What is an autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune diseases happen when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your body's own cells.

There are many types of autoimmune diseases. Some only involve one area of your body. Others may involve many parts of your body.

Some autoimmune diseases are quite common, such as thyroiditis. Others are less common, such as vasculitis — inflammation of your blood vessels.

Autoimmune diseases are chronic (ongoing) illnesses. Every person will experience their illness differently.

Evidence suggests that rates of autoimmune diseases are increasing.

Types of autoimmune diseases

There are more than 80 autoimmune diseases. Some autoimmune diseases affect one organ or body system, such as:

• Addison's disease — your adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones
• coeliac disease — the immune system reacts to gluten (found in wheat and other grains) and damages your small intestine
• Graves' disease — your thyroid gland starts making too much thyroid hormone
• multiple sclerosis — affects your nervous system, stopping signals between your brain and body
• type 1 diabetes — the cells in your pancreas are damaged which stops your body from managing blood sugar levels
• ulcerative colitis — inflammation in your large bowel and rectum

Other autoimmune diseases affect many body organs. These include:

• lupus — mostly affects your skin and joints
• rheumatoid arthritis — most often this causes tender, swollen and stiff joints
• Sjögren's syndrome — your immune system attacks the glands that produce your tears, saliva and sweat

Find out more about other autoimmune conditions.

What symptoms are related to autoimmune diseases?

Some common symptoms of autoimmune diseases are:

• abdominal (tummy) pain and digestive issues
• fatigue
• fever — a temperature of 38℃ or higher
• joint pain and swelling
• swollen glands

Your symptoms will depend on the type of autoimmune disease that you have. Different autoimmune diseases affect different parts of your body.

Autoimmune disease symptoms can vary between people. You may get mild symptoms or be severely affected.

You may have times when your symptoms get worse. These are called 'flares'.

What causes autoimmune diseases?

Your immune system usually protects you from infection. It does this by finding and fighting off viruses and bacteria that enter your body.

An autoimmune disease happens when your immune system targets healthy tissues.

It's not known why some people get autoimmune diseases. In many cases autoimmune diseases are inherited. This means that you receive genetic traits of the condition from one or both of your parents.

Autoimmune diseases may also be triggered by:

• diet
• infections
• some medicines
• smoking
• environmental factors

How is the cause of autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. They will examine you and ask you about your general health.

They might suggest:

• blood tests — CRP and ESR tests measure inflammation in your body
• x-rays
• biopsy

Your doctor might refer you to a specialist for further investigation or treatment advice.

It can take a long time to diagnose an autoimmune disease. This can be because there are many types of autoimmune diseases. Also, your symptoms will often develop over time. This means they may take time to appear.

Each disease affects your body in a different way.

When should I see my doctor?

If you think you may have an autoimmune disease, see your doctor.

How is autoimmune disease treated?

There is no cure for autoimmune diseases, but there are treatments. These depend on the type of autoimmune disease that you have and your symptoms.

The main aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms and damage to your organs.

In some people, autoimmune diseases can be mild. Other people will need to put in a lot of time and care to manage their condition.

However, most people with autoimmune conditions can live a full and enjoyable life.

Self-care at home

Lifestyle changes can also help manage autoimmune conditions.

Regular exercise can help lower inflammation.

You may need to change your diet. For example, people with coeliac disease must follow a gluten-free diet.

Quitting smoking can lower inflammation and improve your general health.

Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes that would be suitable for your situation.

Medicines for autoimmune diseases

Your treatment may include:

• anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDS) — to lower inflammation and pain
• corticosteroid anti-inflammatory medicines — to lower inflammation and pain
• disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) — stop or slow some disease processes
• immunoglobulin replacement therapy — raises your antibody levels
• medicines to replace organ function — such as insulin in diabetes
• medicines that dampen your immune system
• monoclonal antibody therapy — to stimulate your immune system, such as TNF inhibitors

What are the complications of autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases can cause various complications. These complications will depend on which disease you have.

Can autoimmune diseases be prevented?

Autoimmune disease can't be prevented. But there are things you can do to manage your symptoms and reduce the damage to your body.

Resources and Support

Ask your doctor about your condition.

Learn more about autoimmune diseases at Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA).

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.