10 Common Symptoms of Lupus That You Need to Know

10 Common Symptoms of Lupus That You Need to Know

Lupus, also known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect any part of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and heart. It is a complex disease that can present differently in each patient. While the symptoms of lupus can range from mild to severe, it is crucial to be aware of its common symptoms to get an early diagnosis and receive timely treatment. Here are ten common symptoms of lupus that you need to know:

1. Extreme Fatigue

One of the most common symptoms of lupus is excessive fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. This persistent tiredness can affect your ability to perform day-to-day activities and can be debilitating. The exact cause of lupus fatigue is unknown, but it may be due to inflammation, hormonal changes, or anemia.

2. Joint Pain and Stiffness

Lupus can cause joint pain and stiffness that moves from joint to joint and is often worse in the morning. This pain can be arthritis-like, with swelling and tenderness, and can limit mobility. Joint pain is prevalent in lupus and affects up to 90% of patients.

3. Skin Rashes

A butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose is a classic sign of lupus, but the disease can cause other skin rashes or lesions on any part of the body. These rashes can be itchy, scaly, or painful, and are usually aggravated by sunlight.

4. Chest Pain

Lupus can cause inflammation in the lining that surrounds your heart or lungs, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations. This inflammation, called pleuritis or pericarditis, can make it difficult to breathe or cause sharp chest pain when taking deep breaths.

5. Hair Loss

Hair loss or thinning is a common symptom of lupus that can be caused by the disease itself or by medications used to treat it. Hair loss in lupus is usually temporary and can grow back once the disease is brought under control.

6. Mouth Ulcers

Lupus can cause small sores or white patches on the inside of your mouth or nose. These ulcers can be painful and can recur frequently.

7. Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Raynaud’s is a condition that causes the blood vessels in your fingers and toes to narrow, leading to numbness, tingling, and discoloration in these areas. Lupus can trigger or worsen Raynaud’s, making it more severe or difficult to manage.

8. Fever and Weight Loss

Occasional episodes of fever, chills, and unexplained weight loss are common in lupus and can indicate disease activity. These symptoms may be due to an infection, inflammation, or hormonal changes caused by lupus.

9. Headaches

Lupus can cause various types of headaches, including migraines, tension headaches, and sinus headaches. These headaches can be severe and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound.

10. Cognitive Dysfunction

Lupus can affect your brain, leading to cognitive dysfunction or “lupus fog.” This symptom can include memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating, or trouble with tasks that require coordination or planning.

In conclusion, lupus is a complex disease with a wide range of symptoms that can affect many parts of the body. Getting an early diagnosis and starting treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent long-term damage. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or have a family history of lupus, talk to your doctor and get screened for lupus. Early detection can make a significant difference in your quality of life.