Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells as if they were external invaders. These friendly-fire immune attacks can also cause secondary health complications. Here are some of those complications:
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Nephritis:
The inflammation of the kidneys, known as nephritis, is a dangerous complication of lupus. Nephritis impairs the kidney’s ability to remove toxins from the blood. Kidney damage can occur even before lupus symptoms present, so it’s important to get regular urine tests.
Joint and bone damage:
Most lupus patients experience swelling or pain in their joints. Over time, lupus and the steroids used to treat it can contribute to osteoporosis.
Skin rashes and hair loss:
Cutaneous lupus, which involves some form of chronic skin disease, affects about two-thirds of lupus patients. Sometimes these severe rashes can cause scarring and even hair loss.
Anemia:
Lupus frequently results in a drop in red blood cells, a condition called anemia. It can also reduce white blood cell count, which increases vulnerability to infection, and damage platelets, inhibiting proper blood clotting.
Blood vessel damage:
Vasculitis, an inflammation of the body’s blood vessels, is also a complication of lupus. This can lead to hazardous blood clots. Lupus patients with a pre-existing circulatory system condition should be wary of clots.
Heart disease:
Lupus can damage muscles and valves within the heart, sometimes causing a collection of fluids around the heart. This dangerous condition, called pericardial effusion, can stop the heart from beating properly. Lupus patients are also at greater risk for early heart disease.
Psychiatric and neurological disorders:
Since lupus can attack the nervous system, many patients experience dizziness, numbness, tingling or confusion. Lupus doubles a person’s migraine risk and can also lead to seizures and psychiatric problems.
Respiratory disease:
Lupus can trigger inflammation in lung tissues. This sometimes leads to a fluid buildup called pulmonary effusion, which can impair breathing. Lupus can also cause scarring inside the lungs.
Digestive diseases:
Digestive complications of lupus can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Additionally, 95 percent of people with lupus have a variety oral maladies.
Complicated pregnancy:
Lupus can cause multiple complications during pregnancy. Before becoming pregnant, speak with your doctor about issues that may arise. You should not try to get pregnant when you have nephritis.
Cancer:
Research has linked lupus to a slightly increased risk of lymphoma, lung, breast, cervical and endometrial cancer. Some of this risk may be due to lupus medication.
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