Fatigue and digestive issues might seem minor, but they can signal deeper health issues. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, causing inflammation and damage. According to the CDC, these conditions can affect various organs or systems.
Challenges in Recognizing Autoimmune Disease Symptoms
The symptoms of autoimmune diseases may go unnoticed for a long time. Dr. Cory Rice, a specialist in adult diseases, mentioned that these symptoms might be intermittent or persistent. He explained that diagnosis often takes time, with symptoms appearing long before a formal diagnosis is made.
“First and foremost, symptoms of autoimmune disease can come and go, and be on and off, or they can be more persistent in nature,” said Dr. Rice.
In May 2025, Mayo Clinic researchers found that approximately 15 million Americans have one or more of 105 identified autoimmune diseases.
Early Signs Not to Overlook
Common autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, Graves’ disease, and autoimmune thyroiditis. Unexplained aches and persistent fatigue might indicate an underlying autoimmune condition. Dr. Rice shared the most common signs:
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Joint pain
- Unexplained rashes or hives
- Dry eyes and mouth
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Mouth ulcers
- Increased sensitivity to cold
He emphasized that fatigue in these cases is profound and often untreated by stimulants, hormones, or therapies.
Diagnosis Difficulties and Delays
Autoimmune diseases are challenging to identify because their symptoms overlap with other conditions. Dr. Rice explained that the severity and progression differ among individuals, leading to varied symptom patterns.
Many physicians are not trained to initially screen for these diseases, which often results in referrals to specialists like rheumatologists. By that time, the disease may have significantly progressed.
Misconceptions About Autoimmune Diseases
Despite increased awareness, myths persist. Dr. Rice highlighted the misconception that autoimmune diseases are rare. In reality, they affect many people.
“The biggest myth I see is the belief that autoimmune disease is rare,” Dr. Rice noted. “Nothing could be further from the truth.”
Dr. Gregg Silverman of NYU Grossman School of Medicine also addressed the belief among some patients that traumatic events trigger autoimmune diseases.
“While it’s possible, we don’t think that is how autoimmune diseases really get started,” Silverman explained.
Recognizing When to Seek Help
Symptoms like fatigue and joint pain are common and can stem from various factors. Having these symptoms doesn’t always point to an autoimmune condition. However, if symptoms persist, worsen, or seem unusual, seeking medical advice might be wise.
Listening to your body is crucial. Regularly ignoring potential signals could delay necessary treatments or interventions.