Recognizing Subtle Symptoms and Myths of Autoimmune Diseases

When you feel occasional fatigue or digestive discomfort, you might dismiss it. However, these may be signs of something more significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues, causing inflammation and damage.

Dr. Cory Rice, a specialist in adult diseases, emphasizes that symptoms of autoimmune diseases can go unnoticed for extended periods. “Symptoms can appear intermittently or persistently,” he explained to Newsweek.

Prevalence in the U.S.

In May 2025, researchers at the Mayo Clinic estimated that about 15 million Americans have one or more of 105 autoimmune diseases. Common ones include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, Graves’ disease, and autoimmune thyroiditis.

Recognizing Early Signs

From persistent low energy to unexplained aches, early signs may suggest an autoimmune condition. Dr. Rice lists common symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Joint pain
• Unexplained rashes or hives
• Dry eyes and dry mouth
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Mouth ulcers
• Increased sensitivity to cold

He notes that fatigue in autoimmune diseases is often profound and debilitating, leading patients to seek solutions like caffeine, hormones, or injections without success.

Challenges in Diagnosis

Autoimmune diseases are difficult to diagnose due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions. “It depends on the disease process and severity,” Rice stated. Many physicians may not screen for autoimmune diseases early, leading to referrals to specialists after significant progression.

Early diagnosis is crucial for better outcomes.

Dispelling Common Myths

Misconceptions about autoimmune diseases persist despite increased awareness. “Thinking autoimmune disease is rare is a common myth,” Rice asserts.

Dr. Gregg Silverman from NYU Grossman School of Medicine addresses the belief that traumatic events trigger autoimmune diseases. Some attribute the onset to events like accidents. “While possible, it is generally not how the diseases start,” Silverman noted.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While the above symptoms can be concerning, they do not necessarily indicate an autoimmune disease. Factors like fatigue or joint pain can arise from many sources. Persistent or worsening symptoms warrant medical attention.

Being occasionally tired doesn’t imply a disease, but ignoring persistent symptoms could delay necessary care.