Autoimmune Diseases and The Effects on Teens

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy cells and tissues rather than protecting it from harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 2022). Usually, the immune system can easily distinguish between foreign invaders and the body’s own cells, but in autoimmune disorders this process fails, which leads to inflammation and tissue damage (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 2016). Researchers have identified more than eighty different autoimmune diseases that affect various organs and body systems, including the skin, joints, pancreas, and digestive system (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 2022). Many of these conditions begin during early childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, meaning that teenagers are a significant population that’s affected by autoimmune disorders. 

Recent research suggests that autoimmune diseases among adolescents have increased in recent decades. One research study has found that markers of autoimmunity, which are specific substances found in blood or tissue tests that indicate the immune system is mistakenly attacking the body’s own cells, have increased significantly in the United States over recent decades, raising concerns about rising autoimmune disease risk among adolescents. In the research study, researchers examined blood samples from thousands of people and looked for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), which is a marker associated with autoimmune diseases, and found that the percentage of people with ANA rose from about 11% in the late 1980s to 16% by 2012. This increase was especially noticeable in adolescents ranging from 12-19 years old, where rates almost tripled from 5% to 13%. This rise suggests that immune system abnormalities are becoming more common in young people and researchers believe that environmental and lifestyle factors may be contributing to this increase (Marker of Autoimmunity Increases in U.S., 2020). 

Diagnosing autoimmune diseases in teenagers can be difficult because many early symptoms resemble common experiences during adolescence. For example, fatigue, headaches, joint discomfort, and mood changes are symptoms frequently reported by teens and may initially be attributed to stress, puberty, growth, or hormonal changes rather than a medical condition. Additionally many autoimmune diseases develop gradually, with symptoms slowly appearing over time rather than suddenly (Autoimmune Diseases | Office on Women’s Health, 2021). As a result, teenagers may experience symptoms for months or even years before receiving an accurate diagnosis, which can delay treatment and allow for disease progression.

Several autoimmune diseases can commonly develop during adolescence and can significantly impact physical health. One of the most well-known examples is Type One Diabetes, a condition in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). Without insulin, the body cannot properly regulate blood glucose levels, which leads to symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2019). Type One Diabetes is commonly diagnosed during childhood or adolescence and requires lifelong management with insulin therapy (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).

Another example of an autoimmune disorder that affects teens is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, which causes inflammation of the joints (Arthritis Foundation, 2020). This disease can lead to joint pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced mobility, which may limit participation in sports or other physical activities (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 2016). In some cases, inflammation may also affect the eyes, requiring careful monitoring and treatment (Arthritis Foundation, 2020). 

Another serious autoimmune disease that may begin during adolescence is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, commonly known as Lupus. This is a chronic, unpredictable condition where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, and nervous system, causing widespread inflammation and potential organ damage (Lupus Foundation of America, 2020). Adolescents with Lupus may experience symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, rashes, and organ inflammation (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 2016). Research suggests that Lupus diagnosed during adolescence may be even more severe than Lupus diagnosed in adulthood, leading to careful long-term management (Lupus Foundation of America, 2020). 

Several factors may increase the likelihood that a teenager develops an autoimmune disease. These risk factors often involve a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental influences that affect how the system functions (Autoimmune Diseases | Boston Children’s Hospital, 2025). One major risk is genetics and family history. Teens who have close relatives with autoimmune diseases are more likely to develop one themselves because certain genes that regulate immune responses can be inherited. However, genetics alone usually do not cause autoimmune diseases. With environmental triggers, they often interact with genetic susceptibility to initiate the disease process (Autoimmune Diseases | Boston Children’s Hospital, 2025). Another risk factor is already having one autoimmune disease. This could increase the likelihood of developing another. For example, individuals diagnosed with conditions such as Type 1 Diabetes may also have a higher risk of developing other autoimmune disorders such as thyroid disease or celiac disease (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2019). This pattern suggests that underlying immune system imbalances can make individuals more prone to multiple autoimmune disorders. Lastly, environmental factors may also contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases in teenagers. Exposure to certain infections, environmental toxins, or dietary factors can sometimes trigger abnormal immune responses in individuals who are genetically predisposed (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). 

Living with a chronic autoimmune disease can significantly affect teenagers’ emotional well-being and daily routines. Managing symptoms, medications, and medical appointments can create additional stress during a stage of life that’s already characterized by major social and academic changes. Chronic pain, fatigue, and physical limitations may interfere with school attendances, extracurricular activities, and friendships. In addition, teens with chronic illnesses may experience higher rates of anxiety or depression due to the challenges of living with a long-term health condition (Barker et al., 2022). 

Early detection and treatment of autoimmune diseases are essential for preventing long-term complications. Timely diagnosis allows healthcare providers to begin treatments that reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and prevent damage to organs or tissues (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 2016). Many autoimmune diseases require lifelong monitoring and management, but early intervention can significantly improve quality of life and long-term health outcomes (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 2022). Therefore, increasing awareness of autoimmune diseases among teens, parents, and healthcare providers is critical for improving early diagnosis and effective care. 

---

Works Cited:

Arthritis Foundation. (2020). Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Arthritis Foundation. https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis

Autoimmune Diseases | Boston Children’s Hospital. (2025). Childrenshospital.org. https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-treatments/autoimmune-diseases

Autoimmune diseases | Office on Women’s Health. (2021). OASH | Office on Women’s Health.

https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/autoimmune-diseases

Barker, M. M., Beresford, B., & Fraser, L. K. (2022). Incidence of anxiety and depression in children and young people with life-limiting conditions. Pediatric Research, 93(7). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-022-02370-8

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Type 1 Diabetes. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/about-type-1-diabetes.html

Lupus Foundation of America. (2020, November 18). What is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)? | Lupus Foundation of America. Www.lupus.org. https://www.lupus.org/resources/what-is-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle

Marker of autoimmunity increases in U.S. (2020, April 20). National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/marker-autoimmunity-increases-s

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2022, October 6). Autoimmune Diseases | NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Www.niaid.nih.gov. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/autoimmune-diseases

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2016). National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Nih.gov. https://www.niams.nih.gov/

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2019, February 16). Celiac Disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease