Autoimmune Diseases
What is Autoimmune Diseases?
Autoimmune diseases happen when your immune system attacks your own healthy cells by mistake. Your immune system normally protects you from viruses, bacteria, and other invaders. But in autoimmune conditions, it treats parts of your body like the enemy.
There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases. Some common ones include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and celiac disease. These conditions can affect almost any part of your body, from your joints and skin to your thyroid and digestive system.
Autoimmune diseases often come and go in cycles. You might have periods when symptoms flare up, followed by times when you feel better. Many people live full lives with autoimmune conditions through proper testing, lifestyle changes, and medical care.
Symptoms
- Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- Extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Skin rashes or changes in skin color
- Recurring fever or feeling generally unwell
- Muscle weakness or pain
- Digestive problems like bloating, pain, or diarrhea
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Unexplained weight changes
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- Hair loss or thinning
Many people have mild symptoms for years before getting diagnosed. Some people feel perfectly fine in early stages, which is why blood testing is important for catching immune system problems early.
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Causes and risk factors
Scientists do not fully understand why autoimmune diseases develop. Your genes play a role, as these conditions often run in families. But having the gene does not mean you will definitely get the disease. Environmental triggers like infections, stress, toxins, or dietary factors may activate the condition in people who are genetically at risk.
Exposure to heavy metals like mercury can alter immune function and trigger autoimmune responses. Women develop autoimmune diseases about twice as often as men, especially during childbearing years. Other risk factors include smoking, certain medications, obesity, and chronic inflammation. Poor gut health and imbalances in gut bacteria may also contribute to immune system confusion.
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosing autoimmune diseases can be challenging because symptoms often overlap with other conditions. Your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order blood tests. Blood work can reveal antibodies that attack your own tissues, abnormal immune proteins, and markers of inflammation.
Rite Aid offers testing that measures key immune markers including white blood cell counts, protein electrophoresis, antibody titers, and immune cell function. Our panel includes tests for Cytosolic 5'-Nucleotidase 1A antibodies, CD4:CD8 ratio, globulin levels, and other biomarkers that help identify immune system dysfunction. You can get tested at over 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide with results that help you and your doctor understand what is happening in your body.
Treatment options
- Anti-inflammatory diet focusing on whole foods, vegetables, healthy fats, and avoiding processed foods
- Identifying and eliminating food triggers like gluten, dairy, or nightshades
- Stress management through meditation, yoga, or counseling
- Regular gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or stretching
- Getting 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night
- Reducing exposure to toxins and heavy metals in food, water, and personal care products
- Supporting gut health with probiotics and fermented foods
- Immunosuppressive medications to calm overactive immune response
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation during flares
- Biologic drugs that target specific parts of the immune system
- Pain relievers and symptom-specific medications
Concerned about Autoimmune Diseases? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are among the most common autoimmune diseases, affecting millions of people worldwide. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which causes an underactive thyroid, is also very common. Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease affect large numbers of people as well.
Most autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, but they can be managed effectively. Treatment focuses on reducing immune system activity, managing symptoms, and preventing organ damage. Many people achieve remission, which means they have little to no symptoms for extended periods. Lifestyle changes and early detection through blood testing can significantly improve outcomes.
Autoimmune diseases have a genetic component and often run in families. However, inheriting genes does not guarantee you will develop the disease. Environmental factors like infections, stress, diet, and toxin exposure play important roles in triggering these conditions. If autoimmune diseases run in your family, regular blood testing can help catch problems early.
Blood tests that detect autoimmune diseases include protein electrophoresis, antibody titers, white blood cell counts, and specific antibody tests. Tests measuring CD4:CD8 ratio, immune cell function, and globulin levels help identify immune dysfunction. Mercury blood tests can reveal toxic exposures that may contribute to autoimmune development.
Diet plays a significant role in managing autoimmune diseases. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats, and whole foods can reduce symptoms. Many people benefit from eliminating gluten, dairy, sugar, and processed foods. Supporting gut health with probiotics and fermented foods may also help calm immune system overactivity.
Women develop autoimmune diseases about twice as often as men, though scientists are not entirely sure why. Hormones likely play a role, as many autoimmune conditions start during childbearing years or worsen during pregnancy. The female immune system responds more strongly to threats, which may make it more likely to attack the body by mistake.
Diagnosis can take months to years because symptoms often come and go. Many autoimmune diseases look similar in early stages, making them hard to tell apart. Blood testing helps speed up diagnosis by revealing antibodies and immune markers. Seeing a specialist and getting regular lab work can help identify the specific condition faster.
Chronic stress can trigger or worsen autoimmune diseases in people who are genetically at risk. Stress hormones affect how your immune system works and can increase inflammation. Many people report their first symptoms appeared after a period of intense stress. Managing stress through meditation, exercise, and adequate sleep is an important part of treatment.
A flare is a period when symptoms suddenly get worse after being mild or absent. Flares can be triggered by stress, infections, lack of sleep, certain foods, or for no clear reason. They may last days to months. Tracking your symptoms and biomarkers through regular blood tests can help you identify patterns and prevent future flares.
Yes, seeing a specialist is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. Rheumatologists treat many autoimmune diseases affecting joints and connective tissue. Endocrinologists handle thyroid and hormone-related autoimmune conditions. Your primary care doctor can refer you to the right specialist based on your symptoms and blood test results.