When do you need to be evaluated?

Every autoimmune disease is unique. Every patient is unique and has a unique presentation. However, there are also some common symptoms that we see in patients with autoimmune diseases. 

If you are experiencing any of these signs come to be evaluated….

1. Fatigue – very common for patients with autoimmune disease to complain about being exhausted. Fatigue can have many causes, but inflammation is notorious for causing exhaustion or tiredness. Other common causes could be anemia induced by inflammation, thyroid disease, vitamin D deficiency or vitamin B 12 deficiency.Low grade fever – very common in patients with lupus or rheumatoid. Sometimes patients see they have variations in their temperature. It is important that you see a physician to rule out an infection if you have ongoing fevers.
2. Low grade fever – very common in patients with lupus or rheumatoid. Sometimes patients see they have variations in their temperature. It is important that you see a physician to rule out an infection if you have ongoing fevers.
3. Muscle aches– very common also, sometimes are diffuse and sometimes are more localized. For example in people with inflammatory disease of their muscles, that we call polymyositis, the muscle aches are more on the upper part of the arms or thighs. In another disease called polymyalgia rheumatica, the muscle aches are also localized in the shoulders and thighs area.
4. Swelling of the joints-people with rheumatoid arthritis   or lupus will very commonly have the small joints affected like their hands or feet in a symmetric pattern. In other diseases, let’s say Psoriatic arthritis, one joint like the knee can be involved. PSA can also affect small joints.
5. Brain fog– yes, this is true, brain fog is a common complaint in patients with autoimmune disease.people with lupus can have their brain affected by the disease. Also, in patients with fibromyalgia this is a common complaint.
6. Hair loss – hair loss can be diffuse or in patches. It may happen in many patients with lupus and could be a sign of autoimmunity. Patients with autoimmune thyroiditis can also present with hair loss.
7. Skin rashes – patients with psoriasis have skin rashes on their elbows, knees, scalp or in the genital area. However patients with dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and muscles at the same time can have rashes on the hands, elbows, the face or on the chest. Patients with lupus can present with the classic sign of malar rash which is a rash disposed like a butterfly on the nose and their cheeks.

If you have these laboratory changes, then you also need to be evaluated 

1. Positive ANA test
2. Positive ANCA Antibodies
3. Positive Rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies
4. Elevated markers of inflammation (ESR, C-Reactive protein)
5. Other tests that your PCP are recommending (e.g. APL antibodies, dsDNA antibodies)