The 14 Overlooked Symptoms That Could Be Pointing to an Autoimmune Disorder

7. Digestive Symptoms

Bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or random changes in how your gut feels—these are experiences almost everyone has at some point. Still, when digestive disturbances persist, resist easy fixes, or shift without clear reason, they can indicate more than a sensitive stomach. For some, digestive trouble is an early and stubborn clue that the immune system is overactive or misdirected. Stomach upsets are often chalked up to diet, nerves, or “just one of those things.” Yet, autoimmune activity can cause long-term changes in how food is processed, how nutrients are absorbed, and how the gut interacts with the rest of the body. If your digestive world has changed in a way that feels off or remains unexplained, trust that a closer look is worthwhile.

8. Eye Dryness or Vision Changes

Do your eyes often feel gritty, dry, or overly sensitive to light? Are there sudden shifts in vision or redness that lingers? Eye discomfort is easily attributed to long hours on screens, allergies, or contact lenses. While those are common culprits, persistent dryness and changes in eyesight can be strong signals from the immune system. Several autoimmune conditions, including Sjögren’s syndrome and lupus, frequently begin with subtle changes in eye health well before more obvious signs occur. If you’re reaching for eye drops more than usual or noticing visual changes that stick around, this is your body’s way of requesting gentle attention, not just extra eye rest.