What is an autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system, which normally protects against infections, mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. 

This can cause inflammation, pain, and damage to various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, muscles, nerves, and digestive system.

With over 100 known autoimmune conditions, symptoms often overlap with other illnesses, making diagnosis difficult. 

While the exact cause is unclear, factors like genetics, environment, infections, and lifestyle may contribute.

Symptoms of an autoimmune disease

Autoimmune diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms, which vary depending on the specific condition and the organs affected.

Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue – Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
• Joint pain and swelling – Especially common in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Muscle aches – General discomfort or weakness in the muscles.
• Skin problems – Rashes, redness, or other changes in skin appearance.
• Abdominal pain or digestive issues – Often seen in conditions like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Recurring fever – Low-grade fevers that come and go.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, fluctuate over time, and often resemble other health conditions, making diagnosis challenging.

Causes and types of autoimmune diseases

The exact cause of autoimmune diseases remains unclear, but they are believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Some known triggers include infections, exposure to certain chemicals, and hormonal changes.

There are over 100 known autoimmune conditions, each affecting different parts of the body. Some common types include:

• Type 1 diabetes: The immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Affects the joints, causing inflammation and pain.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS): Affects the central nervous system, leading to nerve damage.
• Lupus (SLE): Can impact the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.
• Celiac disease: An immune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine.
• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis: Inflammatory bowel diseases that cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and malnutrition.
• Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: These conditions affect the skin and joints, causing painful, scaly lesions and stiffness. Psoriatic arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage if left untreated.

Risk factors

Several factors may increase the risk of developing an autoimmune disease. While the exact cause remains unclear, researchers have identified a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental influences that can contribute to their development.

• Genetics: A family history of autoimmune diseases increases the risk, as inherited genetic markers can affect immune function. However, genetics alone do not determine disease development—other factors play a role.
• Gender: Women account for about 80% of autoimmune disease cases, likely due to hormonal differences. Conditions like lupus and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are more prevalent in females.
• Age: Many autoimmune diseases emerge in early to middle adulthood. Multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes often appear in young adults, while rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may develop later in life.
• Environmental exposures: Viral or bacterial infections, as well as exposure to chemicals, pollutants, and toxins, may trigger autoimmune responses in genetically predisposed individuals.
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking and obesity increase the risk of autoimmune diseases by contributing to inflammation and immune dysfunction. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management may help lower risk.

Although these factors can contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases, not everyone with these risk factors will develop a condition.

Understanding these influences can help individuals make informed lifestyle choices and seek early medical intervention if symptoms arise.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease can be complex, as many of these conditions share symptoms with other health issues, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.

Symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and inflammation can be present in multiple autoimmune diseases, as well as in unrelated conditions.

As a result, healthcare providers take a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, using a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests to identify the specific disease and rule out other possible causes.

• Medical history and physical exam: Doctors assess symptoms, their duration, and patterns, along with family history. A physical exam checks for inflammation, rashes, joint swelling, or muscle weakness.
• Laboratory tests: Blood tests detect autoimmune activity through autoantibodies, inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), and organ function assessments. Some diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, have specific antibodies aiding diagnosis.
• Imaging studies: X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds help detect joint, muscle, or organ damage. For example, rheumatoid arthritis may show joint erosion, while multiple sclerosis presents with brain or spinal cord lesions.

Because autoimmune diseases can affect multiple body systems and present differently in each individual, diagnosing them often takes time.

Some people may undergo multiple tests over several months or years before receiving a definitive diagnosis.

Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for initiating appropriate treatment, as prompt intervention can help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and prevent long-term complications.

If you are experiencing persistent, unexplained symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Treatment options for autoimmune diseases

While there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, various treatments can help manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and improve overall quality of life.

Treatment approaches vary depending on the specific condition, its severity, and how it affects the individual.

A combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and medical support is often recommended to help control the immune system’s overactivity and minimise damage to healthy tissues.

Medications

Doctors may prescribe different types of medications to manage autoimmune diseases, targeting inflammation, pain, and immune system activity:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs: These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin, which help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
• Corticosteroids: These powerful medications, such as prednisone, work by suppressing the immune response and reducing inflammation. They are often used for short-term relief of severe symptoms but may have side effects with long-term use.
• Immunosuppressants: These drugs, such as methotrexate and azathioprine, work by dampening the immune system’s activity to prevent it from attacking healthy tissues. They are commonly used for conditions like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease.
• Biologic agents: These targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and TNF inhibitors, block specific immune system components responsible for inflammation. They are often used in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Lifestyle modifications

Alongside medication, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve overall wellbeing:

• Balanced diet: Eating a nutrient-rich diet, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can support immune function and reduce inflammation. Some individuals benefit from specific diets, such as anti-inflammatory or gluten-free diets, depending on their condition.
• Regular exercise: Engaging in low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can help maintain mobility, reduce stiffness, and improve energy levels. Exercise also supports mental wellbeing by reducing stress and promoting better sleep.
• Stress management: Chronic stress can trigger or worsen autoimmune symptoms. Mindfulness techniques, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
• Adequate rest: Fatigue is a common symptom in many autoimmune diseases, so prioritising sleep and allowing time for rest can help the body recover and manage daily activities more effectively.

Individualised treatment plans

Since autoimmune diseases affect people differently, treatment plans should be tailored to each individual's needs.

Some may require ongoing medication, while others may benefit more from lifestyle modifications and periodic medical interventions.

Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals can help monitor disease progression and adjust treatments as needed.

When to see a doctor

If you experience persistent or unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, muscle weakness, digestive issues, or skin problems, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.

Many autoimmune diseases can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to complications such as organ damage, mobility issues, and chronic pain.

Finding a job with an autoimmune disease

Living with an autoimmune disease can present challenges in the workplace, but with the right support and workplace accommodations, individuals can find fulfilling employment.

Diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that affected his vision at 23, Ben wondered what he could do as a blind person.

With support from APM and Disability Employment Services, he secured a position as a Safety Support Officer at Clarence Valley Council, a role that perfectly matched his skills and aspirations.

This opportunity marked a significant turning point in Ben's life, allowing him to regain his confidence and sense of purpose.

Here are some strategies to consider:

• Assess your abilities and limitations: Understand how your autoimmune condition affects your work capabilities.
• Consider roles that leverage your strengths: Choose jobs that align with your skills and abilities, allowing you to work comfortably and effectively while managing your condition.
• Seek flexible work arrangements: Flexible hours or remote work can help manage symptoms.
• Use assistive technologies: Tools that can aid in performing job tasks more comfortably.
• Communicate with employers: Discuss necessary workplace modifications to create a supportive work environment.

For personalised assistance, APM Employment Services offers support through Disability Employment Services (DES) to help individuals living with autoimmune diseases navigate the job market and maintain employment. Contact us to register, or to find out how we can help you.

Resources and further reading

There are several organisations and resources providing support and information for individuals living with autoimmune diseases, including:

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

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