Lupus is a chronicautoimmune diseasethat causes inflammation and a wide array of symptoms.
Symptoms can come and go, which can make it hard to realize anything serious is going on.
Anyone can get lupus but its most often diagnosed in biological females between 15 and 45 years old.
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This article looks at the early symptoms, how lupus is diagnosed, the outlook, and treatment options.
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Early Signs of Lupus
Autoimmune disease is a case of mistaken identity.
When functioning properly, your immune system recognizes viruses, bacteria, and fungi as dangerous invaders.
It then creates specialized cells to destroy them.
In autoimmune diseases, it wrongly identifies a healthy tissue or substance as something dangerous.
It then attacks and tries to destroy it.
Medical science doesnt yet understand why this happens.
Some autoimmune diseases target a narrow range of healthy tissues.
Some symptoms are common, though, and are more likely to develop early in the disease.
That said, most people dont have all of these symptoms.
Each person has their own unique blend of symptoms and severities.
If fatigue interferes with your daily life, talk to your healthcare provider about what might help.
If your temperature is elevated, ensure you stayhydrated.
You may want to take an over-the-counter (OTC) fever reducer likeaspirinorAdvil (ibuprofen).
How Common Is Lupus?
An estimated 1.5 million Americans have lupus.
Worldwide, its believed to affect at least 5 million people.
Around 90% of them are women.
Its most common early on, and its often the first symptom people notice.
While this symptom isnt debilitating, it can cause stress and problems with self-esteem.
Its believed to occur because of autoimmune damage to the hair follicles.
A form of the disease called discoid lupus can cause permanent follicle damage.
In most cases, the hair loss isnt permanent.
You may also lose hair due tolupus-related rashesor sores on your scalp.
The rash is also:
For some people, the rash heralds an oncoming flare.
Other people may get it after sun exposure.
Sunscreen is a necessity for avoiding these symptoms.
Experts recommend even putting it on skin thats covered by clothing.
Skin Changes
Several other skin symptoms are possible with lupus.
They include:
Let your healthcare provider know about any skin symptoms you have.
They may not be dangerous on their own, but they can be a sign of disease activity.
Joint Pain
Joint painand stiffness are common.
This is due to inflammation in your joints (arthritis).
The pain can range from mild to debilitating.
In some cases, lupus may cause permanent joint damage.
Muscle and Tendon Pain
Achy, tender muscles are an early lupus symptom.
You may also have muscle weakness at times.
Tendonitis(inflammation of the tendons) is also common.
It often develops in the elbows, fingers, and shoulders.
Anemia
Anemiais a blood disorder that involves low levels of hemoglobin.
About half of people with lupus experience it.Hemoglobinis a protein in your red blood cells.
Its job is to deliver oxygen to all of your tissues.
Lupus may cause or contribute to this in a few ways.
If the immune system attacks your kidneys, it can cause inflammation that prevents proper kidney function.
That can lead to a buildup of fluids in your body, which is callededema.
Dry Mouth/Eyes
An estimated 10% of people with lupus have problems with dry mouth and eyes.
This is due to a common overlapping condition calledSjogrens disease(formerly called Sjogren’s syndrome).
Sjogrens disease is an autoimmune disease that affects moisture-producing glands.
It can also affect organs.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Gastrointestinal (digestive) problems are common in lupus.
Weak swallowing muscles may also contribute to these symptoms.
Diagnosing Lupus
No single test can diagnose lupus.
Youll likely be tested for many things before your healthcare provider reaches a lupus diagnosis.
Its become rare for lupus to be fatal.
Your lupus may be mild or severe.
It tends to flare up when symptoms are more pronounced, and then remit when symptoms are milder.
The frequency and severity of flares varies greatly from one person to the next.
A healthy lifestyle can also help you manage your illness.
Both symptoms and their severities vary greatly from one person to another.
Lupus is a condition you should take seriously.
However, newer treatments and research have made for a much better prognosis than in the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Untreated lupus can cause life-threatening damage to your kidneys, heart, and lungs.
Before treatment was available, less than half of people with lupus survived longer than five years.
Now, the five-year survival rate is higher than 95%.
Yes, you’re free to.
Tell your healthcare provider if youve had recurring symptoms that may point to lupus.
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