Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases

The diagnosis of an autoimmune disease is based on an individual’s symptoms, findings from a physical examination, and results from laboratory tests. Autoimmune diseases are difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages of the disease. In some cases a specific diagnosis cannot be made; the patient must continue to follow up on the disease with frequent consultations with a physician. Although autoimmune diseases are chronic, the course they take is unpredictable. Patients should be monitored closely by their doctors so environmental factors or triggers can be avoided.