Advice on autoimmune symptoms

The Doc is in. Dr. Michelle Hill answers your health, medical and wellness questions

Member: I thought autoimmune diseases were rare, but I’ve been hearing more about them lately. I’ve been feeling unusually tired and a little off-balance, and it doesn’t seem to be getting better. Could this be related to an autoimmune disorder? — Pat, Burnsville

Dr. Hill: Great question, Pat. Autoimmune diseases can be tricky to spot, especially at first. This is because their symptoms often overlap with other common health issues. These conditions develop when your immune system, which normally protects you from illness, mistakenly attacks healthy cells. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from joint pain and skin rashes to muscle weakness and problems with digestion, memory or balance.

Common autoimmune diseases include: 

• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Lupus 
• Type 1 diabetes 
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis 
• Celiac disease

There’s no single cause, but experts believe age, genetics, infections and even things like stress or exposure to certain chemicals may play a role. And while you can’t always prevent autoimmune conditions, you can take steps to support a healthy immune system. Be sure to get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, stay active and manage your stress levels. Keeping up with regular checkups is also important. 

If you notice new symptoms that don’t go away — such as joint pain, tingling, digestive problems, unexplained rashes or ongoing fatigue — don’t wait to bring them up at your next appointment. These may not point to an autoimmune condition, but they’re worth checking out. 

While these conditions can’t always be cured, early diagnosis can lead to better symptom management and a better quality of life. Talk to your doctor if something feels off and keep track of your symptoms so you can share clear information during your visit.