Autoimmune Diseases Resource Center

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Many autoimmune diseases cause flares of symptoms that come and go, sometimes in response to triggers or actions. These symptoms vary significantly, but they commonly include inflammation symptoms like rashes, swelling, pain, and warmth. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing immune system activity, often involving medications, physical and occupational therapy, or infusions. You may need to change your diet, daily routine, or other lifestyle factors to reduce exposure to triggers and adjust to the effects of the disease.

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FAQ

What are common autoimmune diseases?

Examples of common autoimmune diseases include Addison’s disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Graves’ disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and reactive arthritis. However, hundreds of autoimmune diseases can develop.

What causes autoimmune diseases?

Genetic and environmental factors can cause autoimmune diseases. However, the underlying cause isn’t certain. Certain viral infections, being female, a family history, and smoking can increase your risk. Having one autoimmune disease may make it easier for another to develop.

Can autoimmune diseases be cured?

Autoimmune diseases are usually lifelong. However, some can enter remission if you control them with medications, meaning that a long time passes between symptom attacks. You can manage most autoimmune diseases with medications to improve your quality of life.

How are autoimmune diseases diagnosed?

Diagnosing autoimmune diseases can be complex, involving ruling out different conditions to explain your symptoms. Blood tests and imaging scans may help your doctor identify signs of autoimmune diseases called markers.

What lifestyle changes help manage autoimmune diseases?

You may need to change how you do physical activity or exclude certain foods that trigger symptoms, depending on the condition and how you experience it. Autoimmune disease varies a lot, even in people with the same disease.

Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.

Grant Chu, MD, MS, MBA, FACP

Medical Reviewer

Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Grant Chu, MD, is an associate clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Chu is also associate director of inpatient East-West consult services at the ...

Autoimmune Diseases

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Grant Chu, MD, MS, MBA, FACP

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