11 Signs You Might Have Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that is very difficult to diagnose because of its myriad symptoms. Each lupus patient is treated differently according to appearance of symptoms and symptom severity. Here are some of the many signs and symptoms of lupus that doctors use to help establish if a patient has lupus or not, according to the Lupus Research Alliance. A person needs to have least four of the symptoms to be diagnosed with lupus.
A red rash spreading across the cheeks and over the bridge of the nose, usually shaped like a butterfly.
Read how skin diseases such as lupus may trigger neurological ills. Click here.
Raised patches of red on the skin with a lighter center and outer red rim. The patches can be found anywhere on the body, but they are usually on the face and scalp.
Researchers explore skin and oral manifestations in pediatric lupus. Read more here.
Lupus patients may find their skin is very sensitive to the sun’s UV rays. They may break out in a rash or experience more severe sunburn. Patients may feel more joint pain and an overall feeling of weakness or fatigue after sun exposure.
Wearable UV sensor may offer lupus patients a way of controlling symptoms. Read more here.
Ulcers in the nose or mouth (canker sores) are a common symptom of lupus.
Mouth ulcers in lupus may be caused by an altered genetic pathway. Read more here.
Lupus patients may experience pain, tenderness, or swelling in their joints. In come cases, they might have excess fluid (effusion) surrounding the joints.
Read columnist Bridget Gardiner’s lupus pain management experience here.
The lining of the heart and the lungs may become inflamed, causing either (or both) pericarditis and pleuritis.
Vitamin D supplements may help lupus patients avoid cardiovascular disease. Learn how here.
Lupus patients may suffer from seizures and convulsions. In rare cases, they may also experience psychosis.
Lupus patients with a history of psychosis may be at risk of seizures. Read more here.
Many patients will experience renal problems including urinary casts and or too much protein in their urine.
Blood disorders such as anemia, low platelet counts, or low white blood cell counts may be detected in lupus patients.
Listen to a lupus patient’s five tips for diagnosis. Click here.
Tests will be carried out on lupus patients to see if they possess various antibodies known to immunologic disorders. One of the tests is the Anti-Double Stranded DNA test.
Read about a new monoclonal antibody-drug in development for lupus here.
People with suspected lupus will be screened for anti-nuclear antibodies called ANAs.
Read how autoantibodies could help lupus patients here.
Lupus News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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