The immune system is the body’s natural defense against invaders like germs and bacteria. The immune system comprises complex cell networks, organs, and molecules that help defend the body against disease-causing agents. This protection is powerful as it works for the body, but it can also be a potent threat when it works against it. The tricky part is that autoimmune disease Edmond may be hard to diagnose. Below are some of the common autoimmune disease symptoms you may experience.
1. Fatigue
Across all autoimmune disease diagnoses, the most common symptom is fatigue. Although everybody experiences it, fatigue from autoimmune diseases is much more persistent and prominent. Fatigue as a symptom can feel like exhaustion or weakness. It can also be experienced regardless of whether you are practicing good sleeping hygiene and routine and enjoying a restful night’s sleep. Chronic fatigue that causes changes in your energy levels is a sign that you should seek an autoimmune disease professional diagnosis.
2. Joint pain
Autoimmune diseases result from the immune system turning on itself. When the immune system attacks the healthy muscle tissues in the musculoskeletal system, it results in pain, irritation, swelling, stiffness, weakness, and limited mobility. Multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and lupus are some of the autoimmune diseases with this symptom.
3. Digestive problems
When the immune system is in overdrive, digestive issues can occur. This causes bloating, stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, gas, and heartburn. These are the common symptoms of autoimmune diseases. One of these symptoms may not necessarily indicate an autoimmune disease, but it is usually a piece of the problem. Autoimmune diseases that mainly target the gut are referred to as inflammatory bowel diseases. The most common are ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease.
4. Skin irritation
The skin’s health can state what is happening within our bodies. So, when the immune system is enduring inflammation and imbalances, this presents itself as an irritation to some people. Psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus are skin irritants common to autoimmune diseases. Eczema hives and dermatitis can also be strong indicators when other common autoimmune disease symptoms are present.
5. Headaches
Experiencing migraines or recurring head pain can indicate something severe is happening within the body. Myasthenia Gravis and multiple sclerosis have neurological associations, and migraines and head pain are symptoms of these autoimmune diseases. Jaw pain, migraines, and head pain can also be associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or fibromyalgia.
6. Swelling
Swelling can present itself throughout the body, especially when someone has an autoimmune disease. Swelling can be felt in the joints and can commonly be experienced as puffiness and water retention. Psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are common conditions associated with swelling. Psoriasis can cause stiffness and swelling in the joints, leading to psoriatic arthritis.
7. Eye irritation
The eye is a sensitive organ. Scleritis occurs when the white part of the eye is inflamed. It can cause deep aching pain in the eyes. If left untreated, scleritis can result in thinning of the sclera and lead to its perforation. This potentially causes permanent damage to the eye. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune disease associated with scleritis. Others include Scleroderma, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and Sjogren’s syndrome.
Autoimmune diseases can be severe when not detected and managed early. When diagnosed on time, they can be treated to reduce further harm to your health. Contact or visit The Lamkin Clinic today to learn more about autoimmune diseases, their symptoms, intervention, and management options.