How are Autoimmune Diseases Diagnosed? – Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis
Diagnosing autoimmune disease can be challenging for doctors. Often, there is not a single test that can definitively confirms a specific autoimmune disease, and the symptoms can be complex and overlapping. Many autoimmune conditions share similar symptoms, adding to the difficulty. Additionally, some symptoms, like muscle aches, are common in various other health conditions, further complicating diagnosis. Consequently, obtaining a diagnosis may require multiple visits to different specialists and thorough evaluation over time.
Blood Test
Doctors suggest various blood tests to investigate symptoms reported by patients. One frequently used test, called an auto-antibody screen which aims to detect antibodies that target the body’s own tissue. Although the presence of auto-antibodies doesn’t conclusively diagnose an autoimmune disease. It serves as an initial step in the diagnostic process.
Additionally, doctors may order other blood tests such as:
- Complete blood count
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Antinuclear antibody test (ANA)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- Urinalysis
These tests help doctors assess various aspects of the body’s function and immune response , helping in the diagnostic evaluation of autoimmune disease.
Imaging
Your doctor can use these tests to look for visible signs of an autoimmune disease. For instance, ultrasound and x-rays can reveal joint issues and MRIs can show damage deep in your body.
Autoimmune Diseases and Allergy
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues. Autoimmune diseases cause inflammation and damage to organs and systems. Understanding autoimmune disease symptoms and types helps in developing effective treatments and therapies to manage them. In this article, we will cover autoimmune diseases in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Autoimmune Disease?
- Autoimmune Disease Causes
- Autoimmune Disease Symptoms
- How are Autoimmune Diseases Diagnosed? – Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis
- Blood Test
- Imaging
- Treatment of Autoimmune Disease
- What is an Allergy?
- What is an Allergic Reaction?
- Difference Between Autoimmune Diseases and Allergy
- Conclusion – Autoimmune Diseases
- FAQ on Autoimmune allergy