Chronic fatigue. Brain fog. Unexplained joint pain. These symptoms often get brushed off as signs of aging, stress, or hormonal shifts. However, when such issues persist or escalate, they may point to something far more complex: a chronic autoimmune condition. What makes them even more challenging is that early presentation of signs and symptoms can be vague or disconnected, often leading to years of misdiagnosis, ineffective treatments, and eventually, conditions escalating to an alarming stage.
In this blog, we will explore those seven key autoimmune disease symptomsthat could signal it’s time to consider a functional medicine approach—an effective solution that aims to address the root causes of chronic autoimmune diseases rather than just managing symptoms.
What Are Autoimmune Diseases?
Let us first discuss what autoimmune disease is. They are a class of chronic, often debilitating conditions in which the body’s immune system—ordinarily the guardian against viruses, bacteria, and other harmful invaders—malfunctions and mistakenly targets healthy tissues. This self-directed immune response leads to inflammation, tissue damage, and progressive loss of function in the affected organs or systems.
There are currently over 80-150 recognized autoimmune diseases, each with distinct triggers and symptoms, though many share overlapping clinical features. These can affect nearly every organ system in the body and vary greatly in severity. Some of the most well-known include:
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
- Celiac Disease
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Graves’ Disease
These diseases’ prevalence and presentation vary across ethnic groups, with certain conditions like lupus being more common and severe in African American, Hispanic, and Native American populations.
Diagnosing autoimmune diseases can be particularly challenging. Because their symptoms often mimic other conditions and may fluctuate in severity, patients frequently endure years of unexplained health issues before receiving a correct autoimmune disease diagnosis.
Chronic Symptoms: When to See a Doctor for Autoimmune Disease
1. Persistent Debilitating Exhaustion
Persistent fatigue in autoimmune disease is profound, body-wide tiredness that isn’t relieved by rest, sleep, or even extended periods of inactivity. It goes beyond typical tiredness and often feels like moving through quicksand—every movement feels heavier, and even simple tasks require immense effort. This kind of fatigue is driven by immune system overactivity and chronic inflammation, which can disrupt mitochondrial function (the cell’s energy factories) and flood the body with inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) that interfere with physical stamina and alertness. It can be one of the earliest and most constant symptoms in chronic autoimmune illness.
Commonly Seen In:
- Lupus (SLE)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Sjögren’s Syndrome
2. Cognitive Dysfunction (“Brain Fog”)
Cognitive dysfunction, commonly known as “brain fog,” presents as difficulty concentrating, poor memory, mental fatigue, and even persistent confusion. This isn’t the occasional forgetfulness we all experience—it’s an ongoing haze that can make following conversations, making decisions, or remembering routine tasks feel nearly impossible. Autoimmune-related brain fog is thought to result from chronic inflammation affecting the central nervous system, possibly involving the brain’s microglia (immune cells in the brain) that become overactive. Inflammatory molecules can impair neurotransmitter activity and interfere with the brain’s normal signaling, reducing cognitive sharpness.
Commonly Seen In:
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Lupus (Neuropsychiatric Lupus)
- Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
- All autoimmune diseases in general
3. Progressive Muscle Weakness
Tasks like climbing stairs, lifting groceries, or even raising your arms overhead can become difficult. The weakness is not due to lack of exercise or age—it results from the immune system attacking muscle fibers directly, causing inflammation (myositis), damage, and eventual muscle wasting. Over time, this chronic inflammation impairs the muscles’ ability to function, leading to decreased mobility and endurance.
Commonly Seen In:
- Polymyositis
- Dermatomyositis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Fibromyalgia
4. Neuropathy
Neuropathy refers to nerve damage that causes numbness, tingling, burning, or stabbing pain, often starting in the hands or feet and spreading inward. It can affect sensory nerves (causing tingling and pain), motor nerves (causing weakness), or autonomic nerves (affecting internal organ functions like digestion or heart rate). It’s often chronic and can worsen over time if not managed properly.
Commonly Seen In:
- Lupus
- Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Type 1 Diabetes (Autoimmune Neuropathy)
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome
5. Organ Dysfunction (Long-Term)
Chronic autoimmune activity can lead to progressive organ dysfunction, where vital organs like the kidneys, lungs, heart, or liver become impaired due to ongoing inflammation and tissue damage. The immune system’s relentless assault on healthy tissue may cause scarring (fibrosis), reduced blood flow, or structural damage. Symptoms vary depending on the organ affected: kidney involvement may show as swelling and high blood pressure, lung involvement as breathlessness, and heart involvement as chest pain or fatigue. Organ dysfunction tends to develop gradually and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Commonly Seen In:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Kidneys, Heart, Lungs)
- Autoimmune Hepatitis (Liver)
- Scleroderma (Lungs, Kidneys)
- Autoimmune Myocarditis (Heart)
6. Autoimmune Skin Conditions
This includes rashes, redness, scaling, blisters, discoloration, painful sores, or chronic irritation, such as eczema. These skin issues are often visible signs of deeper systemic inflammation. The severity and appearance of these symptoms can vary widely, but they often flare in response to sun exposure, stress, or illness. Since skin is the body’s largest organ, autoimmune-related skin issues can significantly affect both health and quality of life,
Commonly Seen In:
- Psoriasis
- Lupus (Butterfly Rash)
- Dermatomyositis
- Vitiligo
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
7. Dryness Syndromes (Sjögren’s Syndrome)
Dryness syndromes are hallmarks of certain autoimmune diseases, especially Sjögren’s syndrome, where the immune system targets moisture-producing glands. This leads to dry eyes (gritty, itchy sensation), dry mouth (difficulty swallowing or speaking), and can also cause vaginal dryness, dry skin, or dryness in the nose and throat. The lack of moisture increases the risk of infections, dental decay, and oral discomfort. The damage negatively impacts our quality of life on a daily basis, and symptoms may worsen over time, affecting overall hydration and mucosal protection.
Commonly Seen In:
- Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (secondary Sjögren’s)
- Lupus
- Systemic Sclerosis
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with doctors who specialize in autoimmune disorders for proper diagnosis and optimal care.
Autoimmune Realities: What Science and Stats Reveal
Autoimmune diseases continue to affect millions worldwide, with increasing prevalence and complex causes. Here’s what the latest science and statistics reveal about these conditions:
- About 80% of autoimmune disease cases occur in women, likely due to hormonal influences like estrogen and progesterone affecting immune function.
- Autoimmune conditions are rising at an estimated rate of3–12%annually.
- The prevalence of celiac disease has increased five-fold in the past30 years, doubling roughly every 15 years.
- The number of people with multiple sclerosis worldwide rose by30%between 2013 and 2022.
As these alarming statistics and symptoms continue to rise, it’s becoming frighteningly clear that autoimmune diseases are more prevalent than ever. With the increasing complexity of diagnosing and managing autoimmune diseases, more healthcare professionals are turning to functional medicine for a deeper, more holistic approach.
If you’re a healthcare professional looking to expand your expertise and tackle these complex issues, the Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner/Medical Practitioner Programs by Dr. David Bilstrom could be your next step. Through this program, you’ll:
- Develop the skills to treat chronic and autoimmune diseases from a root-cause perspective
- Create more fulfilling relationships with your patients
- Enhance job satisfaction by providing deeper, more meaningful care
- See improved patient outcomes through a holistic, science-backed approach
Learn more and enroll today by exploring the details of the Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner Programshere.
Wrapping Up
Don’t wait for the situation to escalate—take action now and explore more effective, personalized autoimmune disease treatment options. At Dr. David Bilstrom, we specialize in a holistic approach to autoimmune conditions for both children and adults, offering tailored treatment plans that focus on healing and long-term health. With our expertise in functional medicine, we, your top functional medicine doctor, provide a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized path to recovery, addressing the root causes of your symptoms and empowering you to live a healthier life.
