Autoimmune Disorders - Symptoms



Each type of autoimmune disorder has its characteristic symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus: Fever, chills, fatigue, weight loss, skin rashes, patchy hair loss, sores in the mouth or nose, problems with the digestive system, vision problems and, in women, irregular periods. Lupus can also affect the central nervous system, causing seizures, depression, and mental disorders.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: Mild fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, and, most important, pain in the joints. In advanced stages, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to deformities of the body.
  • Goodpasture's syndrome: Fatigue and paleness. Bleeding may occur in the lungs or the urinary system.
  • Grave's disease: An enlarged thyroid gland, weight loss, sweating, irregular heart beat, nervousness, and an inability to tolerate heat.
  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis: Generally no symptoms.
  • Pemphigus vulgaris: Blisters and deep, open sores on the skin.
  • Myasthenia gravis: General muscle weakness that may develop into paralysis. Chewing, swallowing, and breathing may be difficult.
  • Scleroderma: Pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. The skin takes on a tight, shiny appearance. Digestive problems may develop, leading to weight loss, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, and swelling of the abdomen.
  • Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: Fatigue and tenderness in the abdomen.
  • Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura: Tiny, red dots on the skin, unexplained bruises, bleeding from the nose and gums, and blood in the stool.

  • Pernicious anemia: General weakness, sore tongue, bleeding gums, and tingling in the arms and legs. A deficiency of vitamin B 12 can also cause a number of nervous disorders, including weakness, lack of coordination, blurred vision, loss of the sense of taste, ringing in the ears, and loss of bladder control.
  • Sjögren's syndrome: Excessive dryness of the mouth and eyes.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis: Lower back pain that usually moves up the spine.
  • Vasculitis: Symptoms range widely depending on the part of the body affected.
  • Type I diabetes mellitus: Fatigue and an abnormally high level of sugar in the blood.

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