Lupus

Lupus is one of many disorders of the immune system known as autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system turns against parts of the body it is designed to protect. This leads to inflammation and damage to various body tissues. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. Although people with the disease may have many different symptoms, some of the most common ones include extreme fatigue, painful or swollen joints (arthritis), unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems. Lupus is characterized by periods of illness, called flares, and periods of wellness, or remission.

While there are several different types of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the form of the disease that most people are referring to when they say "lupus." The word "systemic" means the disease can affect many parts of the body. The symptoms of SLE may be mild or serious. Although SLE usually first affects people between the ages of 15 and 45 years, it can occur in childhood or later in life as well. Lupus has a variety of symptoms. While there are many symptoms of lupus, few if any are specific to lupus. Thus careful diagnostic testing must be done to rule out other conditions before making a diagnosis of lupus.

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 (Reynaud's phenomenon)
• Sensitivity to the sun
• Swelling (edema) in legs or around eyes
• Mouth ulcers
• Swollen glands
• Extreme fatigue

There are many therapies outside of medication that can help successfully manage and control the symptoms of lupus. If you or someone you care about is suffering with lupus, chances are we can help. While there may not be a cure, with good symptoms control and supportive care for your body and the immune system it is possible to lead a more normal life.

Information courtesy of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)