What Diseases Can Cause a Positive ANA?

All About Diseases that Cause a Positive ANA

The ANA test, also known as the antinuclear antibody test, is a blood test. An ANA test identifies antibodies that attack the nuclei of your cells. Made by your body's immune system, these antibodies are usually proteins that react to germs like viruses and bacteria and certain medications.

Sometimes, the protective nature of our immune system can cause more harm than good by attacking our own cells. Various organs also fall under this hitlist. This is mostly seen in autoimmune diseases. A positive ANA test is like a coin. While one side might reflect nothing intimidating, the other side shows signs of health issues.

Age and gender are two key drivers of antinuclear antibodies. As people get older, they develop ANAs. Interestingly, women are more likely to have ANAs than men.

The meaning of a positive ANA test depends on the reasons behind the test and your current symptoms. Considering these factors, your healthcare provider will decide whether your positive ANA test is alarming or not.

Several health conditions can lead to positive ANA tests. Here are some of them:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is the most common disease that often results in a positive ANA test. SLE is a long-term autoimmune disease where the immune system harms healthy tissues. It causes inflammation and damage to organs like the kidneys, skin, heart, and joints. There are various symptoms of this condition, including tiredness, joint pain, skin rashes, kidney problems, etc. Approximately 98% of people with lupus have a positive ANA test. However, it is important to note that a positive ANA test does not confirm lupus. One must get other tests done as prescribed by the healthcare expert for further confirmation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that mainly hampers the joints. While Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune condition. In this disease, the overactive immune system of one's body attacks the joint lining, causing serious pain, stiffness, and even joint deformities. The rheumatoid factor (RF) is the main marker of this condition. It is a protein in the blood that can cause Rheumatoid Arthritis when inflated. A positive ANA is common in people with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Sjögren's Syndrome:

Sjögren's Syndrome is another autoimmune disorder. Under this condition, the immune system attacks glands that produce moisture. Thus, the primary symptom of this disease is dry eyes and mouth. This condition can exist on its own or alongside other autoimmune diseases, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. People with Sjögren's Syndrome often have a positive ANA test. This result appears with other antibodies, like anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies.

Systemic Sclerosis:

Systemic Sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a rare autoimmune disease. This condition thickens and hardens the skin and connective tissues. It can also affect organs such as the lungs, heart, and kidneys. Severe Systemic Sclerosis can even lead to serious problems like fibrosis and organ failure. This condition also reflects a positive ANA test.

Dermatomyositis:

Dermatomyositis is a disease that causes muscle inflammation and skin rashes. The symptoms are muscle weakness and a distinct purple rash, usually around the eyelids, knuckles, and elbows. In some cases, it can also cause lung or heart problems. A positive ANA test is common in people with dermatomyositis.

Mixed Connective Tissue Disease:

Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) is a rare disorder. It shows signs of different autoimmune diseases, including lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis. The key feature of MCTD is a specific antibody called anti-U1 ribonucleoprotein. This can also be found along with a positive ANA test. MCTD can have several symptoms, such as skin changes, muscle weakness, joint pain, and heart or lung issues. A positive ANA test can help identify the disease early.

Autoimmune Hepatitis:

Autoimmune Hepatitis is a condition where a hyper-active immune system hampers liver cells. It leads to inflammation and possible liver damage. Symptoms of this condition include tiredness, jaundice and stomach pain. A positive ANA test is often seen in people with autoimmune hepatitis.

Hashimoto Thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and reduced hormone production, leading to hypothyroidism. Some individuals with Hashimoto's may test positive for ANA, though it's not definitive. Further tests, like anti-TPO and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, help confirm the diagnosis. To sum up, positive ANA tests are common and can have various causes. Interpret these results with your symptoms and other tests. If you receive a positive ANA test, then it is crucial to know that this is only a part of the complete picture. Reach out to your healthcare provider about the test for further consultation.