Common Autoimmune Diseases and How They Differ

The immune system of the body can become faulty and target its own tissues, organs, or cells, leading to autoimmune diseases. These conditions can affect almost any part of the body, leading to chronic pain, inflammation, and other symptoms. While over 80 autoimmune diseases have been identified, some are more prevalent than others. Understanding the differences between these conditions can help in recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate medical treatment. Here’s a look at some of the most common autoimmune diseases, their causes, symptoms, and how they differ from one another.

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

• Overview: RA is an autoimmune condition primarily affecting the joints. It causes the immune system to attack the synovium, the lining of the membranes surrounding the joints, resulting in inflammation and pain.
• Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, stiffness (particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity), fatigue, and loss of joint function.
• Commonly Affected Areas: Hands, knees, and feet, though other joints can be involved. In some cases, RA can also affect organs such as the lungs, skin, and heart.
• How It Differs: Unlike osteoarthritis, which is due to wear and tear on the joints, RA is an inflammatory disease where the body’s immune system directly damages joint tissue. It often affects multiple joints symmetrically (e.g., both wrists).

2. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

• Overview: Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease, meaning it can affect multiple organs or systems within the body. It causes widespread inflammation and tissue damage.
• Symptoms: Fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes (notably a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose), hair loss, fever, kidney issues, and sensitivity to sunlight.
• Commonly Affected Areas: Skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and the brain.
• How It Differs: Unlike RA, lupus doesn’t target the joints exclusively but can involve multiple organ systems. The symptoms also vary widely, earning lupus the nickname “the great imitator” because its symptoms often mimic other conditions.

3. Type 1 Diabetes

• Overview: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to high blood sugar levels.
• Symptoms: Increased thirst and urination, unintended weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and frequent infections.
• Commonly Affected Areas: The pancreas primarily, but it can affect overall metabolism and other systems due to blood sugar imbalances.
• How It Differs: Unlike type 2 diabetes, which is associated with insulin resistance, type 1 diabetes results from the body’s inability to produce insulin because the immune system has destroyed the insulin-producing cells.

4. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Overview: MS is a neurological autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers (myelin) in the central nervous system.
• Symptoms: Muscle weakness, balance and coordination problems, numbness, vision problems, fatigue, dizziness, and cognitive issues.
• Commonly Affected Areas: Brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
• How It Differs: Unlike other autoimmune diseases that target organs or joints, MS specifically affects the nervous system, leading to problems with mobility, vision, and other neurological functions.

5. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

• Overview: Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, resulting in reduced production of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism).
• Symptoms: Fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, hair loss, muscle aches, depression, and dry skin.
• Commonly Affected Areas: The thyroid gland, which affects metabolism.
• How It Differs: This condition leads to hypothyroidism, where the thyroid is underactive, unlike Graves’ disease, another thyroid-related autoimmune condition that causes hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

6. Celiac Disease

• Overview: Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the ingestion of gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine.
• Symptoms: Digestive issues (diarrhea, bloating, gas), fatigue, weight loss, anemia, and skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis).
• Commonly Affected Areas: Small intestine, although other symptoms can manifest due to nutrient malabsorption.
• How It Differs: Unlike a gluten sensitivity or intolerance, celiac disease involves an immune response that damages the intestinal lining, leading to malnutrition and other serious complications if left untreated.

7. Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

• Overview: Psoriasis is a skin condition where the immune system causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, leading to thick, scaly patches. Psoriatic arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the joints as well, causing inflammation.
• Symptoms: Red, scaly patches on the skin, joint pain, stiffness, and swelling (for those with psoriatic arthritis).
• Commonly Affected Areas: Skin (especially elbows, knees, and scalp), joints in the case of psoriatic arthritis.
• How It Differs: Unlike RA, which predominantly affects the joints, psoriasis primarily manifests as a skin condition, although it can also involve joint inflammation.

8. Graves’ Disease

• Overview: This autoimmune disorder causes the immune system to attack the thyroid gland, leading to an overproduction of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism).
• Symptoms: Weight loss, rapid heartbeat, irritability, tremors, heat intolerance, and bulging eyes (exophthalmos).
• Commonly Affected Areas: Thyroid gland, though symptoms can extend throughout the body due to hormone imbalances.
• How It Differs: Unlike Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease leads to hyperthyroidism, with symptoms related to an overactive thyroid rather than an underactive one.

Factors Influencing Autoimmune Diseases

While the exact cause of autoimmune diseases is unknown, several factors can increase the risk:

• Genetics: Family history can increase susceptibility to certain autoimmune diseases.
• Environmental Triggers: Exposure to infections, toxins, or certain medications may trigger autoimmune responses.
• Gender: Autoimmune diseases are more common in women than men, suggesting a hormonal influence.
• Age: Most autoimmune diseases are diagnosed during early adulthood or middle age.

Diagnosing and Managing Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are challenging to diagnose due to overlapping symptoms. Diagnosis often involves:

• Blood Tests: To check for specific autoantibodies or inflammation markers.
• Imaging Studies: To detect organ or tissue damage.
• Biopsies: Sometimes used to confirm a diagnosis, such as in celiac disease.

Management typically includes:

• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologics to reduce immune activity.
• Holistic Treatments: Diet and nutrition, herbal remedies and supplements, functional medicine approach, and mind-body therapies
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Diet, exercise, and stress management can help manage symptoms.
• Regular Monitoring: Continuous health evaluations to manage flare-ups and adjust treatment plans.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between various autoimmune diseases helps in recognizing symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention. While each condition has unique characteristics, they share the common trait of the immune system misidentifying normal tissues as threats. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for maintaining quality of life and preventing complications.

Make an appointment at the San Juan Capistrano, California Acupuncture Halls clinic to learn more about functional medicine for autoimmune diseases. At the clinic, a licensed functional medicine practitioner can help you. To schedule an appointment, kindly complete this form or contact 949-510-6333.