The identification of autoimmune diseases began in the late 19th century and continued through the early decades of the 20th century. According to the U.S. government, these conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, thinking they are foreign. Autoimmune diseases can affect various parts of the body depending on the specific condition. Common signs and symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, skin issues, and others.
Facts About Autoimmune Diseases You Might Not Know:
• They are more prevalent in women.
• They have a genetic component.
• Although rare, children can also develop them.
• While some cases can be fatal, not all are life-threatening.
• Certain conditions may lead to vision loss.
• Some cause nerve pain.
• Cognitive function can be affected in some instances.
Prevalence of Autoimmune Diseases in the U.S.
Approximately 50 million Americans are affected by the different illness, according to the National Health Council. This number is rapidly increasing, with annual growth rates estimated between 3% and 12%. By comparison, in the UK, around 22 million people are affected, equating to roughly 1 in 10 individuals.
Currently, there are over 80 recognized autoimmune diseases.
The Most Common Autoimmune Diseases in the U.S. Include:
• Lupus: Approximately 1.5 million Americans and 5 million people worldwide are affected by lupus.
• Arthritis: By 2022, 18.9% of Americans had been diagnosed with arthritis.
• Type 1 Diabetes: In 2021, 1.8 million Americans were living with type 1 diabetes.
• Multiple Sclerosis: Nearly 1 million people were diagnosed in 2019.
• Vitiligo: Around 2.8 million individuals were affected in 2020.
Other common conditions include Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), and psoriasis.
Key Points to Note:
• According to the University of Oxford, having one autoimmune disease increases the likelihood of developing another.
• Certain illnesses share overlapping risk factors.
• A 2016 study by Melissa Roberts and Esther Erdei found that African Americans are at a higher risk of developing lupus.
• Although males and females are equally affected by vitiligo, females are more likely to seek medical advice earlier and more frequently due to negative social implications.
• Half of vitiligo cases are diagnosed before the age of 20.
• Many autoimmune diseases, including vitiligo, commonly appear during a person’s twenties or thirties.
• Multiple sclerosis is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50.
Different symtopms from the top 5 illness
| Lupus | Arthritis | Type 1 Diabetes | Multiple Sclerosis | Vitiligo |
| Extreme fatigue | Joint deformity | Persistent thirst | Imbalance | White spots on the skin |
| Joint inflammation | Hot, swollen, sore or stiff joints | Constant urination | Muscle spams | Premature grey hair |
| Anemia | Fever | Not intended weightloss | Coordination problems | People with darker skin tend to have a color loss inside their mouth |
| Blood Clotting problems | Fatigue | Blurred vision | Experimenting trembling in arms and legs | |
| Color change on fingers and hands. Might turn white or purple when cold. | Apetite loss | Dizziness | Leakage of urine or extreme need to urine |
Different treatments that you might follow according to your doctor’s recommentation
| Lupus | Arthritis | Type 1 Diabetes | Multiple Sclerosis | Vitiligo |
| DMARD | NSAIDs | Insulin | Ocrelizumab | Phototherapy |
| NSAIDs | Corticosteroids | Changing diet | Cladribine | Light therapy |
| Corticosteroids | Heat and Cold therapies | Starting to excercise | Alemtuzumab | Depigmentation |
| Immunosupressants | DMARDs | Natalizumab | Surgery: Skin grafting |
Keep in mind that autoimmune diseases often have various forms and presentations. This guide provides a general overview of the most common autoimmune conditions in the U.S., along with a brief mention of symptoms and treatment options. However, it is crucial to consult your doctor for personalized medical advice tailored to your health needs. This information is not intended to serve as a diagnosis.
If you notice unusual symptoms or feel something is wrong, it’s essential to seek medical attention and undergo the necessary tests. Your doctor will help interpret the results and provide the answers you need.
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