What is Autoimmune Disease?

Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system, which normally protects the body by attacking foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses, mistakenly identifies the body's own healthy tissue as a threat and launches a sustained attack against it. This misdirected immune response can target a single organ, as seen in type 1 diabetes affecting the pancreas, or multiple organ systems simultaneously, as seen in systemic lupus erythematosus. There are more than eighty recognized autoimmune diseases, and they tend to be chronic conditions marked by periods of flares and remission rather than a single acute illness. Diagnosis often relies on a combination of clinical features and specialized blood tests that detect autoantibodies, the abnormal antibodies produced against the body's own tissue.

What are the main symptoms of Autoimmune Disease?

The most common symptoms include: persistent fatigue; joint pain and swelling; low-grade fever; skin rashes. Early recognition is key to prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.

Is Autoimmune Disease contagious?

No, Autoimmune Disease is not contagious. It cannot spread through casual contact. However, certain risk factors and genetic predispositions may increase susceptibility.

How is Autoimmune Disease treated?

Treatment options include: Treatment focuses on suppressing or modulating the overactive immune response using medications such as corticosteroids for short-term flare control and disease-modifying agents or biologic therapies for long-term management; chosen based on the specific disease and organs involved. Anti-inflammatory medications help manage pain and swelling during flares; and lifestyle measures such as stress management. Treatment should always be guided by a qualified Pathology & Laboratory Medicine specialist. Do not self-medicate.

Can Autoimmune Disease be prevented?

While Autoimmune Disease cannot always be fully prevented, several measures can reduce risk: no proven way to prevent autoimmune disease from developing given its genetic basis; early recognition and treatment of symptoms to minimize organ damage; managing stress levels.

When should I see a doctor for Autoimmune Disease?

Consult a Pathology & Laboratory Medicine specialist if symptoms persist for more than a few days, worsen despite home care, or significantly affect your daily activities. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.

All Diseases/Autoimmune Disease

🛡️

General & SystemicModerate

Autoimmune Disease

Pathology & Laboratory Medicine · General & Systemic

Moderate

Severity

Common collectively — autoimmune diseases as a group affect an estimated 5-8% of the population, more often women

Prevalence

Contagious

Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Specialist

Find a Specialist View Hospitals

Back to Autoimmune Disease's full page

🤒Common Symptoms

persistent fatiguejoint pain and swellinglow-grade feverskin rashesmuscle acheshair lossdry eyes or mouthdigestive upset or nerve-related numbness depending on the organ system involved

More About Autoimmune Disease

About the Autoimmune Disease Warning Signs of Autoimmune Disease Causes & Risk Factors of Autoimmune Disease How Doctors Diagnose Autoimmune Disease Treatment Options for Autoimmune Disease Autoimmune Disease Prevention Autoimmune Disease Progression Autoimmune Disease Treatment Cost Frequently Asked Questions About Autoimmune Disease Ask a Question About Autoimmune Disease Conditions Related to Autoimmune Disease

Why Lab Dekho?

✅500+ verified specialists
🏥200+ partner hospitals across India
💰Best price guarantee on all services
🔒Insurance & cashless assistance
📞24/7 medical helpline support

Book a Specialist Consultation

Talk to a Pathology & Laboratory Medicine expert today

Find Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Doctors Browse Hospitals Book Lab Tests

Quick Cost Estimate

Consultation₹300 – ₹5,000

Diagnostics₹500 – ₹25,000

Hospitalisation₹5K – ₹1 lakh

Get a Treatment Plan

Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Specialists Available

Consult online · Avg wait 15 min

Autoimmune Disease in Top Cities

Autoimmune Disease in New Delhi Autoimmune Disease in Mumbai Autoimmune Disease in Bengaluru Autoimmune Disease in Pune Autoimmune Disease in Hyderabad Autoimmune Disease in Chennai Autoimmune Disease in Kolkata Autoimmune Disease in Gurugram Autoimmune Disease in Noida Autoimmune Disease in Ahmedabad Autoimmune Disease in Jaipur Autoimmune Disease in Lucknow Autoimmune Disease in Chandigarh Autoimmune Disease in Indore