Understanding autoimmune diseases: how to spot the signs early

Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy parts of your body. Your immune system is meant to defend you against harmful invaders like viruses and bacteria.

But for people living with autoimmune conditions, it gets confused and turns on the very tissues it's supposed to protect. This can cause a wide range of health problems, depending on which part of the body is affected.

Because autoimmune diseases can impact many different systems in your body, the symptoms are often hard to pinpoint.

They can be vague, change over time, or look like symptoms of other conditions. But recognising the symptoms of autoimmune disease early can help you get a diagnosis sooner and start managing your health more effectively.

What is an autoimmune disease?

Your immune system protects you from germs and infections by identifying and attacking harmful invaders. In autoimmune diseases, your immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. This mistaken attack causes inflammation and damage in areas of the body that should be left alone.

Autoimmune diseases are long-term (chronic) conditions. Some people may experience periods where symptoms get worse (flare-ups), and other times where symptoms ease or go away (remission).

Everyone’s experience is different, and the impact on daily life can vary widely between people.

Who can develop an autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune diseases can affect anyone – regardless of age, gender, or background.

Some autoimmune conditions are more common in certain groups. For example, many autoimmune diseases are more likely to affect women than men, particularly during their childbearing years.

However, that doesn’t mean men or older adults are immune. People of all genders, including children and teenagers, can also develop autoimmune conditions.

Autoimmune diseases don’t discriminate. And while your risk may be higher if you have a family history of autoimmune conditions, they can also appear without any known cause.

If you’ve been feeling unwell or have symptoms that won’t go away, it’s important to trust your instincts and speak to a health professional.

 Types of autoimmune disease

There are more than 100 known autoimmune diseases, and they can affect almost any part of the body. Autoimmune diseases can affect all genders, and any age.

Some autoimmune diseases target specific organs, while others impact the whole body. Here are a few of the most common autoimmune diseases:

• Rheumatoid arthritis – Causes painful swelling, stiffness, and joint damage, especially in the hands, wrists, and knees.
• Type 1 diabetes – Destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) – Damages the protective covering around nerves, affecting how signals are sent between the brain and the rest of the body.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) – Affects many parts of the body including the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart. Symptoms can vary widely.
• Coeliac disease – A reaction to eating gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley) that damages the lining of the small intestine.
• Psoriasis – Speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causing red, scaly patches on the skin.

Some autoimmune conditions are rarer or more complex, and some people may live with more than one autoimmune disease at the same time.

How to know if you have an autoimmune disease – symptoms of autoimmune disease

It’s not always easy to tell if you have an autoimmune disease. Many symptoms are general and can be caused by other issues. However, there are some common signs to look out for:

• Ongoing fatigue – Feeling tired all the time, even after getting enough sleep, can be a common early sign.
• Joint pain or swelling – Especially in the hands, knees, or other joints. It might feel like stiffness that’s worse in the morning.
• Muscle aches or weakness – You might feel sore or find it harder to do tasks you used to manage easily.
• Digestive issues – Bloating, cramping, or ongoing diarrhoea may be signs of an autoimmune condition affecting the gut.
• Skin problems – Rashes, changes in colour, or patches of dry, scaly skin can be symptoms of certain autoimmune diseases.
• Recurring low-grade fever – Feeling unwell with regular fevers that don’t have a clear cause.
• Hair loss – Losing more hair than usual, either in patches or all over, could be a symptom.
• Numbness or tingling – Especially in the hands or feet, which may suggest nerve involvement.

These symptoms might come and go, or gradually get worse. You may have just one or two symptoms at first, and others can appear over time. Everyone’s experience is unique.

When to see a doctor

If you’ve been feeling ‘off’ for a while and can’t explain why, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. It’s especially important if your symptoms are interfering with your daily life or getting worse over time.

Make a note of any changes you’ve noticed in your body or how you’re feeling. Keep track of:

• When your symptoms started
• How often they occur
• Anything that seems to make them better or worse
• Any family history of autoimmune or chronic conditions

Noting down and having a record of your symptoms is valuable, as this information can help your doctor decide what to look for and which tests to run.

How autoimmune diseases are diagnosed

There’s no single test for autoimmune diseases, and diagnosing an autoimmune disease can take time. Doctors usually start by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a physical exam.

You might be referred for blood tests to check for signs of inflammation, antibodies, or other markers that your immune system is overactive. Some common tests include:

• Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Specific autoantibody tests depending on your symptoms

Depending on the type of symptoms you're experiencing, imaging scans (like MRIs or X-rays) or a biopsy (a small sample of tissue) might also be needed.

You may be referred to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, neurologist or gastroenterologist, for further diagnosis and treatment.

Where to get support for autoimmune disease

Living with an autoimmune disease can be overwhelming at times, but you're not alone. There are lots of ways to get support – both medical and emotional.

• Talk to your doctor – They’re your first point of contact for managing symptoms and creating a treatment plan.
• See a specialist – You might need to work with a team of health professionals to get the right care.
• Join a support group – Connecting with others via a support group who understand what you're going through can be really helpful. Look for local or online groups.
• Find resources online – Trusted health websites and not-for-profit organisations can offer information, tips, and updates about autoimmune conditions. Look for information that is reviewed by a medical professional.
• Get support for work and daily life – If your symptoms are affecting your ability to work or study, help is available. This might include workplace modifications, flexible hours or support through programs like Disability Employment Services.

If you're looking for extra support

At APM, we support people living with injury, illness or disability – including autoimmune conditions – through programs like Disability Employment Services (DES).

If you’re looking for work and your health condition makes it harder, DES can help you:

• Build your confidence
• Access training and support
• Find and keep a job that suits your needs

To see if you're eligible and learn more about what’s involved, feel free to contact us.

Resources and further reading

• Autoimmune disorders - Better Health Channel
• A-Z autoimmune disease list - Autoimmune Institute
• Support groups and helplines - Pain Australia
• Arthritis Australia
• Australasian Society Clinical Immunology and Allergy
• Lupus - Health Direct
• Multiple Sclerosis Australia

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au