Autoimmune disorders are known for certain symptoms that seem to be common among the entire category of illness. Symptoms like swelling, pain in hands and feet, numbness in hands and feet, hair loss, and fatigue, are all hallmarks of autoimmune disorders.
One thing to note however, is that irritable bowel disorders, like Crohn’s or Celiac, will have symptoms that are more associated with your digestive tract. Other disorders, like Rheumatoid Arthritis are more likely to be centered in the joints of the hands, neck, and feet. The important thing here is to take note of which areas are being affected so you can pinpoint which specific autoimmune disease(s) you may have.
Here is list of common symptoms to be on the lookout for:
- Constipation
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Digestion issues / pain / reflux
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia
- Joint pain
- Mood swings
- Muscle soreness / fatigue
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Nervousness / anxiety
- Numbness
- Skin rashes and disorders
- Tingling
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
One of the most frustrating things that people with autoimmune disorders will experience: many of these diseases have times when it seems as if they don’t have a specific disorder attached to them at all. You may notice that a flare-up is directly triggered by external factors or even feel like they have no triggers at all.
This is the reason we suggest using a symptom journal, even on days when you are feeling just fine. This way you can look back and review what may be triggering flare-ups, pinpoint it, and correct it. Check out this one on Amazon! https://amzn.to/3s1dFxH
What About Remission of Symptoms?
When symptoms are not present, these periods of time are known as remission. This can be very psychologically jarring for a person who is suffering from this type of disorder because they are constantly waiting for another flare-up.
That can be a major hindrance to social interactions that keep such as individual connected friends and loved ones. Journaling again comes into play here, where you may be able to plan your activities around the times where you notice a pattern of feeling your best.
Many people with autoimmunity who have used the Paleo AIP to pinpoint their food triggers, reduce inflammation, and recover from leaky gut report improved quality of life!
Be Detailed in Your Journal
You won’t want to ignore the small details when recording your Common Signs and Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease. Leaving out any tidbit of crucial information can lead to a misdiagnosis or to a medical professional (unfortunately) dismissing your very valid complaints. The difficult nature of these diseases make it absolutely necessary to include every detail, and any other information that could have a serious impact on a diagnosis.
Here are some of the most important details to include in your symptoms journal:
- Suspected and/or diagnosed disorders
- Current symptoms
- Lab results (serumlabs, at-home test kits, imaging, etc)
- Dietary restrictions
- Daily food intake
- Any reactions to the foods
- Sleep schedule and quality
- Types of workouts you do, and how you feel after exercise
- Part of your body experiencing discomfort, and when it flares up
- Which medications/supplements you are taking, brand, and dosage
- Responses to /reactions to medications or supplements
- Any protocols you have attempted to mitigate symptoms
Do You Have Any of These Common Signs and Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease?
If you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to help you piece it altogether, we are here for you in a multitude of ways. We would love to help you troubleshoot your lingering symptoms and get you on the path to recovery.