One in 10 people in the UK are affected by an autoimmune disease.† Here we talk about the most common conditions & share our top tips for living with an autoimmune disease
What is the immune system?
The immune system is the body’s defence against infection and diseases. It’s the most complex system in the body, made up of a collection of tissues, cells and organs.
If you’re ill, your immune system produces antibodies that destroy disease-carrying organisms and attack the cause of the illness.
What is an autoimmune disease?
Sometimes, the immune system can mistakenly damage the body's own healthy cells, tissues and organs like it would attack an infection. This is what's known as an autoimmune disease. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases. They can affect any part of the body, weaken bodily functions and even be life-threatening in some cases, with some people requiring lifelong treatment.
List of autoimmune diseases
Here are some of the most common autoimmune diseases and their symptoms.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system mistakenly killing cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This results in blood sugar becoming too high.
It can cause symptoms such as:
• Feeling very thirsty
• Peeing more than usual, particularly at night
• Feeling very tired
• Losing weight without trying
• Blurred vision
Less than one in 10 people^ in the UK who have diabetes have type 1 diabetes (other common types include type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes). Most will need to take insulin for the rest of their lives, as well as regularly testing their blood sugar levels.
If you think you have type 1 diabetes or you’re concerned you may develop diabetes, speak to your GP as soon as possible.
Find out more about type 1 diabetes on the Diabetes Health Hub.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune condition that causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness, more commonly in the wrists, hands and feet.
This happens when the immune system doesn’t work properly and attacks the cells that line the joints.
If you think you might have rheumatoid arthritis, it’s important to see your GP quickly, as early diagnosis and treatment enables many people to have months or years between flare-ups.
Find more information on the treatment and management of arthritis.
Lupus
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakes the body’s own tissues for foreign invaders. In people with lupus, the immune system creates autoantibodies to attack the body’s tissues.
It can cause symptoms such as:
• Joint and muscle pain
• Extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve
• Rashes that appear across the nose and cheeks
• Inflammation of the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys (in those with more severe lupus)
If you notice any of the above symptoms, speak to your GP. Lupus is better managed if it’s diagnosed and treated early.
Find out more information on the treatment and management of lupus.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord. Although it can cause severe disability, it can sometimes be mild. MS happens when the immune system mistakes myelin (the layer that surrounds and protects the nerves) for a foreign body and attacks it.
This causes symptoms such as problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance, and can slightly shorten the average life expectancy.
If you’re concerned about any symptoms and think you may have MS, speak to your GP.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that’s triggered by a problem with the immune system. It causes flaky and itchy patches of skin which form scales. This happens because too many new skin cells are made and replaced too quickly.
Although psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, it’s most common on the elbows, knees, scalp and back.
If you think you have psoriasis, speak to your GP.
Find more information on treating and living with psoriasis.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata (also known as patchy hair loss) is an autoimmune condition that causes isolated and coin-sized patches of hair loss on the scalp. However, it can occur anywhere on the body including the eyebrows, eyelashes, beard or body hair.
People with alopecia areata lose hair due to inflammation, and while the cause of this inflammation is unknown, it’s thought that cells from the immune system may attack the hair follicle, stopping it from producing more hair.
If you’re concerned about hair loss or think you may have alopecia areata, speak to your GP for advice.
Addison’s disease
Addison’s disease is a rare disorder of the adrenal glands. They’re two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys and are responsible for producing two essential hormones – cortisol and aldosterone.
In Addison’s disease, the immune system attacks the outer layer of the adrenal glands, meaning the production of cortisol and aldosterone is limited.
It can cause symptoms such as:
• Lack of energy or motivation (fatigue)
• Muscle weakness
• Low mood
• Loss of appetite
• Unintentional weight loss
• Increased thirst
Speak to your GP if you’re experiencing the above symptoms or think you have Addison’s disease.
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that’s triggered by the immune system attacking the gut. It’s a lifelong condition that causes inflammation, swelling and ulcers in the digestive system.
Most commonly, Crohn’s disease affects the small bowel and colon but it can also affect other parts of the digestive system including your mouth and bottom.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
• Blood in your poo
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Weight loss
If you’re concerned about any symptoms or think you may have Crohn’s disease, speak to your GP.
Find more information on Crohn’s disease.
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), however, this autoimmune condition causes the colon (large intestine) and rectum (end of the bowel) to become inflamed.
This happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues of the colon, causing symptoms such as:
• Recurring diarrhoea (this may contain blood, mucus or pus)
• Pain in your tummy
• An urge to poo more frequently
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
If you’re concerned about your symptoms or think you may have ulcerative colitis, speak to your GP.
Find more information on ulcerative colitis.
What are the causes of autoimmune diseases?
While it’s not fully understood what causes autoimmune diseases, there is some evidence that suggests some people with certain genes are more likely to develop autoimmune disorders.
However, each condition is different so the causes may vary.
5 tips for living with an autoimmune disease
Living with an autoimmune condition can be challenging, and while symptom severity can vary from person to person and from condition to condition, there are a few tips you may wish to try to help manage them.
Each autoimmune disease is different, which means there may be things that work better for some than others, but you can always speak to your GP for advice on easing your symptoms.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet
It’s recommended that everyone eats a healthy, balanced diet consisting of:
• At least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day
• High fibre, starchy foods such as potatoes and pasta
• Dairy or diary alternatives such as soya
• Beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins
• Unsaturated oils and spreads in small amounts
When it comes to autoimmune diseases, it’s known that inflammation is a key trigger for the onset of some symptoms, so eating foods that have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in antioxidants may be helpful.
A moderate intake of animal products and a low intake of simple carbohydrates, processed foods, saturated fats and alcohol has been associated with an anti-inflammatory state in the body. Particularly, a diet that’s high in:
• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Wholegrains
• Nuts
• Legumes
• Unsaturated fats
• Spices and herbs
There’s also some evidence that the Mediterranean diet, DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet and vegetarian dietary patterns have been described as examples of anti-inflammatory diets.*
You can find more information on nutrition, diet and healthy eating on our Nutrition Page.
Getting enough sleep
When we sleep, our bodies repair and restore themselves, and this time is crucial for autoimmune diseases. During the night, the immune system releases cytokines which are small proteins that help the body fight inflammation and infection. If we don’t get enough rest or have regular sleepless nights, this could result in the immune system not functioning at its best which may have a negative impact on your symptoms.
The NHS recommends adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, however, if you’re having trouble drifting off, consider trying:
• Limiting your caffeine intake, especially after 5pm
• Putting your phone away at least 30 minutes before bed, and try reading a book instead
• Writing down any thoughts and feelings that might keep you awake
• Avoiding spicy meals before bed
Need more advice? Take a look at our top tips for a restful night’s sleep.
Incorporating daily exercise
Doing physical activity is beneficial for everyone, not just those with autoimmune diseases. It can boost mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as help reduce inflammation which is associated with autoimmune diseases.
If you do want to try incorporating some daily exercise into your routine, it’s important to pace yourself to avoid getting injured or making symptoms worse. We’d recommend starting with some gentle exercises like walking, swimming and yoga, if you feel able to.
Not sure where to start? Take a look at our workout inspiration that’s tailored to different abilities.
Make sure to speak to your GP before starting a new exercise routine, if you haven’t exercised for some time or you’re taking any medication or have a medical condition.
Reducing everyday stress levels
While we all get a little stressed from time to time, chronic or long-term stress may aggravate the symptoms associated with some autoimmune diseases.
However, there are things you can do help manage everyday stress which include:
• Trying out some relaxation methods such as yoga
• Taking note of any triggers and avoiding or minimising these if possible
• Avoiding unhealthy habits, such as drinking excess alcohol
• Trying gentle exercise
Take a look at our guide for more practical tips on dealing with stress.
Taking care of your mental health
Living with an autoimmune disease can impact you both physically and psychologically. Coming to terms with your diagnosis, navigating ways to manage symptoms and adapting your lifestyle may sometimes be emotionally challenging. Some people may feel stressed or experience feelings of anxiety or depression, and while everyone is affected differently, it’s important to get the help and support you need so you can learn how best to live with an autoimmune disease.
Depending on the type of autoimmune disease, you can find resources on charity pages or through the NHS. Alternatively, you can find more information and support on our Mental Health Hub.
Remember, what works for some people may not work for others. It’s important to seek advice from your GP or healthcare professional who may be able to put together a treatment plan to help you manage living with an autoimmune disease.
