Lupus Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Lupus Symptoms To Look Out For

Being diagnosed with Lupus is a complex journey, as the signs and symptoms can often be mistaken for other connective tissue diseases. Each person’s experience with Lupus is unique, with symptoms varying in intensity and type. This individuality is why Lupus is often called the “great imitator.” A specialist will use a range of tests and examinations to diagnose Lupus, a process that can take up to six years on average. However, early detection is crucial, and understanding the symptoms can empower you to take proactive steps towards diagnosis.

What Is Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by the body’s antibodies attacking healthy cells. It can affect any joint, tissue, or organ. The majority of Lupus diagnoses occur in women, with ninety percent of cases reported in individuals aged 15 to 44. However, the early signs and symptoms of Lupus can be challenging to detect due to their similarity to other conditions.

Lupus symptoms vary in severity and affect everyone differently.

Flare-ups are when symptoms get worse, while remission is when they improve for a period.

Keep reading to learn more about the early signs of Lupus and its symptoms.

Common Lupus Symptoms?

Unexplained Fever

Low-grade fever for no plain reason is an early sign of Lupus.

If you experience recurrent, unexplained low-grade fevers, it’s important to seek medical advice. These fevers could be a sign of inflammation, infection, or an impending Lupus flare-up. Early intervention is key to managing the symptoms of Lupus.

Hair Loss

Hair loss, such as thinning hair and bald spots on the scalp, are common symptoms of Lupus.

Lupus treatment usually results in renewed hair growth. However, hair loss in those areas may be permanent if you develop lesions on your scalp.

Skin Rash or Lesions

One of the most visible symptoms of Lupus is a butterfly-shaped (malar) rash that appears over the bridge of the nose and on both cheeks. According to the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), it affects 1 in 2 people with Lupus and may occur suddenly or appear after exposure to sunlight.

Fatigue

Up to 90% Trusted Source of people with Lupus experience some fatigue. Although an afternoon nap does the trick for some people, sleeping too much during the day can lead to insomnia at night.

Speak with a doctor if you experience fatigue that interrupts your everyday life. Some causes of fatigue can be treated.

Pulmonary Issues

Lupus may cause pleurisy, which is inflammation of the pleura. This is the tissue that protects and cushions your lungs. The most common symptom is severe, sharp chest pain when you:

Breathe
Laugh
Cough
Sneeze

Painful, Swollen Joints

Inflammation may cause pain, stiffness, and visible swelling in your joints, particularly in the morning. It may be mild at first and gradually become more apparent.

Arthritis
Tendinitis
Tendon laxity
Carpal tunnel syndrome

Like other symptoms of Lupus, joint problems can flare up and then go away.

Speak with a doctor about your painful, swollen joints. They can develop a proper treatment plan for you.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Some people with lupus experience occasional heartburn, acid reflux, or other gastrointestinal problems.

Raynaud’s Phenomenon

When exposed to cold or stress, the affected areas turn white or pale, blue, and sometimes black. When blood flow returns, the area turns red. Pain or tingling may also occur.

Other Early Symptoms Could Signs of Lupus Include But Are Not Limited To:

Other Early Lupus Symptoms:

swollen eyelids
swelling around one or both eyes
thick, scaly patches of skin anywhere on the body
discoloured spots
mouth sores
scaly rash on the skin that’s exposed to the sun.
enlarged lymph nodes.
osteoporosis
depression
anaemia
dizziness
seizures
sensitivity to sunlight

Early signs and symptoms of Lupus vary for each person and may affect different body parts. While new symptoms can appear, others often disappear.

If you have about four of these symptoms, your doctor will consider that you might have Lupus.

Diagnosing Lupus involves a combination of methods:

Physical examination: A rheumatologist will examine your joints, muscles, and connective tissues.
Medical history: Discuss your symptoms and family history of Lupus or autoimmune diseases.
Blood and urine tests: These help find specific markers associated with Lupus.
Imaging studies: MRI or ultrasound may be used.
Biopsy: A small sample of skin or kidney tissue is examined under a microscope.

Here are some questions that the Rheumatologist is likely to ask, so it would be helpful if you thought about them before visiting your doctor.

What makes your symptoms better or worse?
At what time of day are your symptoms the worst?
How are your symptoms affecting your daily life?
When did the symptoms begin?

The process of being diagnosed with Lupus can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are numerous resources and online communities available to provide support and guidance. These platforms can help you navigate the diagnosis process and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

For more resources, there are other communities, such as LUPUS UK, the only nationally registered charity supporting people with systemic Lupus and discoid Lupus and assisting those approaching diagnosis.

LUPUS UK regularly arranges medical talks, publishes local newsletters, sets up local occasions, and organizes fundraising events. It also produces an informative national magazine with lupus articles, letters, reports, and photographs and runs a Grant Programme for research purposes and welfare.

Disclaimer: The information and tips in this post are based on my experiences and are provided for general information and educational purposes to aid other Lupus warriors in finding their own coping mechanisms. They do not constitute medical advice for any specific medical condition or situation. This Wots Her Name Again? should not be used or relied upon to diagnose or treat a problem, disease, or medical condition.

It is important to note that only your licensed physician or healthcare professional can address your concerns and questions about lupus, its diagnosis and treatment.

Discover more about my journey with Lupus by checking out these insightful posts:

Disclaimer: The information and tips in this post are based on my personal journey with Lupus. They are shared for the specific purpose of educating and informing other Lupus warriors, helping them find their own coping mechanisms.

Please note that this is not medical advice for any specific condition or situation. Wots Her Name Again? should not be used or relied upon to diagnose or treat a problem, disease, or medical condition.

It is crucial to remember that your licensed physician or healthcare professional is the only one who can provide the necessary guidance and address your concerns and questions about Lupus, its diagnosis and treatment. Their expertise is invaluable.

Resources For Navigating Lupus

If you or a loved one is being diagnosed with Lupus and needs further assistance or information, these reliable and trusted resources can provide the help you need.

Lupus UK

Lupus UK is a voluntary organisation in the United Kingdom that plays a crucial role in providing information and support to individuals affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Lupus Trust

The Lupus Trust (previously the St Thomas Lupus Trust) was established to fund vital research into Lupus and provide information on the condition.

Hibbs Lupus Trust

A Personal Journey Turned into a Mission The Hibbs Lupus Trust, a registered charity founded in 2011 by the Hibbs family, was born from a personal journey with Lupus and a strong desire to create meaningful change.