.

• What it is: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to high blood sugar levels.
• Symptoms: Increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, blurred vision, and fatigue.
• When to Worry: Symptoms like increased thirst and urination, especially in children or young adults.
• When to See a Doctor: If you experience symptoms of high blood sugar or suspect you might have diabetes.

• What it is: MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), leading to symptoms like numbness, weakness, difficulty walking and vision problems.
• Symptoms: Vision problems, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, balance issues, and fatigue.
• When to Worry: Unexplained vision problems, numbness, or weakness in limbs.
• When to See a Doctor: If you experience persistent or recurring neurological symptoms.

• What it is: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to build up and form scales and red patches.
• Symptoms: Red, scaly patches on the skin (especailly back of elbow, and front of knee), itching, and joint pain (in psoriatic arthritis).
• When to Worry: Persistent skin patches or joint pain associated with skin symptoms.
• When to See a Doctor: If skin symptoms persist or worsen, or if you suspect psoriasis.

• What it is: Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, leading to inflammation and damage in the small intestine.
• Symptoms: Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, and weight loss.
• When to Worry: Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming gluten.
• When to See a Doctor: If you experience symptoms after eating gluten-containing foods.

• What it is: Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves, leading to muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis.
• Symptoms: Muscle weakness, numbness or tingling; and in severe cases, paralysis (usually temporary).
• When to Worry: Rapid onset of muscle weakness or numbness, especially after an infection.
• When to See a Doctor: If you experience sudden muscle weakness or difficulty breathing.

9. Vitiligo

• What it is: Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes loss of skin pigment cells, leading to white patches.
• Symptoms: White patches on the skin, premature graying of hair.
• When to Worry: Noticeable white patches on the skin or premature hair graying.
• When to See a Doctor: If you notice skin patches or changes in skin pigmentation.

10. Graves’ Disease (hyperthyroidism)

Exophthalmos (bulging eyes)

• What it is: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland).
• Symptoms: Weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, heat intolerance, and bulging eyes.
• When to Worry: Unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, or anxiety.
• When to See a Doctor: If you experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism or have a family history of thyroid disease.