Hidden Health Alarms: 14 Subtle Symptoms That Could Signal an Autoimmune Disease

11. Gland Swelling or Tenderness

Most people notice swollen glands with a cold or sore throat, but unexplained or persistent swelling—especially in the neck, underarms, or near the jaw—can be a sign worth checking into. Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or lupus may cause recurring gland tenderness, not necessarily linked to infection. It’s natural to wait and see if swelling fades, especially when pain is mild. But ongoing changes, or tenderness that doesn’t follow the usual cold-and-flu script, can be your body’s way of seeking attention. Recording when and where gland swelling happens helps your healthcare provider understand the bigger picture.

12. Sensitivity to Cold or Heat

Not everyone enjoys summer’s sizzle or winter’s chill, but pronounced discomfort in temperature extremes—a sudden struggle with cold, heat, or even both—can signal an underlying thyroid autoimmune disorder. Conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease may quietly alter how your body manages warmth and chill, often before there are obvious test results. Most folks chalk up their temperature preferences to personal quirks, but patterns of extreme sensitivity (cold hands and feet year-round, or inexplicable sweating during mild activity) shouldn’t be ignored. Noting these changes, especially as they evolve, provides your medical team more clues to work with on your wellness journey.