Can asthma be a result of an autoimmune response?

I am a 46 yr old female with Occular Histoplasmosis, asthma, interstitial cystitis, hypothyroidism, carpal tunnel, and now Barrett's. When I was pregnant with both of my children, I developed rheumatoid arthritis and these large bumps (erythema Nodosum)on my legs and ankles which were very painful.  I was tested by an infectious disease doctor for Lupus but was negative although the rheumatoid test did come back positive.  Once I had my babies, each time, the symptoms of arthritis and bumps disappeared.  I was told it was an autoimmune response to the pregnancy as a result of having histoplasmosis of the eyes.  Now, it seems that I keep acquiring new diseases as I age and was wondering if all of these diseases could be related in some way...connective tissue disease, or do I just have a compromised autoimmune system?  Thank you in advance for any info that would help me better understand my many diseases.  Mary

[National Jewish]

Yours is a very complex question.  I suspect that all your conditions are related.  Your basic problem is an autoimmune disorder.  I doubt that the Histoplasmosis altered your immune system.  Your autoimmune disorder may have caused you to be more likely to get the Histoplasmosis infection.
A rheumatologist who is familiar with connective tissue disease as it relates to an autoimmune disorder would have the skills to sort all this out.  Generally this type of specialist can be found at a University Medical Center.
If it is convenient for you to come to Denver, Colorado, National Jewish could recommend specific doctors.