For the 8% of the U.S. population living with autoimmune disease, good days are celebrated, because they are often rare. These conditions often come with a range of physical and emotional symptoms that can be hard to manage outside of a normal routine. Increased stress can add additional strain to compromised immune systems and make it harder to stay healthy. Whether you’re a caregiver, friend, or family member of someone affected by an autoimmune disease, it’s important to recognize these challenges. By being proactive and creating a supportive environment, you can help keep your loved one healthy and able to enjoy more good days.
What is an autoimmune disease?
A healthy immune system defends the body against disease and infection. It’s your body’s “first line of defense” against germs, helping you stay healthy and recover if you do get sick. The immune system can tell when foreign germs are attacking your healthy cells and respond to fight them off. Once you’re better, it remembers the germs and creates antibodies to defend you against future sickness.
If you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system gets confused and attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs by mistake. Instead of helping your body build up the ability to fight off sickness, it lowers your defenses against germs and sickness.
Common autoimmune diseases and symptoms
There are over 80 types of autoimmune diseases that affect different parts of the body. They can sometimes be difficult to diagnose because they share many symptoms with common conditions. Some of the more common autoimmune diseases include type-1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Though different conditions can affect each person differently based on lifestyle factors, autoimmune diseases often share similar symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain and swelling
- Skin problems
- Abdominal pain or digestive issues
- Recurring fever
- Swollen glands
Having a good relationship with a primary care provider is important in helping identify and treat autoimmune diseases. If you or your loved one experiences sudden new symptoms or changes like joint stiffness or fatigue, you should reach out to your provider to discuss. Sharing these changes, no matter how small they seem, can help your doctor look closer and either confirm or rule out an autoimmune disease.
Ways to offer your support:
Without understanding the full impact of your family member’s sickness, it may be hard to know how you can help. Understanding the symptoms and challenges that are connected to their sickness can help you better empathize and support them as they navigate daily life. Other practical ways to show support for those with autoimmune diseases are:
- Listen actively: Give space for your loved one to share their feelings or speak about the daily challenges they face due to their sickness. Be mindful that just because they don’t look sick doesn’t mean they aren’t. Studies show that emotional support can have a significant positive impact on a patient’s whole health.
- Schedule rest: Fatigue can be a common symptom for people with auto-immune diseases. Spacing out or simplifying activities can give your loved one time to rest. This will avoid further straining their immune system and improve their chances of staying healthy.
- Be mindful of food: If they have dietary restrictions, plan meals that accommodate their needs. Preparing familiar, safe dishes can help them feel comfortable and included at family gatherings.
- Encourage social connection: Encourage them to connect with others who have similar experiences. Our case managers can help direct those struggling with chronic sickness to peer support groups to help them feel less isolated. It can often be a helpful way to learn new coping strategies and ways to manage their sickness.
- Respect their choices: Everyone handles their condition differently. Respect their decisions regarding treatment and lifestyle, even if you might not agree with them.
Taking good care of our members
At Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we know that building a strong support system is important to our members’ whole health. We provide resources so members can find the right care and support as they navigate their health journey. Visit our member care resources in our Blueprint Portal to learn more about where to go for care and to find in-network doctors near you.