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Quick answer: A list of autoimmune diseases includes more than 80 conditions in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. Common ones are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis and vitiligo. No single test detects them all; doctors combine symptoms with tests such as a CBC test, ESR, CRP and specific antibodies.
The immune system plays an essential role in protecting the body from infections and harmful substances. Sometimes, however, it mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. This leads to a group of conditions known as autoimmune disorders, which can affect the joints, skin, thyroid gland, digestive system, kidneys, blood and nervous system. Some cause mild symptoms, while others can lead to long-term inflammation and organ damage if not properly managed. This guide gives a practical list of autoimmune diseases grouped by the part of the body they affect, explains how they develop, who is at risk, and which tests and treatments doctors use.
Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own healthy tissues. Normally, the immune system identifies harmful invaders such as bacteria and viruses and helps protect the body against them.
In autoimmune conditions, this protective system becomes misdirected. Immune cells or antibodies attack healthy tissues and trigger inflammation, which can interfere with normal organ function.
There are more than 80 recognised autoimmune diseases, and some researchers count over 100. Some primarily affect one organ (organ-specific diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or type 1 diabetes), while others involve several organs and body systems (systemic diseases, such as lupus). That is why any list of autoimmune diseases is easiest to understand when it is grouped by body system.
The immune system contains specialised cells and proteins that identify and respond to potential threats. Antibodies normally help recognise harmful substances and support the body's defence mechanisms.
In many autoimmune disorders, the immune system produces autoantibodies (antibodies against the body's own proteins) or activates immune cells that target healthy tissues. This can cause persistent or recurring inflammation.
The effects depend on which part of the body is affected. For example, an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid may interfere with hormone production, while one affecting the joints may cause pain and swelling.
Symptoms often fluctuate over time. Many people experience periods of increased disease activity, known as flare-ups, followed by periods when symptoms improve, sometimes called remission.
The table below is a quick reference list of autoimmune diseases that are commonly seen in clinics in India. It is not complete, but it covers the conditions people search for most often.
| Body system | Autoimmune diseases | Typical features |
|---|---|---|
| Joints and muscles | Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (axial spondyloarthritis), polymyositis and dermatomyositis | Joint pain, swelling, long morning stiffness, muscle weakness |
| Whole body (systemic) | Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), vasculitis | Fatigue, fever, rashes, joint pain, possible kidney, lung or blood involvement |
| Thyroid and hormones | Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, Addison's disease, type 1 diabetes | Weight change, tiredness, palpitations, thirst and frequent urination |
| Skin and hair | Psoriasis, vitiligo, alopecia areata, pemphigus | Scaly patches, white patches, round bald patches, blisters |
| Digestive system and liver | Celiac disease, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (immune-mediated), autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis | Diarrhoea, bloating, weight loss, jaundice, abnormal liver tests |
| Blood | Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, pernicious anaemia | Easy bruising, anaemia, tiredness, low vitamin B12 |
| Nervous system | Multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barré syndrome | Numbness, vision problems, drooping eyelids, muscle weakness |
| Kidneys | Lupus nephritis, IgA nephropathy, some forms of glomerulonephritis | Swelling of feet, protein or blood in urine, raised creatinine |
Autoimmune disorders can affect almost any organ or tissue. Looking closely at some common examples from the list of autoimmune diseases shows how differently these conditions can affect the body.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that mainly affects the joints, typically the small joints of the hands and feet on both sides. It can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced mobility. Morning stiffness that lasts for more than 30 minutes is a common feature.
If inflammation remains uncontrolled, joint damage may develop over time. Early treatment greatly improves the long-term outlook.
Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs.
Symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, a facial rash across the cheeks and nose, mouth ulcers and sensitivity to sunlight. The pattern and severity vary between individuals, and lupus is far more common in women of childbearing age.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Over time, this may reduce thyroid hormone production and cause hypothyroidism. It is one of the most common causes of an underactive thyroid.
Possible symptoms include tiredness, sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, hair thinning and unexplained weight gain. A thyroid function test helps detect it.
Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition in which antibodies stimulate the thyroid gland to produce excessive thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism).
Symptoms may include a rapid heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, heat intolerance and unintended weight loss. Some people also develop eye-related symptoms such as bulging or gritty eyes.
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As insulin becomes insufficient, blood glucose levels rise. It usually begins in childhood or young adulthood, but can start at any age.
Symptoms may include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss and fatigue. Untreated, it can lead to a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Read more about the different types of diabetes.
Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system. The immune system damages the protective covering (myelin) around nerve fibres, disrupting communication between the brain and the body.
Symptoms can include vision problems, numbness, weakness, balance difficulties and fatigue. Diagnosis relies mainly on neurological examination and MRI rather than blood tests.
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition that causes skin cells to build up rapidly. This results in red, inflamed patches with silvery scaling, often on the elbows, knees and scalp.
Some people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which affects the joints.
Celiac disease is an immune-mediated condition triggered by gluten (found in wheat, barley and rye) in genetically susceptible individuals. Eating gluten causes an immune reaction that damages the lining of the small intestine.
Symptoms may include diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal discomfort and nutrient deficiencies such as iron deficiency anaemia. Some people experience few digestive symptoms. Blood tests for celiac disease are reliable only while you are still eating gluten, so do not stop wheat before testing.
In vitiligo, immune cells destroy the pigment-producing cells of the skin, leaving white patches. In alopecia areata, the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing round bald patches. Both are often linked with autoimmune thyroid disease. Learn more in our guide to vitiligo and white patches on the skin.
Ankylosing spondylitis is an immune-mediated arthritis of the spine and pelvic joints. It typically causes inflammatory back pain in people under 45 that is worse in the morning and improves with exercise. Many patients carry the HLA-B27 gene; see our article on the HLA-B27 test.
The exact cause of many autoimmune disorders is not fully understood. Research suggests that genetic susceptibility and environmental factors interact with the immune system to contribute to disease development.
Some autoimmune disorders occur more frequently in certain families. Having a relative with an autoimmune condition may increase susceptibility, although it does not mean that a person will necessarily develop the same disease.
Certain infections, smoking (strongly linked to rheumatoid arthritis), some medicines and other exposures may help trigger autoimmune disease in susceptible individuals. The specific triggers differ between conditions and are not fully understood.
Many autoimmune diseases are more common in women than men. Hormonal influences may contribute to these differences, although the relationship varies by condition.
The immune system normally has mechanisms that prevent attacks against the body's own tissues, a property called self-tolerance. When these mechanisms do not function properly, an autoimmune response may develop.
Autoimmune disorders are not caused by a single factor in every person. Most develop through a complex interaction of biological and environmental influences.
Symptoms depend on the specific disease and the organs involved. Some develop gradually, while others appear more suddenly. Common symptoms include:
Many of these symptoms also occur with infections, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal disorders and other health conditions. Their presence alone does not confirm an autoimmune disorder. Our companion guide on autoimmune disease symptoms and tests explains how symptoms are matched to the right tests.
Persistent or recurring symptoms should be assessed by a qualified doctor, particularly when they affect daily activities or occur alongside other unexplained changes.
Autoimmune disorders can affect people of all ages. Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing particular conditions:
Having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will definitely develop an autoimmune disorder.
See a doctor if you have any of the following for more than a few weeks:
Seek urgent medical attention for difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, sudden weakness or numbness, severe dehydration, or very high blood sugar with vomiting. These may indicate a serious medical problem and should not be assumed to be caused by an autoimmune disorder.
Diagnosing an autoimmune disorder can be challenging because many conditions share similar symptoms. There is no single blood test that can identify every disease on the list of autoimmune diseases.
Diagnosis usually involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests and sometimes imaging or a biopsy. A doctor, often a rheumatologist, endocrinologist, dermatologist or gastroenterologist, will ask about symptom patterns, family history, previous illnesses and medicines before deciding which tests are appropriate.
Laboratory investigations help identify inflammation, detect certain autoantibodies and assess how organs are functioning. You can book many of these as a blood test in Ahmedabad.
| Laboratory test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Complete blood count (CBC) | Assesses blood cells and may identify anaemia, low platelets or low white cells |
| ANA test | Detects antinuclear antibodies that support evaluation for lupus and related diseases |
| ESR | Gives a general indication of inflammation |
| CRP | Measures a protein that rises during inflammation |
| Rheumatoid factor (RF) | May support evaluation for rheumatoid arthritis |
| Anti-CCP antibodies | More specific support for a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis |
| Thyroid function and thyroid antibodies | TSH, T3, T4 and anti-TPO help identify autoimmune thyroid conditions |
| Celiac antibodies (tTG IgA with total IgA) | Screen for celiac disease while eating gluten |
| Kidney function tests and urinalysis | Assess kidney function and detect protein or blood in urine |
Not every person needs all these tests. The right investigations depend on the symptoms, medical history and suspected condition. Useful VIP Labs tests include:
The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is commonly used in the evaluation of autoimmune diseases, especially lupus. A positive result means that antinuclear antibodies were detected.
A positive result does not automatically mean that a person has an autoimmune disease. Some healthy people, especially women and older adults, have a low-level positive result. The result must be interpreted alongside symptoms, examination findings and other investigations, and a doctor may then order more specific antibody tests.
ESR and CRP are blood tests that help assess inflammation in the body. They support an initial evaluation and help monitor inflammation in diagnosed conditions. Our ESR test guide explains what a high result means.
However, these markers are not specific to autoimmune diseases. Infections and other inflammatory conditions can also raise them, and normal ESR or CRP results do not rule out every autoimmune disorder.
Depending on the suspected condition, a doctor may recommend additional antibody tests, hormone investigations, imaging or tests of organ function. For example, suspected autoimmune thyroid disease may need thyroid function and antibody tests, while suspected lupus with possible kidney involvement may need urine testing and kidney function assessment.
The purpose of testing is to build a complete clinical picture rather than rely on a single laboratory result.
Treatment depends on the specific autoimmune condition, the organs involved and the severity of symptoms. Many autoimmune disorders are chronic, but appropriate treatment can control disease activity and improve quality of life.
Some conditions are treated with medicines that reduce inflammation and relieve pain or swelling, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers or corticosteroids. The type of medicine depends on the diagnosis and the person's medical history.
Many autoimmune diseases need medicines that calm excessive immune activity, often called disease-modifying drugs. These help limit tissue damage but can increase the risk of infections, so they require regular blood test monitoring.
Some conditions are treated with targeted medicines that act on specific pathways involved in inflammation or immune activity. These are selected according to the disease and the patient's response to earlier treatment.
When an autoimmune condition damages an organ that produces an essential hormone or absorbs a nutrient, replacement therapy is needed. People with hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis usually need thyroid hormone replacement, people with type 1 diabetes need insulin for life, and people with pernicious anaemia need vitamin B12.
Follow-up appointments and selected laboratory investigations help doctors assess disease activity, monitor organ function and identify treatment-related side effects such as low blood counts or liver changes. People taking immunosuppressive medicines also need monitoring for infections.
Lifestyle measures can complement medical treatment, although they cannot replace disease-specific therapy.
People with specific autoimmune conditions may need individual dietary or activity advice based on their diagnosis.
Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own healthy tissues. They affect a wide range of organs and cause symptoms that vary from person to person, which is why the list of autoimmune diseases is so long and varied.
Recognising persistent symptoms and seeking medical assessment early supports an accurate diagnosis. Tests such as CBC, ANA, ESR, CRP and disease-specific antibodies give useful information when chosen for the clinical situation. With the right treatment plan, regular monitoring and supportive lifestyle habits, most people with autoimmune disorders can manage their condition and maintain a good quality of life.
Commonly diagnosed autoimmune diseases include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, vitiligo, lupus, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease. How common each one is varies between countries and age groups.
More than 80 autoimmune diseases are recognised, and some experts count over 100. They range from organ-specific conditions such as thyroid disease to systemic conditions such as lupus that affect many organs.
Early signs are often vague: persistent tiredness, joint pain or stiffness, low-grade fever, rashes, hair loss, digestive problems or weight change. Because these overlap with many other conditions, a doctor's assessment and targeted tests are needed.
No single blood test detects all autoimmune diseases. Depending on symptoms, doctors may order ANA, ESR, CRP, CBC, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, thyroid antibodies or celiac antibodies, and interpret them together with the clinical picture.
No. A positive ANA can occur in healthy people, especially women and older adults. Doctors interpret the result alongside symptoms, examination findings and more specific antibody tests.
Most autoimmune diseases are long-term conditions without a definitive cure at present. However, treatment can control inflammation, manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications, and many people live full, active lives.
If your doctor suspects an autoimmune condition, VIP Labs, a trusted pathology lab in Ahmedabad since 1997, offers CBC, ESR, CRP, thyroid, diabetes, kidney and liver tests, with an immunology department for specialised investigations. Book home blood collection in Ahmedabad or visit a pathology lab near you at one of our 20+ centres across Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
Disclaimer: This article is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis and treatment.