Autoimmune Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Autoimmune Diseases?
It depends on the disease. A rheumatologist treats arthritis and rheumatic diseases such as lupus. An endocrinologist treats gland problems such as thyroid disease and diabetes. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are autoimmune diseases?
An autoimmune disease happens when the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue by mistake. The immune system normally defends the body against germs. There are more than 80 autoimmune diseases. Overall, they are common and affect more than 23.5 million Americans.
Some diseases attack one organ. Hashimoto thyroiditis affects the thyroid, a gland in the neck. Others affect the whole body. Lupus can damage multiple areas of the body, and rheumatoid arthritis damages joint tissue. A person may have more than one autoimmune disease at the same time.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the disease and the body part affected. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue, meaning deep tiredness.
- Fever.
- A general ill feeling.
- Joint pain.
- Rash.
Symptoms often come and go. When symptoms ease for a while, it is called remission. A flare is a sudden and severe return of symptoms.
Causes and who gets it
The exact cause is unknown. One theory is that bacteria, viruses, or medicines trigger changes that confuse the immune system. This may happen more often in people whose genes make them prone to these diseases.
Certain people are at greater risk:
- Women. More women than men have autoimmune diseases, which often start during the childbearing years.
- People with a family history. Some of these diseases run in families, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis. Inheriting certain genes makes disease more likely, but a mix of genes and other factors usually starts it.
- People exposed to certain things in the environment. Sunlight, chemicals called solvents, and infections are linked to many autoimmune diseases.
How doctors diagnose it
Getting a diagnosis can be a long process. Many of these diseases share symptoms. Those symptoms can also come from other health problems. Your provider will do a physical exam and order tests. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests and other autoantibody tests may be done. A complete blood count, a C-reactive protein (CRP) test, and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test are other tests that may be done. A urinalysis checks the urine.
Write down your family health history and all your symptoms, even ones that seem unrelated. This can help your doctor find the cause.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the disease and your symptoms. The goals are to control the immune attack, reduce symptoms, and keep the body working. Many people take medicines that calm the immune response. Examples include corticosteroids such as prednisone and other immunosuppressive medicines. Targeted medicines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers can be used for some diseases.
Some diseases need a replacement for a substance the body can no longer make. Examples are insulin for diabetes and thyroid hormone. Physical therapy can help with movement when joints or muscles are affected.
Most autoimmune diseases are chronic, meaning long lasting. But many can be controlled with treatment. Medicines that suppress the immune system can cause side effects, such as a higher risk of infections.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of an autoimmune disease, such as lasting fatigue, fever, joint pain, or a rash. Many symptoms overlap with other illnesses, so it is important to find the cause. If you suspect a flare is coming, call your doctor. Do not try a "cure" you heard about from a friend or relative. Call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, sudden weakness or trouble speaking, confusion, or bleeding that will not stop.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can start the evaluation, order first tests, and refer you to the right specialist. They can also coordinate care among specialists and follow your health over time.
Common questions
Can autoimmune diseases be cured?
Most do not go away. But many can be controlled with treatment, and symptoms can ease into remission. Seeing a doctor who specializes in your disease helps. Following the treatment plan and a healthy lifestyle help too.
Why do women get them more often?
More women than men have autoimmune diseases. They often start during the childbearing years.
Do autoimmune diseases run in families?
Some do, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis. It is also common for different diseases to affect different members of one family. Inheriting certain genes raises the chance of disease.
What can I do to feel better day to day?
Eat healthy, well-balanced meals and get regular physical activity, but do not overdo it. Get enough rest and find ways to reduce stress. Stress can trigger flares in some diseases. Talk with your doctor about what activities are safe for you.
Sources
- Office on Women's Health - Autoimmune diseases
- MedlinePlus - Autoimmune diseases
- NIH MedlinePlus Magazine - 5 common autoimmune diseases
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
