Fever, swollen glands, fatigue, rash and joint pain? Know how to identify autoimmune diseases

What complicates matters is that symptoms may overlap with other diseases and the triggers may be unknown. Anything from food, stress, lack of sleep can be a trigger. Similarly, an autoimmune disease can manifest itself differently, from mild rashes and joint pains to ultimately inflammation in the joints. Not all patients with autoimmune markers develop full-blown disease. Additionally, some autoimmune diseases have periods of remission where symptoms improve or disappear temporarily, adding to the complexity of diagnosis.

How do we know we have autoimmune diseases?

Despite the varying types of autoimmune disease, many of them share similar symptoms. Some common ones include fatigue, joint pain and swelling, skin outbreaks, abdominal pain or digestive issues, recurring fever, swollen glands and even neurological issues.

There are over 80 known autoimmune diseases, each affecting different parts of the body. Some common examples include:

Rheumatoid arthritis: A form of arthritis that attacks the joints.

Lupus: A disease that damages areas of the body that include joints, skin and organs.

Psoriasis: A skin condition marked by itchy and scaly patches.

Thyroid diseases: The body makes too much thyroid hormone or not enough.

Then there are conditions like multiple sclerosis, when your immune system attacks your nervous system, Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease caused by gluten intolerance.

How to diagnose autoimmune diseases?

Diagnosing requires a combination of medical history, physical examinations, laboratory tests and imaging studies.

Medical history: The healthcare provider will ask you about family history of autoimmune diseases, past infections and any known triggers or environmental factors that could contribute to the condition.

Physical examination: A thorough physical exam can reveal signs such as joint swelling, skin changes or neurological abnormalities that may point to an autoimmune disorder.

Laboratory Tests: Blood tests are commonly used to detect markers of inflammation and autoimmune activity.

Antibody Tests: Looking for specific antibodies that target the body’s own tissues, such as anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) in rheumatoid arthritis.

Inflammatory Markers: Tests like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can indicate the presence of inflammation.

Autoimmune Panels: Specialised panels of tests that check for multiple antibodies associated with different autoimmune diseases.

Imaging Studies: X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs may be used to assess damage to organs and tissues affected by autoimmune diseases. For example, joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis or nerve lesions in multiple sclerosis.

Biopsy: In some cases, a tissue biopsy may be needed to confirm a diagnosis. This involves taking a small sample of tissue for microscopic examination, often done for conditions like lupus affecting the skin or kidneys.

What about treatment?

Early detection and diagnosis of autoimmune diseases are crucial for effective management and preventing complications. Once diagnosed, treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and suppressing the immune system’s abnormal activity. This may involve medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and immunosuppressants.

In addition to medical treatment, one must go for lifestyle modifications like diet, exercise and sleep. Research into autoimmune diseases continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to understand the underlying causes and develop targetted therapies.