Understanding Autoimmune Diseases

Your immune system is your body’s built-in defense team. It fights off bacteria, viruses and other threats every day, most of the time without you even noticing. But for millions of people, the immune system gets confused and starts attacking the very body it’s meant to protect. That’s what happens when you have an autoimmune disease, and it’s more common than most people realize. 

At Covenant Health, our clinicians are here to help patients understand what is happening in their bodies and find a path forward. Our teams offer coordinated support and help patients access specialists, education and resources to live well with autoimmune conditions. 

What Is an Autoimmune Disease? 

In a healthy immune system, your body knows the difference between cells that belong to you and outside threats. In autoimmune diseases, that system breaks down. The immune system produces proteins called autoantibodies, and these get confused. Instead of attacking germs, they attack your own healthy cells by mistake. 

The result depends on which part of the body is being attacked: joints, skin, nerves, organs or glands. That’s why autoimmune diseases can look so different from person to person. 

Autoimmune diseases affect an estimated 50 million Americans, according to the National Health Council. Researchers have identified more than 100 different types, and cases are on the rise. In fact, prevalence could increase 43% by 2030, according to Deloitte estimates.  

Women are also disproportionately affected, making up 63% of those diagnosed, according to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Many conditions first appear during childbearing years, though autoimmune diseases can develop at any age. 

Common Autoimmune Conditions 

While there are more than 100 autoimmune diseases, with more being discovered each year, several are especially common. These include: 

• Rheumatoid arthritis: The immune system attacks joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness 

• Type I (Type 1) diabetes: The immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas 

• Lupus: Can affect skin, joints, kidneys, the brain and other organs 

• Psoriasis: Causes the skin to overproduce cells, leading to scaly, inflamed patches 

• Multiple sclerosis: Damages the protective covering of nerve fibers 

• Celiac disease: An immune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine 

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: Attacks the thyroid gland, slowing hormone production 

• Inflammatory bowel disease: Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the two main types, causing the lining of the digestive tract to become chronically inflamed and irritated 

Many of these conditions are chronic and can be disabling without proper treatment. 

Symptoms & Risk Factors 

One of the biggest challenges with autoimmune diseases is that their symptoms often overlap with other conditions, making diagnosis difficult. Common early warning signs include: 

• Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest 

• Joint pain, swelling or stiffness 

• Skin rashes or changes 

• Recurring low-grade fever 

• Swollen glands 

• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet 

• Hair loss 

• Digestive issues 

Some people are also more at risk for developing autoimmune conditions. The most common risk factors include: 

• Family history: Genetics play a role in many autoimmune conditions 

• Gender: Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed 

• Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals, infections or stress may trigger disease 

• Other autoimmune conditions: 34% of those diagnosed with one autoimmune disease are diagnosed with a second 

When should you see a doctor? 

If you’re experiencing multiple symptoms at the same time, especially fatigue combined with joint pain, skin changes or unexplained inflammation, it’s time to talk to your primary care doctor. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. 

Diagnosis & Treatment 

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease takes time. There is no single test that catches all of them. Your doctor may order: 

• Blood tests (including ANA testing, CBC and inflammatory markers) 

• Imaging such as x-rays or MRI 

• Biopsies of affected tissue 

• Specialty referrals to rheumatologists, neurologists or other experts 

Early diagnosis matters. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance of slowing progression and protecting your quality of life. 

Treatment options vary by condition but may include: 

• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) 

• Corticosteroids to reduce flares 

• Disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis 

• Biologic therapies that target specific parts of the immune response 

• Hormone replacement for thyroid-related conditions 

• Dietary changes, particularly for celiac disease and IBD 

Treatment goals are to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, prevent flare-ups and protect organs from long-term damage. 

Prevention & Lifestyle Tips 

While you can’t always prevent an autoimmune disease, you can support your immune system and reduce your risk of flares.  

Research published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases points to several protective strategies: 

• Eat an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats 

• Manage stress through exercise, mindfulness or therapy 

• Get regular sleep, as poor sleep can worsen immune dysfunction 

• Avoid smoking, which is linked to several autoimmune conditions 

• Stay up to date on vaccines, evidence suggests some infections can trigger autoimmune responses 

• Work with your doctor to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment early 

Covenant Health Is Here for You 

Living with an autoimmune disease is challenging, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Covenant Health’s network of experienced physicians and specialists across East Tennessee can help. Our teams are ready to listen, diagnose and partner with you on a treatment plan that fits your life. 

Whether you’re newly experiencing symptoms or managing a condition you’ve had for years, our team brings expertise, compassion and the latest evidence-based care to every appointment. 

Take the next step 

If you’re not already established with a Covenant Health primary care physician, connect with one today to get started.