An autoimmune disease is a type of chronic disease where your body attacks its own healthy cells. There are many types of autoimmune diseases. Some of the more common ones are:
What are some symptoms of these autoimmune diseases?
If you have lupus or scleroderma, you may find that you:
- have problems digesting what you eat
- feel tired and have trouble sleeping
- have lung and breathing problems
- feel sick to your stomach (nausea)
- have joint or body pain
- have skin problems, like rashes on your face or body
Sometimes your autoimmune disease can lead to other health conditions. For example, diabetes may cause you to develop:
- heart problems
- infections
- problems with blood flow to and from your arms and legs that lead to having a toe or foot cut off (amputation)
- kidney problems
- nerve problems that cause pain and make it hard to move or walk
How can palliative and end-of-life care help?
Not all autoimmune diseases cause chronic health problems. But many do, and you can live a long time with an autoimmune disease. When you have chronic symptoms, the palliative and end-of-life care team can give you extra support. They can help to:
- answer questions you or your family have
- manage your symptoms
- give emotional support to you and your family
- find other supports if you need a higher level of care (for example, go from home to supported living or hospital)
