While different types of autoimmune diseases share these common symptoms, there are also features that set them apart.
Emily Roberts / Verywell
Symptoms by Autoimmune Condition
There are more than 80 autoimmune conditions.
It can also cause some symptoms to be compounded.
Emily Roberts / Verywell
This increases the risk of blood clots in the arteries and veins.
This condition may not cause symptoms in the early stages.
This leads to an increase in thyroid hormone production, which impacts multiple organs, including the heart.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditiscauses an underactive thyroid gland, also known ashypothyroidism.
Nerve fibers help with brain/body communication.
Symptoms vary significantly based on where in the brain and/or spinal cord the attacks occur.
This leads to weakness in the eyes, neck, jaw, limbs, and muscles used for breathing.
Since vitamin B12 plays an important role in making red blood cells, a deficiency leads to anemia.
Weakness in these muscles may lead to trouble climbing stairs, lifting objects, or swallowing.
This causes patches of red, thickened skin that is usually covered by silvery, flaky scales called plaques.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritisis characterized by inflammatory attacks on joints and other tissues.
These symptoms affect both sides of the body.
The lymph nodes are part of the immune system.
These symptoms occur when the immune system damages the glands that make tears and saliva.
This affects the skin and organs.
The most common symptoms of systemic scleroderma include the following:
Some symptoms depend on which organs are involved.
For example, if the heart is impacted, an individual may experience chest pain andheart failure.
Lupus affects everyone differently.
Some people have a few, mild symptoms, while others may have numerous, more severe symptoms.
These cells produceinsulin, a hormone that helps blood sugar get processed into energy.
This attack on the beta cells can go on for years without symptoms showing up.
They can give you a comprehensive evaluation and a physical exam to help provide a diagnosis.
Summary
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissues or cells.
There are dozens of autoimmune diseases, and each affects people somewhat differently.
Symptoms vary depending on the specific autoimmune disease, as do complications.
Common complications include heart disease, mood disorders, nerve damage, blood clots, and organ damage.
If you have symptoms that seem in line with an autoimmune condition, call your healthcare provider.
Autoimmune conditions can be difficult to diagnose and may take time.
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