Signs and Symptoms of Lupus
Author: Groshan Fabiola
Lupus is a disease that in many cases is characterized by the distinctive rash that once was thought to resemble a wolf bite. That's why the disease got the name lupus, the latin word for wolf. However, there are cases when the distinctive rash does not occur, and it was seen that there are not two cases of lupus exactly alike. Signs and symptoms can be permanent or temporary, mild or severe, or they can develop slowly or come suddenly.
Many of the persons with lupus have periods when the disease is getting worse- the so-called flares-, and after that, the disease improves, or even disappears for a while.
Usually, the most common signs and symptoms of lupus develop at intervals, rather than all at once.A skin problem often associated with the disease is a butterfly-shaped rash that develops across the cheeks and bridge of the nose, and this rash can be flat or raised and may be blotchy or completely red in the affected areas.
Some people develop a crusty, red, raised rash which is also called discoid rash on the face, neck, chest or scalp, is usually thick and scaly, may last for days or years and often leaves hypopigmented or hyperpigmented scars. There are other people that develop skin lesions which look at first like small pimples and can turn scaly and itchy and others have large, flat, itchy lesions with clear centers.
A lot of types of glomerulonephritis can appear because of lupus. Glomerulonephritis is a condition that affects the kidneys' ability to filter toxins, leading to kidney failure. In many cases kidney damage can appear without any warning signs or symptoms, but some of those with kidney problems may develop frothy or tea-colored urine, swelling in their ankles or lower legs, or high blood pressure.Arthritis is another sign of lupus. A lot of patients with lupus can develop joint pain, stiffness and swelling, mainly in their fingers, hands, wrists and knees. Lupus-associated arthritis usually isn't deforming, comes and goes quickly, and the pain can be severe during a flare.Lupus patients are very sensitive to sunlight, they develop rashes on sun-exposed skin. It was seen that lupus can cause also brain or central nervous system problems, like headaches, seizures, vision problems, dizziness, behavior changes or stroke.Lupus can also cause lung problems, like pleurisy, which is an inflammation of the chest cavity lining that can produce sharp stabbing chest pain, and also heart problems, mucosal ulcers, and blood vessels disorders.
There are also other signs and symptoms that can appear and are not specific to lupus.
Fatigue, which is an ongoing, extreme exhaustion that's usually not relieved by rest can appear, also there can show up an unexplained fever, Raynaud's phenomenon- a condition in which your fingers, toes, nose and ears turn pale and numb when exposed to cold temperatures-, digestive problems- like abdominal pain, weight loss nausea and vomiting-, hair loss, depression and swelling.
So if you want to find more about Lupus or more details about systemic lupus please follow this link http://www.lupus-guide.com
Tags: lupus, signs, signs lupus, signs of lupus, systemic lupus
what are the signs of lupus?
prefferably from someone who has it/knows someone with it.
but if not that’s ok too.
There are so many different symptoms of lupus and it can be very confusing to diagnose because the symptoms are so varied. I tested positive for Lupus a long time ago, but it never manifested. In order to be diagnosed with lupus you not only must test positive on the blood test, but there is a criteria that must be met to have at least 5 of the 12 symptoms. Each person with lupus has slightly different symptoms that can range from mild to severe and may come and go over time. However, some of the most common symptoms of lupus include painful or swollen joints (arthritis), unexplained fever, and extreme fatigue. A characteristic red skin rash (the so-called butterfly or malar rash) may appear across the nose and cheeks. Rashes may also occur on the face and ears, upper arms, shoulders, chest, and hands. Because many people with lupus are sensitive to sunlight (called photo-sensitivity), skin rashes often first develop or worsen after sun exposure.
As I said, I tested positive on the blood test, but it is very common to have a false positive.
What were your first signs of Lupus?
I havve red blotches under my eyes and my body
gets sore for no reason..esp my anckles and hips
is this a sign? im 31 and they are checking my
ANA levels
thanks
Personally, my first signs were rashes, fatigue, dizziness. I also have the sister to this disease, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome. So I have alot of blood, blood vessel and CNS stuff happening. I really hope this isn’t what you have.
Each person with lupus has slightly different symptoms that can range from mild to severe and may come and go over time. However, some of the most common symptoms of lupus include painful or swollen joints (arthritis), unexplained fever, and extreme fatigue. A characteristic red skin rash-the so-called butterfly or malar rash-may appear across the nose and cheeks. Rashes may also occur on the face and ears, upper arms, shoulders, chest, and hands. Because many people with lupus are sensitive to sunlight (called photosensitivity), skin rashes often first develop or worsen after sun exposure.
Common Symptoms of Lupus
-Painful or swollen joints and muscle pain
-Unexplained fever
-Red rashes, most commonly on the face
-Chest pain upon deep breathing
-Unusual loss of hair
-Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
-Sensitivity to the sun
-Swelling (edema) in legs or around eyes
-Mouth ulcers
-Swollen glands
-Extreme fatigue
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may come and go over time.
Other symptoms of lupus include chest pain, hair loss, anemia (a decrease in red blood cells), mouth ulcers, and pale or purple fingers and toes from cold and stress. Some people also experience headaches, dizziness, depression, confusion, or seizures. New symptoms may continue to appear years after the initial diagnosis, and different symptoms can occur at different times. In some people with lupus, only one system of the body, such as the skin or joints, is affected. Other people experience symptoms in many parts of their body. Just how seriously a body system is affected varies from person to person. The following systems in the body also can be affected by lupus.
-Kidneys: Inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis) can impair their ability to get rid of waste products and other toxins from the body effectively. There is usually no pain associated with kidney involvement, although some patients may notice swelling in their ankles. Most often, the only indication of kidney disease is an abnormal urine or blood test. Because the kidneys are so important to overall health, lupus affecting the kidneys generally requires intensive drug treatment to prevent permanent damage.
-Lungs: Some people with lupus develop pleuritis, an inflammation of the lining of the chest cavity that causes chest pain, particularly with breathing. Patients with lupus also may get pneumonia.
-Central nervous system: In some patients, lupus affects the brain or central nervous system. This can cause headaches, dizziness, memory disturbances, vision problems, seizures, stroke, or changes in behavior.
-Blood vessels: Blood vessels may become inflamed (vasculitis), affecting the way blood circulates through the body. The inflammation may be mild and may not require treatment or may be severe and require immediate attention.
-Blood: People with lupus may develop anemia, leukopenia (a decreased number of white blood cells), or thrombocytopenia (a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood, which assist in clotting). Some people with lupus may have an increased risk for blood clots.
-Heart: In some people with lupus, inflammation can occur in the heart itself (myocarditis and endocarditis) or the membrane that surrounds it (pericarditis), causing chest pains or other symptoms. Lupus can also increase the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Do you know of a teenager with Lupus and does Lupus have remissions?
I think my daughter’s in remission from some disease, but I’m not sure what. She has signs of Lupus and Sjogren’s. Do either of these go into remission for a time?
Hello..well the answer to your question is yes. Both of these diseases can go into remission. My wife suffers from both and has had periods of remission and active disease (currently she is in remission) She was diagnosed with both at 15. Her periods of remission have varied from as long as 4 years to as short as a couple of months. There are tests for both diseases and even if she is in remission she is able to be tested. What types of signs and symptoms is she presenting?
What are they signs of Lupus and what kind of test do they do to find out if you have it?
I went to the ER because I was having chest pain they did a bunch of test and said my heart was fine but I had some kind of inflammatory thing going on and then the doctor asked me if I had Lupus in my family and I have no idea what it is or anything and no we don’t. Could I have it? I’m making a follow up appointment with my doctor. Should I ask him to test me for Lupus? What do you think?
There is no test for lupus. A diagnosis of lupus is made based on a variety of lab tests, medical history, symptoms and after other diseases have been ruled out. It often takes years to get a diagnosis.
Inflammation of the lungs, pleurisy, is one of the symptoms of lupus. The ER doc was wise to mention it. I had repeated bouts of pleurisy and joint pain throughout my life. The docs dismissed it. In 2003, I ended up in hospital for 14 days where I was diagnosed. I was 51 at the time and had been having these problems since the age of 13!!!
Can anyone tell me some more signs of Lupus?
Hi, this was posted on our home page to help some of our patients that need support:
Basic Lupus Facts
“Typical” clinical features include:
- Fever, fatigue, and weight loss
- Arthritis involving multiple joints for several weeks
- Butterfly-shaped rash over the cheeks or other rashes
- Skin rash appearing in areas exposed to the sun
- Sores in the mouth or nose for more than a month
- Loss of hair, sometimes in spots or around the hairline
- Seizures, strokes and mental disorders
- Blood clots in different locations
- Miscarriages in some patients
- Blood or protein in the urine or tests that suggest poor kidney
function
- Low blood counts (anemia, low white blood cells or low platelets)
- Other symptoms include chest pain when the patient breathes deeply,
heartburn, abdominal pain and poor circulation to the fingers and
toes.
- All of these symptoms can develop gradually, making lupus hard to
diagnose.
© 2008 American College of Rheumatology
Lupus affects Asians, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, African
Americans, Hispanics, Latinos, and Native Americans
disproportionately.
Although it affects women nine times more than men in their child
bearing years, men are affected. Children are affected.
It is redundant of the previous poster, I know.
Another thing that you should know is to NEVER eat alfalfa.
A great book to read is called the “Lupus Book” by Dr. Daniel J. Wallace – It’s a great reference and easy read.
The blood TESTS (more than one) is the most indicative and important thing you should follow (sign) with regard to lupus. Always follow up with your Rheumatologist, keep up withyour meds and stay out of the sun. Even if your skin “seems” alright and you “seem” to be in remission, you need to always take care of yourself.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.