What Is Lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling (inflammation) and a wide variety of symptoms. Lupus affects each individual uniquely. Some people have only a few mild symptoms and others have many, more severe symptoms
Fatigue
A whopping 90 percent of people with lupus experience some level of fatigue, according to the Johns Hopkins Lupus Center. An afternoon nap does the trick for some people, but sleeping too much during the day can lead to insomnia at night. It may be hard to do, but if you can remain active and stick to a daily routine, you may be able to keep your energy levels up.
Unexplained Fever
One of the early signs of lupus is a low-grade fever for no apparent reason. Because it may hover somewhere between 98.5 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit, you won’t necessarily think to see a doctor. People with lupus may experience this type of fever in an on-again, off-again fashion. Low-grade fever could be a sign of inflammation, infection, or imminent flare-up. If you have recurrent, low-grade fevers, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Hair Loss
Thinning hair is often one of the first signs of lupus. Hair loss is the result of inflammation of the skin and scalp. Some people with lupus lose hair by the clump, but more often, hair thins out slowly. Some people also have thinning of the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair. Lupus can cause hair to feel brittle, break easily, and look a bit ragged, earning it the name “lupus hair.”
Skin Rash or Lesions
One of the most visible signs of lupus is the butterfly-shaped rash that appears over the bridge of the nose and both cheeks. About 50 percent of people with lupus have this rash, according to theJohns Hopkins Lupus Center. The rash can occur suddenly or appear after exposure to sunlight. Sometimes the rash appears just before a flare-up.
Pulmonary Issues
Inflammation of the pulmonary system is another possible marker of lupus. Not only can the lungs themselves become inflamed, but the swelling can also extend to lung blood vessels. Even the diaphragm may be affected. These can all lead to chest pain when you try to breathe in, a condition often referred to as pleuritic chest pain.
Kidney Inflammation
People with lupus can develop a kidney inflammation called nephritis. Inflammation makes it harder for the kidneys to filter toxins and waste from the blood. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, nephritis usually begins within five years of the start of lupus.
Painful, Swollen Joints
Inflammation can cause pain, stiffness, and visible swelling in your joints, particularly in the morning. It may be mild at first, gradually becoming more obvious. Like other symptoms of lupus, joint problems can come and go.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Some people with lupus experience occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, or other gastrointestinal problems. Mild symptoms can be successfully treated with over-the-counter antacids. If you have frequent bouts of acid indigestion or heartburn, try cutting down on the size of your meals. Avoid beverages containing caffeine. Don’t lie down right after a meal.
Thyroid Problems
It’s not uncommon for people with lupus to develop autoimmune thyroid disease. The thyroid helps control your body’s metabolism. A poorly functioning thyroid can affect vital organs like your brain, heart, kidneys, and liver. It can result in weight gain or weight loss. Other symptoms include dry skin and hair, as well as moodiness.
Dry Mouth, Dry Eyes
If you have lupus, you may have dry mouth. Your eyes may feel gritty and dry, too. That’s because some lupus patients develop Sjogren’s syndrome, another autoimmune disorder. Sjogren’s syndrome causes malfunctioning of the glands responsible for tears and saliva. In some cases, women with lupus may also experience dryness of the vagina.