Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis
Making an autoimmune disease diagnosis can be difficult because most autoimmune diseases do not have a clear pattern of symptoms. Doctors can make an autoimmune disease diagnosis by performing a physical exam, asking for a medical history, and ordering certain tests or procedures. During the physical exam, doctors will be looking for inflamed joints, swollen lymph nodes, and discolored skin.
Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis: An Overview
Autoimmune diseases usually do not have a clear pattern of autoimmune disease symptoms, so making an autoimmune disease diagnosis can be a challenge. However, with time, doctors can make an autoimmune disease diagnosis by performing a physical exam, asking a number of questions about a patient's medical history, and ordering certain tests or procedures.
Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis: Medical History
As part of the medical history, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and how long you have had them. Although your symptoms may not point to one disease, they can be a starting point for your doctor. You should tell your doctor if you have a family member with autoimmune disease, even if you do not have the same disease as your family member.
Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis: The Physical Exam
During the exam, the doctor will check for any signs or symptoms of autoimmune disease, such as inflamed joints, swollen lymph nodes, or discolored skin.
Tests Used to Make an Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis
The key to an autoimmune disease diagnosis is patience. Although your doctor may be able to make an autoimmune disease diagnosis quickly based on your history, exam, and test results, the process often takes time. There is no single test that is used to make an autoimmune disease diagnosis, so doctors have to try several tests to find the problem and treat it.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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