Recognizing lupus symptoms isn’t easy for the average person. Lupus symptoms are difficult to discern from other diseases. Symptoms of lupus may change as the disease progresses. Recognizing lupus symptoms involves making a connection between related symptoms. Diagnosing lupus is something best left to a licensed professional. Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate lupus.
Fatigue
The majority of lupus patients will feel week and tired. This symptom of lupus will persist even after a proper rest. A person with lupus may be unable to perform the simplest of tasks. Lupus can come and go. The patient may present symptoms of unusually extreme fatigue just prior to and during a lupus flare up.
Many lupus patients exhibit symptoms of skin rashes. Lupus skin rash is usually located on the face. This is a red rash that commonly appears across the bridge of the nose and on the cheeks. (See picture) Some patients will have a raised red or purple scaly rash on other parts of the body as well. Other skin rash symptoms of lupus might include crusty red sores, usually appearing on the arms.
Arthritis
Joint pain is a common symptom of lupus. Lupus patients almost always complain of sore achy joints and muscles. Some may dismiss this symptom if they have already been diagnosed with arthritis. With lupus, joint pain often duplicates itself. For instance if a joint on one hand is swollen and achy, the corresponding joint on the opposite hand will show the same symptoms.
Low grade fever
Low grade intermittent fever is a symptom of lupus. Fever may come and go with lupus flare ups. Some lupus patients have a constant low grade fever. Often this symptom of lupus is the first indication of the disease. Fever is always a sign of the body trying to fight off an illness or infection and should never be taken lightly.
Those suffering from lupus often find their symptoms worsening from sun exposure. This can also happen when exposed to other sources of ultraviolet light, such as tanning beds or daylight mimicking light bulbs. Light exposure may worsen rashes and other symptoms of lupus to cause a flare up of the disease, depending on the type of lupus the patient has.
Lupus symptoms may include episodes of hair loss. Lupus sufferers may notice more than the usual amount of hair in their brush or comb. They may even see occasional and sudden bald patches. The hair loss from lupus is not normally permanent but can be frightening. Sudden hair loss can be a sign of other serious conditions. This symptom should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Chest pain
Lupus symptoms can adversely impact the heart and other vital organs. Pay attention to any sudden pain in the left chest that migrates to the shoulder, back or arm. This type of overwhelming pain may indicate heart inflammation. Get to a doctor right away if you experience this life threatening symptom of lupus.
Swelling
Lupus is an inflammatory disease. As such, it will sometimes present swelling of the lymph nodes. Swelling under the arms and behind the ears on the neck may indicate lupus or other immune system diseases. Swelling of the ankles may also occur, due to the influence of lupus on the kidneys. Excess fluid build up in the hands and feet is the cause of this symptom.
Blood supply
One of the symptoms of lupus is known as Reynaud’s Phenomenon. The fingers and toes are cold to the touch due to inadequate blood supply. There may also be red or blue discoloration of the fingers and toes. Inflammation may also cause red or blue spots on the skin and under the nails. Anemia due to lack of red blood cells is another lupus symptom.
Mental problems often develop as symptoms of lupus. This is due the stress of dealing with lupus on a daily basis. Some lupus patients suffer from anxiety and mental confusion. Others may become severely depressed. Lupus sufferers can live a long life with this illness, however it is a life filled with medications and numerous symptoms. They may feel their life revolves around the disease.This stress can cause numerous mental difficulties.
Please Note: The author is not a licensed medical professional. This article is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
