Are you experiencing unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, or digestive issues?
It could be symptoms of an autoimmune disorder.
Autoimmune diseases occur when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. There are over 80 known autoimmune diseases, so identifying the specific disease can be challenging.
Forum Health’s root-cause approach to functional healthcare can help identify the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan with our Autoimmunity Program.
What Are the Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease?
Fatigue
Persistent and unexplained tiredness is a common symptom across many autoimmune diseases.
Joint pain
Many autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can cause inflammation in the joints, leading to pain and swelling.
Muscle pain
Autoimmune diseases may cause inflammation in the muscles, resulting in pain and weakness.
Fever
A recurring or persistent fever may be a symptom of certain autoimmune diseases.
Skin problems
Rashes, redness, and changes in skin texture can occur in autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, dermatomyositis, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Digestive issues
Some autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, can affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
Swollen glands
Enlarged lymph nodes may be a sign of an autoimmune response.
Hair Loss
Conditions like alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles, can lead to hair loss.
Neurological issues
Autoimmune diseases can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Organ-specific symptoms
Depending on the specific autoimmune disease, there may be symptoms related to the affected organs.
It’s important to note that autoimmune disease symptoms vary depending on the type of disease and which organs have been affected.
What's the key to an accurate diagnosis? Advanced testing.
Our Autoimmunity Program utilizes advanced testing to delve into the intricacies of your immune system, understanding its unique dance and missteps.
As we navigate the unpredictable terrain of your autoimmune disorder, these tests act as our compass. They monitor the ebb and flow of your condition, guiding our adjustments to your care.
We also start with a set of basic tests that help us understand the main causes of health issues. These tests look at:
- Allergies and immune system health
- Nutrient levels
- Body’s detox process
- Inflammation
- Stress-related hormones
- Blood sugar and insulin levels
- Cholesterol
Forum Health’s Personalized Treatment Options
Your body is unique, and so should be your treatment plan. Our expert physicians will craft a personalized treatment plan. This tailored approach may include:
IV Therapy
Delivers essential nutrients into the bloodstream, critical to restoring proper immune function. It can help patients and improve fatigue, energy levels and overall immunity.
Low-Dose Immunotherapy
It helps to decrease an overactive immune system, reducing inflammation and supporting proper function of your immune system.
Nutraceutical Supplements
Professional-grade dietary supplements can help address autoimmune symptoms, boost immunity and act as a preventative tool for your condition.
Toxin Elimination
Professional-grade dietary supplements can help address autoimmune symptoms, boost immunity and act as a preventative tool for your condition.
Nutrition
We can help you find which foods inflame your autoimmune disorder which can improve your symptoms naturally and effectively.
What makes us different. Better.
Join our Autoimmunity Program today!
Forum Health can help you on your journey towards well-being.
Autoimmune Disease FAQ
The cause of autoimmune diseases is not fully understood, but genetics and environmental factors may play a role. The immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
Autoimmune diseases can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as genetics, environmental exposure to toxins or infectious agents, stress, diet and lifestyle. In some cases, the exact cause is unknown. At Forum Health, our providers work with you to find the underlying factor causing your autoimmune disorder and determine the best course of treatment.
Autoimmune diseases can occur at any age. However, some autoimmune diseases are more commonly diagnosed in certain age groups. For example, type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in children and young adults, while rheumatoid arthritis is more commonly diagnosed in middle-aged individuals. The age of onset can also vary depending on the specific autoimmune disease and individual factors such as genetics and environmental factors.
Yes. Visit the the Autoimmune Association website for a list of autoimmune diseases.
No, fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that does not qualify as an autoimmune disorder because it technically does not directly cause inflammation. However, this is debated in scientific and medical communities, and many doctors believe there may be evidence that fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is an autoimmune disorder. For more information, see this article from the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
No, excema is not considered an autoimmune disease, even though the immune system may be involved.
Yes, according to the CDC, Psoriasis is an autoiummune disease.
Autoimmune encephalitis is a type of autoimmune disorder that affects the brain, causing inflammation and damage. Autoimmune encephalitis symptoms may include cognitive problems, memory loss, seizures, hallucinations, and behavioral changes. Autoimmune encephalitis can be challenging to diagnose, and symptoms may initially be mistaken for other conditions such as viral encephalitis or psychiatric disorders.
Autoimmune hepatitis is an autoimmune disease that affects the liver, causing inflammation and damage to liver cells. Autoimmune hepatitis symptoms may include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, itchy skin, and joint pain. If left untreated, autoimmune hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.
While autoimmune disorders share common symptoms, they can affect different parts of the body and have varying symptoms. For example, autoimmune encephalitis specifically affects the brain, and autoimmune hepatitis specifically affects the liver.
