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A normal immune system helps to fight off infections by killing foreign bacteria or viruses that get into your body.
In autoimmune diseases, your immune system produces antibodies to attack your own healthy body cells, instead of attacking bacteria or viruses, causing damage to your body organs. There are different types of autoimmune diseases that affect different parts of your body, including:
It's not clear why some people get autoimmune diseases. However, in many cases, those who get autoimmune diseases seem to have a genetic predisposition, which means you have a higher chance of getting the disease if other members of your family also have it.
You also have a greater chance of having a different autoimmune disease if a relative has one, eg, one sibling has type 1 diabetes and another has coeliac disease. You can also have more than one autoimmune condition.
If you have the genes, at some stage environmental factors may then trigger the symptoms.
These factors include:
Autoimmune diseases can affect your eyes, heart, joints, thyroid gland, nerves, pancreas, kidneys, skin, intestines and more. Symptoms depend on the parts of your body that are affected by the disease. For example, if you have coeliac disease, it damages your small intestines and you may have gut symptoms such as diarrhoea (runny poos) or tummy pain.
As well as symptoms that are specific to the autoimmune condition, you may also have general symptoms, such as:
If you experience any of these general symptoms, it's a good idea to see your GP.
Your GP or doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and examine you. Depending on what your doctor thinks is causing your symptoms, they may also order tests to find out the cause. Then your GP will refer you to the appropriate specialist, eg if you have coeliac disease, you will see a gastroenterologist or if you have rheumatoid arthritis you will see a rheumatologist.
Autoimmune disease can't be cured. However, there are treatments available to manage your symptoms and slow down your disease progression by suppressing your immune system. These may be in the form of tablets or injections.
Treatment will depend on the condition you have. However, generally, lifestyle changes can also help, such as:
Talk to your doctor to find out the best treatment options for you.
Autoimmune NZ(external link)(external link) provides support and resources for those who are affected by autoimmune diseases. Email info@autoimmune.org.nz or phone 021 244 4544.
The following links provide further information about autoimmune diseases. Be aware that websites from other countries may have information that differs from New Zealand recommendations.
Overview of autoimmune diseases(external link)(external link) Health Direct, Australia
Autoimmune diseases(external link)(external link) Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Australia
Autoimmune diseases(external link)(external link) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US
Autoimmunity(external link)(external link) Oxford University Hospitals, NHS, UK
See our page Long-term conditions for healthcare providers
Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
Reviewed by: Dr Helen Kenealy, geriatrician and general physician, Counties Manukau DHB
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