Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, commonly known as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body. In lupus, the immune system, which typically defends the body against infection, mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. This can lead to inflammation and damage in many areas of the body. The symptoms of lupus are highly variable and can differ significantly from person to person, making diagnosis challenging. Understanding these symptoms is the first step in managing this complex condition.
Common Symptoms of Lupus
Lupus can manifest with a wide array of symptoms, which may come and go, and new symptoms can emerge over time. The severity of symptoms also varies greatly, from mild to severe. Some individuals may experience only a few symptoms, while others may have many affecting multiple organ systems. Inflammation caused by lupus can impact joints, skin, kidneys, the linings of the heart and lungs, the brain, and blood cells, leading to the following common symptoms:
- Arthritis: Joint pain and swelling are frequent complaints among lupus patients. This arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in the morning.
- Fevers: Unexplained fevers are a common systemic symptom of lupus, indicating inflammation within the body.
- Fatigue: Persistent and overwhelming fatigue is a significant symptom for many individuals with lupus, impacting their daily activities and quality of life.
- Malar Rash (Butterfly Rash): A distinctive rash that appears across the cheeks and nose, resembling a butterfly, is a hallmark skin symptom of lupus.
- Scaly Rashes: Besides the malar rash, lupus can cause round, scaly rashes on various parts of the body.
- Sun Sensitivity (Photosensitivity): Individuals with lupus often experience increased sensitivity to sunlight, which can trigger skin rashes or worsen existing lupus symptoms.
- Hair Loss (Alopecia): Hair loss is another dermatological manifestation of lupus and can be distressing for those affected.
- Mouth and Nose Sores: Painless sores or ulcers can develop in the mouth or nose, most often on the roof of the mouth.
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Exposure to cold or stress can cause the fingers and toes to change color – turning white, blue, or red – due to reduced blood flow.
- Swollen Glands (Lymphadenopathy): Enlarged lymph nodes, or swollen glands, can occur in lupus as part of the inflammatory process.
- Swelling in Legs and Around Eyes (Edema): Fluid retention can lead to swelling, particularly in the legs, ankles, and around the eyes, often related to kidney involvement.
- Chest Pain (Pleurisy or Pericarditis): Inflammation of the linings around the lungs (pleurisy) or heart (pericarditis) can cause chest pain, especially when breathing deeply or lying down.
- Neurological Symptoms: Lupus can affect the brain and central nervous system, leading to headaches, dizziness, depression, confusion, or even seizures.
- Abdominal Pain: Gastrointestinal issues and abdominal pain can also be symptoms of lupus, although less common than other manifestations.
Lupus Impact on Organs
Beyond the general symptoms, lupus can cause inflammation and damage to specific organs, leading to more serious complications:
- Kidney Damage (Lupus Nephritis): Lupus can severely affect the kidneys, leading to lupus nephritis. This condition can impair kidney function and potentially progress to kidney failure if untreated.
- Neurological Issues: As mentioned, lupus can affect the brain and nervous system, resulting in seizures, memory problems, and cognitive dysfunction.
- Heart Problems: Lupus can affect the heart in various ways:
- Heart Valve Damage: Inflammation can damage heart valves, leading to scarring and impaired function.
- Pericarditis and Myocarditis: Inflammation can occur in the lining around the heart (pericarditis) or the heart muscle itself (myocarditis).
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) is another potential complication of lupus, which can affect blood flow to various organs.
- Blood Clots: Lupus can increase the risk of blood clots due to the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies.
- Low Blood Cell Counts: Lupus can cause a decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- Pleurisy: Inflammation of the tissue surrounding the lungs (pleurisy) can cause painful breathing.
Potential Cardiovascular Complications
People with lupus have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to chronic inflammation affecting the heart and blood vessels. This can lead to:
- Atherosclerosis: The buildup of plaque (fat and other substances) in the blood vessel walls can occur throughout the body.
- Coronary Artery Disease: Plaque buildup in the arteries supplying blood to the heart can restrict blood flow, potentially leading to heart attack if a blood clot forms or plaque ruptures.
Understanding the diverse symptoms and potential organ involvement in lupus is crucial for early diagnosis and management. Because lupus symptoms are so varied and can mimic other conditions, individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and care.
