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Lupus
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Symptoms of Lupus
The signs and symptoms of lupus differ from person to person. Lupus symptoms also tend to come and go. Lupus is a disease of flares - the symptoms worsen and you feel ill - and remissions - the symptoms improve and you feel better. The disease can range from mild to life threatening. Even if lupus symptoms are mild, it is a serious disease that needs treatment. Lupus can harm your organs and put your life at risk if untreated.
Women who get lupus most often develop symptoms, and are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45. But the disease also can develop in childhood or later in life.
When lupus first sets in, symptoms such as fatigue and pain are often vague. They can be signs of so many other health problems, which can make diagnosis hard. The most common complaint people have is fatigue that is so severe it stops them from being able to function normally. This fatigue is often related to fibromyalgia. Fever, muscle and joint pain are also quite common.
Symptoms of Lupus Can Include:
- Vascular headaches
- Joint pain and stiffness, with or without swelling
- Muscle aches and pains
- Fever with no known cause
- Fatigue - Feeling very tired
- Arthritis
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Skin rashes
- Anemia (uh-NEE-me-uh) - too few red blood cells
- Trouble thinking, memory problems, confusion
- Kidney problems with no known cause - may include weight gain, swollen ankles, high blood pressure and decreased kidney function
- Chest pain when taking a deep breath
- Butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks
- Sun or light sensitivity - photosensitivity
- Hair loss - patchy or bald areas
- Epilepsy
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in the urine
- Nosebleed
- Purple or pale fingers or toes from cold or stress
- Abnormal Blood clots
- Severe headache
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Dizzy spells
- Eye disease - may include dry eyes, eye inflammation and rash on eyelids
- General discomfort, uneasiness or ill feeling
- Not able to judge reality
- Numbness and tingling
- Feeling sad - depression
- Psychological problems such as personality changes, paranoia, seeing things, mania, schizophrenia, psychosis
- Red spots on skin
- Seizures
- Sores in the mouth or nose (usually painless)
- Paralysis
- Stroke
- Skin color is patchy
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References:
1) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
February 2007
www.ninds.nih.gov
2) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
March 2009
www.womenshealth.gov
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