Author: Nr. Chika Jones RN, RM, RPHN, BNSC

Reviewed by Dr Azuka Chinweokwu Ezeike, MBBS, FWACS, FMCOG, MSc (PH)

What Are Autoimmune Diseases?

Highlights 

• There are over 100 types of autoimmune diseases that affect people.
• Autoimmune diseases attack the body's cells instead of foreign threats.
• Women are more affected by autoimmune diseases than men.
• There is no clear cause of autoimmune diseases, but several factors can place one at risk.

Introduction 

The body is made of eleven organ systems whose primary function is to maintain the body's health. One organ system, however, is responsible for protecting the body from harm. This organ system is the immune system. It achieves this by producing a specialised protein called antibodies. 

Antibodies are fighter cells that identify and neutralise bacteria, viruses, and even tumours in the body. The primary responsibility of the immune system is protection; however, even the best defence system can malfunction.

The immune system may malfunction in two ways: 

• Immunosuppression: The immune system is weak in fighting against threats in the body. This happens due to disease,  genetics, age, gender, medications, lifestyle factors, etc.
• Overstimulated immune system: The immune system doesn't fight against foreign threats. Rather, it attacks ‌healthy cells in your own body. It sees the body as a threat. One cause of overstimulated immune systems is autoimmune diseases

Let us discuss autoimmune diseases, types,  causes and symptoms.

What are Autoimmune Diseases? 

Normally,  the immune system can differentiate between foreign threats and its body cells. But with autoimmune diseases, this ability becomes altered, and the body starts attacking itself.

Autoimmune diseases develop when the antibodies produced by the body mistakenly attack the healthy cells and tissues in the body instead of foreign threats. They can attack a specific cell or tissue or affect every cell in the body.

There are two major groups of autoimmune diseases:

• Organ-specific autoimmune diseases: The immune system targets specific organs, like the lungs or kidneys. Examples of organ-specific diseases are 
• Psoriasis
• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Myasthenia gravis

• Systemic Autoimmune Diseases: The immune system attacks every cell in the body. The most common systemic autoimmune diseases are 
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
•  Sjögren's syndrome.

Now, we have an understanding of autoimmune diseases and the groups. We can discuss the common examples of autoimmune diseases.

Common Examples of Autoimmune Diseases 

Studies show that there are over 100 types of autoimmune diseases [1]. We would discuss the most common examples of autoimmune diseases, which are:

• Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (DM)
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Graves disease 
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis 
• Systemic lupus erythematosus 

• Type 1 DM

The pancreas is an organ in the body that produces a hormone called insulin. Insulin regulates the blood sugar level (glucose) by allowing glucose to enter the body cells. Without insulin, the blood glucose level remains high and there is no way to give energy to cells. Uncontrollable blood glucose level causes significant harm to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, etc. In type 1 DM, the immune system attacks the cells of the pancreas, causing insulin deficiency [2].

• Multiple Sclerosis 

Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is a common disorder of the nerves that could lead to severe physical or cognitive disability [3].

The central nervous system's (CNS) responsibility is to receive, process, and interpret information from the body and the environment. It sends out signals to control bodily functions like breathing, walking, running, etc. The CNS can carry out its function thanks to the nerves. The nerves carry our impulses from the body and the environment.

Multiple sclerosis attacks the myelin sheath (an insulating substance that covers the nerves to make impulses travel faster).  So this interferes with communication between the body and the brain.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Rheumatoid arthritis affects the musculoskeletal system (bones and muscles). The musculoskeletal system protects your organs from trauma and supports your body for movement.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the joint lining, particularly in the hands, feet, and wrists. It could affect both hands, feet, and wrists and cause swelling, joint pain, stiffness, and soreness [4].

• Graves’ Disease 

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that stimulates the thyroid gland(an organ located around your neck) to produce more thyroid hormone. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism (overproduction of the thyroid hormone) and also affects other organs like the eyes and skin [5]. Graves’ disease is also known as Basedow’s disease.

• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis 

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis  is also known as chronic autoimmune thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. The immune system attacks and causes harm to the thyroid. This causes low production of thyroid hormone. It is the leading cause of hypothyroidism (underproduction of thyroid hormone).

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus 

Systemic lupus erythematosus, often called lupus, affects any part of the body, including the skin. The disease targets multiple organs. It attacks the nervous system (brain and spinal cord) causing seizures and cognitive decline. Kidney and heart function could be affected. Lupus is often associated with increased risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis.  It could be severe and lead to complications.

Who is Affected by Autoimmune Diseases?

Research shows that autoimmune diseases affect more women than men. Elderly people and children could be affected.

Autoimmune Diseases Symptoms 

The symptoms tend to recur from time to time and are called flares or attacks. Inflammation is a common manifestation. Signs of inflammation are:

• Pain
• Swelling 
• Skin Redness
• Body Heat (fever)

Autoimmune disease can affect one or many organs. This could cause different symptoms, but a constant symptom is inflammation.

Causes of Autoimmune Diseases

Studies show there is no exact cause of autoimmune diseases. However, some factors could contribute to it.  They include: 

• Genetics 

Inherited genes from your parents or family can increase your risk of developing autoimmune diseases. It may be dormant, or something could trigger it to develop.

• Environmental Factors 

Nutrition, environment and stress could trigger it. You could have autoimmune diseases, but may not show any signs.  These triggers can range from infections, food, microbes, stress and toxins [6].

Environmental pollutants like cigarette smoke, industrial chemicals, and heavy metals may trigger autoimmune diseases by promoting inflammation [7].

• Infections 

Viral or bacterial infections can trigger autoimmune diseases. Evidence suggests that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been linked to an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis. 

• Lifestyle Factors 

Some lifestyle habits can put you at risk for developing autoimmune diseases. Studies have shown that smoking increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and thyroid autoimmunity (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves' disease).

• Hormonal Imbalances

Findings reveal that sex hormones oestrogen and testosterone can affect the prevalence and severity of autoimmune diseases. This is because the hormones can bind to the receptors, affecting their activity. The hormones can amplify or inhibit the immune response, affecting the immune response.

This tends to show a gender bias. Research shows that approximately 80% of patients diagnosed with autoimmune diseases are women. This could arise as women undergo tremendous hormonal changes in their bodies during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases

Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases is carried out by history, examination and doing some tests.:

• History taking: Your Doctor will ask you some questions about your symptoms
• Examination: After that, the doctor will check your body to determine how your organs and systems are functioning.
• Blood tests are carried out to check for specific chemicals seen mostly in autoimmune diseases. These markers are signs that the immune system has damaged the body.

These blood tests include: 

• Antinuclear Antibody Test: This blood test is done to screen the body for antinuclear antibodies. Antinuclear antibodies produce antibodies that attack your own body. If the test is positive, further investigations are carried out to determine the particular antibodies. This test is mainly carried out for people who are suspected to have systemic lupus erythematosus or Rheumatoid Arthritis.
• C-reactive Protein Test: C-reactive protein is produced by the liver. The protein rises when there's inflammation in your body. This test is carried out when your doctor suspects systemic lupus erythematosus or Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Test: It indirectly measures inflammation in the body. Erythrocytes are also known as red blood cells. It measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of the test tube. Inflammation causes red blood cells to come together. This makes it heavier and settles faster.
• Complete blood count: It evaluates the blood cells (red and white blood cells).  Complete blood count determines if there are signs of infections, anaemia, etc.
• Rheumatoid Factors: Rheumatoid factors are proteins produced when the immune system attacks healthy tissues. It is common in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. It is not limited only to patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid factors can also be seen in individuals without autoimmune diseases  [8].

• Imaging studies like X-rays, Computed Tomography,  Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and ultrasound also assist in making the diagnosis.

Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune Disease is a long-lasting condition, and there is no exact cure for it.  Management and treatment of autoimmune diseases focuses on suppressing immune response, controlling inflammation, and relieving symptoms. 

The treatment plan is tailored individually based on symptoms and test results. 

These include:

• Immunosuppressive therapies: The aim is to reduce the immune response responsible for attacking the body. They are commonly used to reduce flare-ups and Inflammatory symptoms. However, findings showed that immunosuppressive drugs used for an extended period can suppress immunity and place one at risk for tumours and infections. An example of immunosuppressive drugs is Tumour-Necrosis Factor (TNF). The action of this drug is to reduce inflammation in Rheumatoid arthritis and Inflammatory bowel disease.
• Disease-modifying therapies: This is given to slow the disease progression by reducing the Immune response.  Methotrexate is an example of disease-modifying therapies. It's used for Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Plasmapheresis: A treatment process carried out by a health care provider to remove and replace the plasma in your blood. It is also known as therapeutic plasma exchange. The aim is to clean the immune complex (formed when antibodies bind to an antigen, and excess may cause autoimmune diseases) from the body [9].

Living with Autoimmune Diseases

The fact that Autoimmune diseases are a long-lasting condition with no cure makes it difficult. But still, there are ways you can live your life.  These include:

• Rest and stress management 
• Nutrition 
• Being knowledgeable about your diseases and things that can worsen your flare-ups.
• Paying a visit to your healthcare provider for any issues. 
• Regularly taking medications.
• Joining support groups

Conclusion 

Autoimmune diseases are long-term conditions where the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells, causing pain, swelling, and other symptoms. They can affect one or many organs and often lead to flare-ups.

While there’s no cure, early diagnosis, healthy lifestyle choices, and medical treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Raising awareness, especially among women and the general populace can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes.

References

1.Richard-Eaglin A, Smallheer BA. Immunosuppressive/Autoimmune Disorders. Nursing Clinics of North America. 2018 Sep;53(3):319–34. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0029646518300409 

2.Lucier J, Weinstock RS. Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507713/ 

‌3. Ghasemi N, Razavi S, Nikzad E. Multiple sclerosis: Pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnoses and cell-based therapy. Cell Journal [Internet]. 2017 Dec 21;19(1):1–10. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5241505/ ‌

4. Soni C, Chudasama K. An overview of Autoimmune diseases [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378144262_An_overview_of_Autoimmune_diseases 

‌‌5. Pokhrel B, Bhusal K. Graves disease [Internet]. National Library of Medicine. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448195/ 

‌6. De Luca F, Shoenfeld Y. The microbiome in autoimmune diseases. Clinical & Experimental Immunology. 2018 Dec 19;195(1):74–85. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6300652/ 

‌7. None Balid Albarbar. A Review on Autoimmune Diseases: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives. AlQalam Journal of Medical and Applied Sciences [Internet]. 2024 Aug 4 [cited 2024 Dec 20];718–29. Available from: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-Review-on-Autoimmune-Diseases%3A-Recent-Advances-Albarbar/4b9e993755a32594abd40cda93ab2626b19a0112 

‌8.Tiwari V, Jandu JS, Bergman MJ. Rheumatoid Factor [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532898/ 

‌9.Koppala SN, Guruprasad V. Overview of Autoimmunity: Classification, Disease Mechanisms, and Etiology. Turkish Journal of Immunology [Internet]. 2023;11(3):93–105. Available from: https://www.turkishimmunology.org/jvi.aspx?un=TJI-13008&volume=11&issue=3 ‌

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Published July 29, 2025