Most common autoimmune disorders

Lupus: In lupus, antibodies made by the immune system attack the body, resulting in swelling and damaged joints and organs, joint pain, rashes, and sun sensitivity. Lupus treatments vary depending on how severe your disease is, but can include pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, and lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, avoiding sun exposure, using sunscreen, and making changes to your diet.

Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. It occurs when the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. When your insulin levels are insufficient, your body cannot control your glucose level, which can lead to a number of problems, including kidney failure, vision loss, circulation problems, stroke, and heart disease. Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes taking insulin, monitoring blood sugar, eating a healthy diet, and staying active.

Multiple sclerosis: Symptoms of MS include weakness, trouble with balance and coordination, problems speaking and walking, paralysis, tremors, and numbness in the extremities. There are a number of medications that can help patients manage symptoms, treat flare-ups, modify the course of the MS, and improve function.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis: This is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that results in hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's thyroiditis occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Although there are sometimes no symptoms, Hashimoto's thyroiditis often results in a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may be visible as a bulge in the neck), fatigue, weight gain, depression, muscle weakness, cold sensitivity, dry hair and skin, and constipation.

Graves' disease: Graves’ disease is a type of autoimmunity in which the thyroid gland becomes overly active. People who have Graves' disease may have trouble sleeping, irritability, unexplained weight loss, eyes that bulge, sensitivity to heat, muscle weakness, brittle hair, light menstrual periods, and hand shakiness.