.png)
Signs and symptoms
Updated: Oct 4
Recognizing the Signs of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body.
One of the challenges of recognizing lupus is that there is no single pattern of symptoms. Symptoms can change over time, and periods when disease activity increases are often called flares.
Common Signs & Symptoms May Include:
Fatigue or unusual tiredness
Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
Muscle pain
Fever without an obvious cause
Skin rashes or sensitivity to sunlight
Hair loss
Mouth or nose sores
Muscle aches or pain
Swelling around the eyes, legs, or feet
Cold, numb, white, blue, or purple fingers or toes
Headaches or dizziness
Difficulty concentrating or memory changes
Chest discomfort
Other changes involving different organs
A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose is a well-known lupus symptom, but not everyone with lupus develops this rash.
And having one or more of these symptoms does not mean you have lupus. Many other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
When Lupus Affects the Organs
Lupus can affect the kidneys, heart, lungs, blood, and nervous system.
Kidney involvement, called lupus nephritis, may not cause obvious symptoms early on. This is one reason blood and urine monitoring can be important.
Know Your Personal Warning Signs
Symptoms may not always be present when you visit your healthcare provider. Consider keeping a record of when symptoms begin, how long they last, their severity, possible triggers, medications, and how they affect your daily life.
If something changes or concerns you, speak up.
Ask questions such as:
What could be causing these symptoms?
What testing may be appropriate?
Should lupus or another condition be considered?
What symptoms should I report?
Listen to your body. Track your symptoms. Ask questions. Stay engaged with your healthcare team.
Health Information Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not provide a diagnosis or replace professional medical advice. New, persistent, worsening, or concerning symptoms should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Comments