Lupus Symptoms – Symptoms and Causes

What Is Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own tissues. While no cure exists, several approaches can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.

Treatment typically involves:

• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and antimalarials may be prescribed, depending on symptoms and severity.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Sun protection, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate rest.
• Regular Monitoring: Blood tests and other assessments to track disease activity and medication effects.

Many patients benefit from a combination of treatments tailored to their specific symptoms.

Lupus affects various body systems, like joints, skin, and kidneys, so treatment usually involves coordination among different specialists.

Symptoms

Lupus impacts individuals in unique ways. Symptoms may appear quickly or slowly, ranging from mild to severe, and can come and go. Many people with lupus experience mild symptoms, with occasional flare-ups when symptoms worsen temporarily before improving.

Common symptoms include:

• Feeling tired most of the time
• Unexplained fever
• Pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints
• Skin rashes, especially on the face
• Skin problems that worsen in sunlight
• Fingers and toes turning white or blue when cold or stressed
• Trouble breathing
• Pain in the chest
• Dry eyes
• Headaches and memory problems

Butterfly Rash on the Face

A distinctive sign of lupus is a reddish rash, shaped like a butterfly, that spreads across both cheeks and the bridge of the nose. This rash often appears or becomes more noticeable after being in the sun.

Not everyone with lupus develops this facial rash, but when present, it helps doctors identify the condition. The rash may come and go during flare-ups and can range from mild to severe.

Some people might experience itching or discomfort with the rash, while others may not feel it at all.

When to See a Doctor

Contact your doctor if you notice these symptoms:

• Unexplained rash
• Frequent fevers
• Persistent aching
• Constant fatigue

These signs might indicate a condition that needs medical attention. Don’t delay seeking help if these symptoms persist.

Causes

This disease likely develops from a mix of genetic factors and environmental triggers.

Many people with lupus are genetically predisposed to the disease, especially when exposed to certain environmental factors. In most cases, however, the exact cause remains unknown.

Several potential triggers may lead to lupus development or flares:

• Sun Exposure: Sunlight can trigger skin lesions or internal symptoms in people susceptible to lupus.
• Infections: Various infections may initiate lupus symptoms or cause relapses.
• Medications: Certain drugs can induce lupus-like symptoms, including:
  • Some blood pressure medications
  • Anti-seizure drugs
  • Specific antibiotics

When medications cause lupus symptoms, the condition typically improves once the person stops taking the triggering drug. In rare instances, symptoms might continue even after discontinuing the medication.

Risk Factors

Several factors may raise your chances of developing lupus:

• Sex: Women get lupus more often than men.
• Age: Most diagnoses occur between ages 15–45, though it can affect people of any age.
• Race/Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans have higher rates of lupus.

Health Issues Related to Lupus

Lupus inflammation can damage multiple organs and systems in the body.

Kidney Problems

• Serious kidney damage may occur in lupus patients
• Kidney failure remains a leading cause of death among those with lupus

Brain and Nervous System Effects

• Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and vision issues
• Some patients experience seizures or strokes
• Memory problems and difficulty expressing thoughts are frequent complaints

Brain and Nervous System Effects

• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Higher risk of bleeding episodes
• Increased blood clotting risk
• Inflammation of blood vessels

Lung Involvement

• Inflammation of the chest cavity lining, causing painful breathing
• Possible lung bleeding
• Increased pneumonia risk

Heart Issues

• Inflammation can affect heart muscle, arteries, or the heart membrane
• There’s also a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.

Other Types of Complications

Living with lupus puts patients at higher risk for several additional health problems:

Infections

Lupus patients face greater infection risk. This is because both the disease itself and the medications used to treat it can weaken immune system function.

Cancer Risk

People with lupus have a slightly higher chance of developing certain cancers. However, this increased risk remains relatively small.

Bone Tissue Death

When blood supply to bones decreases, tiny fractures can form. Over time, this may lead to bone collapse. This condition is called avascular necrosis and can be very painful.

Pregnancy Risks

Women with lupus should be aware of:

• Higher miscarriage rates
• Increased high blood pressure during pregnancy
• Greater chance of early delivery

Healthcare providers usually recommend waiting at least six months of stable lupus before trying to conceive, to minimize risks.