Autoimmune Diseases
Expert diagnosis and personalized treatment at Arthritis Care of Los Angeles.
What is Autoimmune Diseases?
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. There are more than 80 known autoimmune diseases, and they can affect virtually any part of the body. Rheumatologists are specialists in many of these conditions, particularly those that affect the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Autoimmune diseases can be complex to diagnose because symptoms often overlap between conditions. Dr. Forouzesh has extensive experience in evaluating patients with unexplained symptoms and identifying the correct autoimmune diagnosis.
Common Symptoms
- Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
- Persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Recurring fevers
- Skin rashes or changes
- Hair loss
- Dry eyes or dry mouth
- Muscle weakness or pain
- Swollen glands
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- Unexplained weight changes
- Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
Experiencing these symptoms? Get expert care today.
How is Autoimmune Diseases Diagnosed?
Diagnosing autoimmune diseases requires a comprehensive evaluation including detailed medical history, thorough physical examination, extensive blood work (ANA, specific autoantibodies, inflammatory markers, complement levels, CBC), and imaging studies when needed. Because many autoimmune diseases share similar symptoms, reaching the correct diagnosis often requires expertise and patience. Dr. Forouzesh takes a systematic approach to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Immunosuppressive Medications
Medications that calm the overactive immune system, including methotrexate, mycophenolate, azathioprine, and others tailored to the specific condition.
Biologic Therapies
Targeted medications that block specific parts of the immune system driving disease. Options include TNF inhibitors, B-cell therapies, IL-6 inhibitors, and more.
Antimalarials
Hydroxychloroquine is used across multiple autoimmune conditions for its immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects.
Corticosteroids
Used short-term to control flares and manage acute symptoms while other treatments take effect.
Lifestyle Management
Stress reduction, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet all play important roles in managing autoimmune conditions.
Multidisciplinary Care
Coordination with other specialists (dermatology, nephrology, pulmonology) when multiple organ systems are involved.
Key Statistics
24 Million
Americans affected by autoimmune diseases
Source: NIH/NIAID
80+
Known types of autoimmune diseases
Source: American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
78%
Of autoimmune disease patients are women
Source: NIH/NIAID
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Expert Care?
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Solomon Forouzesh, MD, FACP, FACR — a board-certified rheumatologist with 50++ years of expertise in arthritis and autoimmune diseases.