Often-Missed Symptoms Pointing Towards Autoimmune Disease

47. Swollen Glands or Lymph Nodes

If you have persistent swelling in your neck, armpits, or groin that isn’t tied to an obvious cold or infection, it could be a sign of an underlying autoimmune condition. Your lymph nodes are part of your immune system, and when they are in a state of chronic activation due to an autoimmune attack, they can become swollen and tender. This is your body's way of signaling that its defense system is on high alert, even without a clear external threat. This symptom is easy to overlook, but if it doesn't resolve on its own, it's worth a doctor's visit to rule out a more serious issue.

48. Blood in Urine or Stool: An Internal Warning

Seeing blood where it shouldn't be can be alarming, and it's a sign that your immune system might be causing inflammation in unexpected places. While blood in the stool could point to digestive issues like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, blood in the urine may signal an immune attack on the kidneys, known as glomerulonephritis. This symptom is often dismissed or attributed to less serious causes, but it can be a critical early clue of a systemic issue. If you notice persistent or recurring bleeding, it's a clear signal to seek a medical evaluation, as it could be a warning that your body is fighting itself from the inside out.