Managing Multiple Autoimmune Diseases with RA: What Helps
Managing more than one autoimmune disease—especially when one of them is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—can feel overwhelming. Autoimmune diseases happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body. When you have RA and other autoimmune conditions at the same time, it can affect many parts of your body and make daily life more challenging. But with the right care, many people are able to manage their symptoms and feel better.
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases and RA
The immune system is your body’s defense system. It protects you from bacteria, viruses, and other harmful invaders. But in autoimmune diseases, this system gets confused and starts attacking healthy cells by mistake.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of autoimmune disease that mainly affects the joints. It causes inflammation (swelling), pain, and stiffness, especially in the hands, feet, and wrists. Over time, it can damage the joints and limit movement.
Other autoimmune diseases—like lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis—can affect different parts of the body, including the skin, glands, or organs. When you have more than one of these conditions, it’s called “multiple autoimmune syndrome.”
It’s important to understand each condition and how they interact. This can help you and your care team create a plan that works for your unique needs.
How Autoimmunity Affects the Body
Your immune system uses white blood cells and special proteins (called antibodies) to find and destroy things that don’t belong—like viruses. But in autoimmune conditions, these antibodies target your own tissues.
In RA, for example, the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and joint damage. In other conditions, it might attack the thyroid, skin, nerves, or even organs like the lungs or kidneys.
Having more than one autoimmune disease can cause overlapping symptoms. That means it can be harder to tell what’s causing which issue. For example, fatigue and joint pain are common in several autoimmune conditions.
Doctors often use blood tests, imaging, and your symptom history to figure out what’s going on and how to treat it.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
No one knows exactly why autoimmune diseases happen, but researchers believe several things may play a role:
- Genetics: Some autoimmune conditions run in families.
- Gender: Women are more likely to get autoimmune diseases than men.
- Environment: Exposure to infections, toxins, or even stress may trigger symptoms.
- Hormones: Changes in hormones, like during pregnancy or menopause, may influence the immune system.
- Other autoimmune diseases: Having one autoimmune disease increases your risk of developing another.
If you have RA and begin to notice new symptoms—like dry eyes, skin rashes, or unusual fatigue—it might be a sign of another autoimmune disease developing.
Talk to your doctor if anything new shows up. Catching it early can help prevent complications.
Common Symptoms When You Have Multiple Autoimmune Conditions
The symptoms can vary a lot depending on which diseases are involved. But some of the most common include:
- Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness (RA)
- Extreme tiredness, even after rest
- Dry eyes or mouth (often seen with Sjögren’s syndrome)
- Skin rashes or discoloration
- Digestive problems like bloating or diarrhea
- Weight changes (gain or loss without trying)
- Hair thinning or loss
- Muscle weakness or numbness
- Fever or feeling “flu-like” often
If you feel like something’s off or your symptoms are changing, keep track of them and bring the list to your next doctor visit. It can help speed up the diagnosis process.
When to Seek Medical Help
Don’t wait if you’re experiencing symptoms that interfere with your daily life or don’t go away. The earlier you get help, the better your chances of managing the condition and avoiding long-term damage.
Contact a doctor if you have:
- Persistent joint pain or swelling
- New rashes or skin changes
- Sudden fatigue that doesn’t improve
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in your hands or feet
- Vision changes or dry eyes that don’t get better
- Ongoing digestive problems or unexplained weight changes
A rheumatologist (a doctor who specializes in autoimmune and joint diseases) can help diagnose and treat these conditions. You may also work with other specialists, like an endocrinologist for thyroid disease or a dermatologist for skin problems.
Early care can lead to better outcomes, so don’t ignore ongoing symptoms.
Living with More Than One Autoimmune Disease
Managing multiple autoimmune diseases takes teamwork. It helps to have a care plan that looks at the big picture—your symptoms, medications, lifestyle, and emotional health.
Tips that may help include:
- Take medications as prescribed: Some drugs treat inflammation or suppress the immune system. Don’t stop them without talking to your doctor.
- Get regular check-ups: Monitoring helps catch changes early and adjust your treatment as needed.
- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole foods, fruits, veggies, and lean proteins to support overall health.
- Stay active: Gentle movement like walking or yoga can improve joint flexibility and mood.
- Manage stress: Stress can make symptoms worse. Try deep breathing, meditation, or talking with a counselor.
- Join a support group: Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be comforting and helpful.
You don’t have to do it all at once. Start with one small step—like setting a reminder for your meds or going for a short walk. Every little bit counts.
What to Expect from Treatment
There’s no cure yet for autoimmune diseases, but treatment can help control symptoms and improve your quality of life. The goal is to reduce inflammation, prevent flare-ups, and protect the organs and joints from damage.
Your doctor might prescribe:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: These help relieve swelling and pain.
- Immunosuppressants: These medications calm the overactive immune system.
- Biologics: Targeted treatments that block specific parts of the immune response.
- Lifestyle changes: Diet, exercise, and stress management often play a big role in how you feel.
Treatment may take time to work, and some trial-and-error might be needed to find the right combination. Be patient with the process, and don’t hesitate to speak up if something isn’t helping.
You’re Not Alone
Living with RA and other autoimmune diseases at the same time can be tough—but you don’t have to do it alone. With medical care, self-care, and the right support, many people find ways to feel better and stay active.
If you’re struggling, reach out to your healthcare team. They’re there to help you figure out what’s next and how to feel your best—one step at a time.
Tarra Nugroho is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with a strong foundation in family and preventive care. She brings both compassion and clinical expertise to her practice, focusing on patient-centered care and health education. As a contributor to Healthusias.com, Tarra translates medical knowledge into clear, empowering articles on topics like women’s health, chronic disease management, and lifestyle medicine. Her mission is simple: help people feel seen, heard, and informed—both in the clinic and through the content she creates. When she’s not caring for patients, Tarra enjoys weekend hikes, plant-based cooking, and curling up with a good health podcast.
