What symptoms did you not realize were signs of autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune diseases can manifest in various ways, and some symptoms can go unnoticed or be attributed to other causes. Some common autoimmune disease symptoms are fatigue, joint pain and swelling, skin problems, recurring fever, and more.

Unfortunately, many individuals—mainly women—have difficulty receiving a diagnosis because of how common these symptoms are to other conditions. Fatigue, for example, is considered to be a universal complaint, however, individuals with autoimmune disease often experience extreme tiredness that goes beyond normal exhaustion and can interfere with daily activities. Celiac disease, Hashimoto's, and inflammatory bowel disease are just a few of the many autoimmune diseases that have fatigue as a symptom.

Others patients report experiencing prolonged dryness, including dry lips and dry eyes, which they dismissed as personal traits or inconveniences. It would be years or decades before some are diagnosed with Sjogren's disease, which is characterized by dryness, fatigue, and other systemic symptoms. Joint pain and swelling are another set of symptoms that people may dismiss as a natural part of aging or overexertion. However, this pair of symptoms could be indicative of an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Recognizing these less apparent symptoms and seeking a more thorough evaluation is crucial in identifying and managing autoimmune diseases effectively. At the Autoimmune Registry, we are running an awareness campaign to highlight these commonly ignored symptoms. The more the public is aware of these symptoms, the better they can be at identifying and consulting physicians about their autoimmune conditions.

Autoimmune diseases are often under-recognized and under-diagnosed. To raise awareness, we encourage you to share your story and the symptoms you may not have initially recognized as signs of autoimmune disease. Please share this post via social media or comment with your story. You can also read more about patients' diagnostic journeys on our website.

To support the Autoimmune Registry, please join our registry or share it with a friend who has an autoimmune condition. Donations are also greatly appreciated!