Your body might be sending subtle signals when something deeper is amiss. Fatigue or digestive issues could indicate an autoimmune disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe these as conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, leading to inflammation and organ damage.
Dr. Cory Rice, a specialist in adult diseases, explains these symptoms can be overlooked for months or years. “Symptoms can fluctuate or be persistent,” Rice told Newsweek.
Prevalence and Recognition Challenges
A 2025 study by Mayo Clinic researchers indicated that around 15 million people in the U.S. have one or more of 105 autoimmune diseases. Common conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, Graves’ disease, and autoimmune thyroiditis.
Early Clues to Watch For
Dr. Rice identifies signs such as:
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Joint pain
- Unexplained rashes or hives
- Dry eyes and mouth
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
- Mouth ulcers
- Increased cold sensitivity
Fatigue can be “profound and debilitating,” frustrating efforts to resolve it through stimulants or treatments.
Diagnosis Difficulties
Autoimmune diseases can be complex to diagnose due to symptom overlap. “The nature of symptoms depends on the disease’s progression,” Rice notes. Early screening is uncommon, often necessitating specialist referrals. Without timely diagnosis, diseases may advance significantly.
Debunking Myths
Despite greater awareness, misconceptions persist. One myth is that autoimmune diseases are rare. This is inaccurate. Newsweek consulted Dr. Gregg Silverman, who discussed the belief that lupus begins after trauma, like a car accident. “While possible, that isn’t how autoimmune diseases typically start,” Silverman said.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Symptoms such as fatigue or joint pain are common and may arise from various factors. However, persistent or unusual symptoms warrant medical consultation. Being consistently tired doesn’t confirm disease presence but ignoring symptoms could delay diagnosis and treatment.
For further insights, Newsweek editors Charlotte Nisbet and Tony Phillips can be contacted regarding this story.
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