Rheumatologist Explains Why It’s So Hard to Diagnose Lupus

In this video from the Lupus Alliance of LIQ, rheumatologist Dr. Jenny Carbas-Vargas from the Overlook Medical Center talks about how complicated it is to diagnose lupus.

A lupus patient shares how her life has changed since her diagnosis. Find out more here. 

The symptoms of lupus vary and often mimic those of many other diseases, including other autoimmune diseases and connective tissue disorders. Dr. Cabas-Vargas explains that patients may experience symptoms of lupus for years before they realize something is wrong, so doctors will need to take a comprehensive medical history before they can diagnose.

Patients may need lab work and many different types of tests to reach a lupus diagnosis. In fact, it can take three to four years before doctors come to an accurate conclusion. Though Cabas-Vargas explains that researchers have identified certain biomarkers that now make it easier than ever before to diagnose lupus.

Discover some of the symptoms that could point to lupus.

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