There are over 100 known types of autoimmune diseases, affecting one out of ten individuals, according to the University of Oxford; however, not many actually know what an autoimmune disease is. An autoimmune disease happens when the immune system incorrectly attacks the body’s healthy cells, tissue, or organs because it falsely recognizes it as an intruder to the body. Instead of fighting against viruses and bacteria, the immune system targets vital tissue such as organs, skin, muscle, joints, blood vessels, digestive tract, or any system in the body, resulting in a chronic illness.  

Autoimmune diseases can affect any part of the body. Some of the most common include rheumatoid arthritis, which affects the joints; lupus, which impacts multiple organs; and diabetes, which damages the production of insulin cells in the pancreas. Symptoms for these diseases also vary. Depending on the specific disease, some may experience joint pain, skin irritation, fatigue, complications in mobility, problems with their organs, or the inability to regulate insulin levels.  Although each condition shares the attribute of the body’s immune system fighting against itself, each disease is unique and affects people in a myriad of ways.

An individual, who wishes to remain anonymous, explained that he has type one diabetes and was diagnosed at the age of 13. Growing up, he was a healthy kid with a normal childhood that turned upside down after routine blood work. He got a sudden call from his pediatrician and had to be rushed to the hospital where they told him he was lucky enough to catch it before it got even worse.  “Diabetes really shook my life up,” he states. “After my diagnosis, my life really had to center around taking care of myself instead of living carefree like most teenagers do.” 

It takes years to diagnose a person with an autoimmune disease because a lot of them are “mimickers,” meaning that some diseases have similar characteristics to other illnesses, making it extremely difficult to diagnose. Many patients are frustrated and suffer in silence for years; it’s a constant battle with one’s own body with no clear path towards a solution. When and if able to finally get diagnosed, people will most likely visit a rheumatologist, a primary specialist who diagnoses and treats most autoimmune diseases.  One highly sought after rheumatologist is located here in Boca Raton – Joseph Forstot of Rheumatology Associates of South Florida. Dr. Forstot has extensive experience in treating autoimmune diseases. “Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like piecing together a puzzle,” Forstot reveals. “There isn’t just one test but rather putting together the patient’s symptoms, test results, history and physical exam.” His advice is don’t go to “Doctor Google.” He encourages patients to make sure they see the right doctor and get the right treatment that best meets their needs. He believes that patients can live normal lives on the right medications. Because the symptoms overlap with a myriad of diseases, it’s not uncommon to treat patients with a combination of medications, Forstot states.

Living with an autoimmune disease means experiencing ongoing medical care, with the aim to reduce the symptoms but knowing there is no overall cure for the disease. With the right combination of medication and other symptom relievers, fortunately patients can experience periods of remission with limited symptoms. Raising awareness for autoimmune diseases is not only important for early detection and treatment plans, but it also inspires empathy towards those who battle these conditions. This is so important as individuals battling autoimmune diseases appear healthy on the outside, when in reality, they are in constant, daily battles with their own bodies.  

Every small action matters, and with more awareness and funding towards research for autoimmune diseases, support from communities can offer a glimpse of hope towards possible scientific breakthroughs for advancements in improved medication and possibly maybe even a cure in the future.