You’ve probably heard of Hashimoto’s and Grave’s Disease, or chronic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and lupus. But did you know that all of these conditions are considered an autoimmune disease? Autoimmune activity presents itself in different ways, and each person’s experience can be completely different, so how do you know what to look out for? Keep reading to learn more about the early signs of autoimmune disease and what your next steps should be.
What is an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune condition is characterized by a dysfunctional immune system. Instead of attacking harmful substances in the body, your immune system can start to attack itself, causing a myriad of frustrating symptoms. These symptoms can come and go with no warning, and diagnosing an autoimmune disease can be tricky since many symptoms can mimic other serious health conditions.
What are common risk factors for autoimmune disease?
While women seem to be affected more by autoimmune diseases than men, anyone can develop autoimmune symptoms. Some autoimmune diseases have strong genetic ties, like lupus and multiple sclerosis, while others are not genetic at all. Others could be caused by hormonal imbalances, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, toxins, infections, gut imbalances, and food allergies.
What are some early signs of autoimmune disease?
- Chronic Fatigue– many people experience a general feeling of tiredness with brain fog which begins to impact their ability to perform basic daily tasks.
- Joint Pain– swollen glands and joints along with muscle and joint pain and stiffness are inflammatory symptoms that are common among many autoimmune diseases.
- Skin Rashes– unexplained rashes, from red and itchy to blotchy and scaly, can come and go; acne or eczema flare-ups may also be related to autoimmunity.
- Weight Gain– unexplained weight gain as well as sudden weight loss could be early signs of autoimmune disease, particularly a thyroid condition.
- Digestive Issues– some of the most common autoimmune symptoms tend to be around gut health, such as constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and cramping.
- Recurring Fever– a low-grade fever or a fever that tends to be recurring could be worth mentioning to your doctor, as it could be a sign of chronic inflammation.
- Hair Loss– bald patches, hair thinning, or brittle hair could all be indicators of autoimmune activity.
How can Riverside Village Clinic help?
So, if you think you’re experiencing the early signs of autoimmune disease, what should you do? The first step is to speak with a healthcare professional. Our Nashville health clinic accepts patients with or without insurance and is focused on providing patients with individualized care. While there is no one test to diagnose autoimmune diseases, there are ways to identify the root causes of your symptoms and identify triggers, whether a nutritional deficiency, hormone imbalance, buildup of inflammation, etc. With our team of holistic practitioners, you can take control of your health and together, we will find personalized solutions to help manage your symptoms.
Learn more about our holistic health services and get in touch with us to schedule a consultation.