Understanding Autoimmune Conditions and Management

Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis.

Autoimmune Conditions FAQ

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What are autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which your immune system mistakenly damages healthy cells in your body. Types include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and some thyroid conditions. Your immune system usually protects you from diseases and infections. When it senses these pathogens, it creates specific cells to target foreign cells.

What are the symptoms of autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune diseases can affect many types of tissues and nearly any organ in your body. They may cause a variety of symptoms including pain, tiredness (fatigue), rashes, nausea, headaches, dizziness and more. Specific symptoms depend on the exact disease. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

How many autoimmune diseases are there?

There are over 100 known autoimmune diseases. Common ones include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Autoimmune diseases can affect many types of tissues and nearly any organ in your body. They may cause a variety of symptoms including pain, tiredness (fatigue), rashes, nausea, headaches, dizziness and more.

Do autoimmune diseases come and go?

With some autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), symptoms may come and go. A period of symptoms is called a flare up. A period when the symptoms go away is called remission. Individual autoimmune diseases can also have their own unique symptoms depending on the body systems affected.