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12 Must-know Early Signs of Lupus

Lupus is a long-term autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks tissues and organs, causing inflammation. It can affect any organ or tissue, including the joints, skin, brain, kidneys, lungs, heart, or blood cells. Depending on the severity, patients may suffer minor or life-threatening complications like organ damage. Lupus often shares its signs and symptoms with other illnesses, making it hard to detect. Those who experience the following discomforts should visit a doctor.

Skin or facial rash
Many lupus patients develop a face rash that spreads over both cheeks like a butterfly’s wings. The rash could develop before a flare-up or following sun exposure. One may also experience rashes on the bridge of their nose or other body parts.

Fatigue
Those with this condition often feel worn out or tired without any reason. Some recover energy by taking an afternoon nap, but sleeping during the day may cause insomnia. The best way to maintain energy levels is to build a healthy routine, take shorter naps, and remain moderately active throughout the day. If one experiences chronic fatigue without lifestyle changes, it is best to consult a doctor.

Sudden fever
Frequent and sudden low-grade fever, which may also be brought on by infection or inflammation, is an early sign of lupus. The person’s temperature may fluctuate between 98.5 °F (36.9 °C) and 101 °F (38.3 °C).

Hair loss
Hair thinning, ragged hair, and excessive hair fall due to scalp inflammation are common signs. The condition may also affect the beard, brows, eyelashes, and other body hair. Hair growth is often restored with lupus therapy, but lesions on the scalp may make it challenging to recover hair in particular regions.

Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
Lupus causes inflammation, which, in turn, stiffens and swells the joints. This symptom usually occurs in the morning and leads to pain. Patients who suffer from joint pain and swelling find it hard to perform physical activities, affecting their quality of life.

Kidney inflammation
A more severe symptom of lupus, kidney inflammation makes it difficult for the organ to filter toxins and waste from the blood. Some signs of kidney inflammation include loss of urine control, blood in the urine or darker urine, pain on the abdomen sides, high blood pressure, and swelling in the legs or feet. If left untreated, the condition may even lead to organ failure.

Skin lesions and discoloration
Lupus patients are sensitive to sunlight, so exposure to the sun may lead to sporadic hives or non-itchy lesions on the skin. One may also experience discoloration in their fingers and toes due to stress or cold.

Gastrointestinal problems
Lupus sufferers may face frequent acid reflux, heartburn, or other gastrointestinal issues that cause chest pain and shortness of breath. These flare-ups may subside by exercising portion control, eating anti-inflammatory foods, avoiding acidic and spicy foods, and cutting back on caffeine. Experts also recommend avoiding lying down immediately after a meal to control flares of gastrointestinal issues.

Thyroid problems
Lupus can lead to autoimmune thyroid disease, which primarily affects metabolism. An underactive thyroid may impact the functions of vital organs, including the brain, heart, kidneys, or liver, and may result in lower energy levels. One may also experience dry skin or moodiness.

Blood clots
Blood clots in the legs, lungs, or brain are more common in the advanced stages of lupus. Clots may occur due to the abnormal production of proteins called antiphospholipid antibodies.

Dry eyes and dry mouth
Dry, gritty eyes due to an accumulation of lymphocytes in the tear glands may be another symptom of lupus. One may also experience dry mouth or skin.

Confusion and memory problems
Headaches, difficulty remembering things, and confusion are common. The symptom is called “lupus fog” or “brain fog” and is often episodic, meaning it comes and goes over time.

Lupus shares its symptoms with many other ailments, like arthritis or anemia, so it is best to visit a healthcare professional, determine the cause, and get suitable treatment. Unfortunately, the early signs may be easily ignored since lupus patients often go through episodes of flare-ups and extended periods of remission. Moreover, each patient experiences the disease differently based on which body system is affected.

What causes lupus?
The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but experts have identified possible risk factors. These include high stress levels for a prolonged time, a family history of the disease, and external triggers like excessive heat or sunlight, viruses, and infections. The hormonal changes in women during their reproductive years are another risk factor. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, the disease is more prevalent among women between the ages of 15 and 44 or their childbearing years. Only about 15 percent of people under 18 suffer from lupus symptoms. This indicates that the female hormone estrogen might be associated with the condition, but the exact cause of it is unknown.

How is the condition diagnosed?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus, which affects the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. Regardless of the type, a lupus diagnosis is usually made using a combination of physical examination, symptom assessment, blood and urine tests, and imaging tests. Blood tests help determine the number of white and red blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin levels, which may drop when affected by lupus or kidney and liver disease. A urine test identifies specific proteins and red blood cells in the urine to diagnose kidney problems. ANA is an antibody test that checks a person’s immune function. Chest X-ray and echocardiogram are imaging tests that check heart and lung health. Biopsy or a sample tissue test of the kidney is another method to detect lupus.

There is no exact cure for lupus, but many treatments and home care remedies help manage and control lupus symptoms. Depending on the severity of the condition, a doctor may recommend a combination of oral and physical therapies, lifestyle changes, and food habits to minimize the impact of lupus on the patient’s life.

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