Autoimmune Disease
What is Autoimmune Disease?
Autoimmune disease happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body. Your immune system normally protects you from bacteria, viruses, and other invaders. In autoimmune conditions, it confuses your own cells for foreign threats and launches an attack.
There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases. They can affect almost any part of your body, including your joints, skin, thyroid, digestive system, and blood vessels. Some common examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Autoimmune diseases affect about 24 million Americans. Women are more likely to develop these conditions than men. Many autoimmune diseases cause chronic inflammation, which means long-term swelling and tissue damage. Early detection through blood testing can help you understand what's happening in your body before symptoms become severe.
Symptoms
- Persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- Skin rashes or changes in skin color
- Digestive problems like bloating, diarrhea, or stomach pain
- Recurring low-grade fevers
- Swollen glands in your neck, armpits, or groin
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- Hair loss or thinning
- Muscle weakness or aches
Symptoms often come and go in cycles called flares. Some people have mild symptoms for years before getting a diagnosis. Others may feel perfectly healthy between flare-ups, making these conditions hard to identify early.
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Causes and risk factors
Scientists don't know exactly why autoimmune diseases develop, but genetics play a role. If someone in your family has an autoimmune condition, your risk increases. Environmental factors can trigger these diseases in people who are already genetically vulnerable. Triggers include infections, stress, certain medications, smoking, and exposure to chemicals or toxins.
Your gut health matters too. About 70 percent of your immune system lives in your digestive tract. A damaged gut lining can allow undigested food particles and bacteria to leak into your bloodstream. This condition, called intestinal permeability, may confuse your immune system and contribute to autoimmune responses. Other risk factors include vitamin D deficiency, hormonal changes, and chronic inflammation from poor diet or lack of sleep.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors use blood tests to look for signs of autoimmune activity in your body. Tests that measure immune status, globulin levels, and gamma globulin can reveal whether your immune system is overactive. High levels of these proteins often indicate that your immune system is producing antibodies against your own tissues. Your doctor may also order specific antibody tests depending on which autoimmune disease they suspect.
Rite Aid offers testing that includes immune status markers like globulin and gamma globulin as an add-on to our flagship panel. These tests help identify immune system imbalances before they cause serious damage. Getting tested twice per year lets you track changes over time and catch problems early. If results show abnormal patterns, your doctor can order more specific tests to confirm which autoimmune condition you may have.
Treatment options
- Follow an anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, fruits, wild-caught fish, and healthy fats
- Remove common trigger foods like gluten, dairy, and processed sugars to see if symptoms improve
- Manage stress through meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or time in nature
- Get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night to support immune regulation
- Exercise regularly but avoid overtraining, which can worsen inflammation
- Consider supplements like vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics after consulting your doctor
- Take immunosuppressant medications if prescribed to reduce immune system activity
- Use corticosteroids during flare-ups to quickly reduce inflammation
- Try disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
- Work with a functional medicine doctor to identify and address root causes
Need testing for Autoimmune Disease? Add it to your panel.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Early signs include persistent fatigue, joint pain, skin changes, and digestive issues. Many people also experience brain fog and low-grade fevers that come and go. These symptoms can be vague and may mimic other conditions, which is why blood testing is important for catching immune problems early.
Blood tests can reveal immune system activity and inflammation markers that suggest autoimmune disease. Tests measuring globulin, gamma globulin, and immune status show whether your immune system is overactive. However, specific antibody tests may be needed to identify which particular autoimmune condition you have.
Genetics increase your risk but don't guarantee you'll develop an autoimmune disease. If a close family member has one, your chances are higher than average. Environmental triggers like infections, stress, and gut health problems often activate these conditions in people who are genetically predisposed.
Diet can significantly impact autoimmune symptoms by reducing inflammation. Many people find relief by removing gluten, dairy, and processed foods while adding more vegetables and healthy fats. An anti-inflammatory diet supports gut health, which is closely tied to immune function. Work with a healthcare provider to find the right approach for you.
Hormones play a major role in immune system regulation. Estrogen can increase immune responses, while testosterone tends to suppress them. Women also have two X chromosomes, which contain many immune-related genes. These factors help explain why about 75 percent of people with autoimmune diseases are women.
Yes, many autoimmune diseases can go into remission where symptoms disappear or become very mild. This can happen with lifestyle changes, medications, or both. However, remission doesn't mean you're cured. The condition can flare up again, so regular monitoring through blood tests remains important.
Most doctors recommend testing every 3 to 6 months to monitor disease activity. Regular testing helps you catch flares early and adjust treatment before symptoms worsen. Rite Aid's subscription includes testing twice per year, which works well for many people tracking immune markers. Your doctor may want more frequent testing during active flares.
Your gut contains about 70 percent of your immune system. When your gut lining becomes damaged, it can let bacteria and food particles into your bloodstream. This triggers immune responses and may lead to your immune system attacking your own tissues. Healing your gut through diet and probiotics may help calm autoimmune activity.
Yes, stress is a major trigger for autoimmune flares. When you're stressed, your body releases cortisol and other hormones that affect immune function. Chronic stress keeps your immune system in overdrive, which can worsen inflammation. Stress management through meditation, sleep, and relaxation techniques can help reduce flare frequency.
Not necessarily, though many people do require long-term treatment. Some achieve remission through lifestyle changes and can reduce or stop medications under doctor supervision. Others need ongoing medication to prevent organ damage and maintain quality of life. Never stop prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider first.