Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It has a variety of symptoms and it affects each individual uniquely. Some people have severe symptom while others have only few mild ones.
Early lupus symptoms are similar to those of other health conditions and as result having them does not necessarily mean you have lupus. If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect you may have lupus you should always see a doctor for a correct diagnosis.
Hair Loss
Lupus can cause hair loss due to inflammation of the skin and scalp. Some even have thinning of eyebrows, eyelashes, beards and other body hair. Hair becomes ragged, feels brittle and breaks easily.
A successful lupus treatment can result in re-growth of the hair. However, hair loss may become permanent if lupus caused lesions on your scalp.
Skin Rash
Another typical early lupus symptom is the butterfly-shaped rash that appears on both cheeks and over the bridge of the nose. It can occur suddenly or appear after exposure to sunlight.
Lupus can also result in non-itchy lesions in other body parts and may even cause hives. Many patients are sensitive to sun or even artificial lighting with some experiencing discoloration of toes and fingers.
Pulmonary Issues
Research studies show that about 50% of people with SLE experience lung involvement during the course of their disease. There are 5 main types of lung problems that can occur in lupus:
- Pleuritis or pleurisy when the 2-layered membrane surrounding the lungs called pleura is affected by inflammation. People with pleuritis often experience pain when taking deep breaths due to inflammation creating more pressure on the lungs.
- Acute lupus pneumonitis affects up to10% of lupus patients and is a serious condition that progresses quickly. It requires an immediate attention and often is treated with immuno-suppressive drugs and corticosteroids. Common symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain and a dry cough that may bring up blood.
- Chronic (fibrotic) lupus pneumonitis develops gradually over years. Often people do not realize that they have it because they cannot connect the initial symptoms with lupus.
- Pulmonary hypertension can affect about 10% of people with lupus. It is a unique form of high blood pressure in which the blood vessel thickens and reduce the amount of blood that goes to the lungs. This effect creates a condition called hypoxia when you body’s tissues become deprived of oxigen.
- “Shrinking lung” syndrome creates a sense of breathlessness and reduced chest expansion.
Fatigue
According to research, about 90% of patients with lupus experience some level of fatigue. In most cases it is caused by complications and underlying medical problems such as fibromyalgia, thyroid issues, depression, anemia or a kidney problem. Sometimes fatigue is a side effect of medication.
Fever
One of early lupus symptoms is low grade fever without any apparent reason. Low grade fever could be a sign of inflammation, imminent flare-up or infection. It can be helpful to be aware of this fact and watch for a higher temperature because it can be an early indicator of a lupus flare up or active infection.
Kidney Inflammation
People with lupus may develop a kidney condition known as nephritis that makes it harder for kidney to filter waste and toxins from the blood. Signs associated with nephritis include high blood pressure and swelling in the lower legs and feet.
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, nephritis usually begins within 5 years of the start of lupus. Frequent urination, darker urine and blood in the urine are also common signs of nephritis to watch for.
Gastrointenstinal Problems
Patients with lupus usually complain of occasional heartburns, acid indigestion or other gastrointestinal issues.
Painful Swollen Joints
Lupus can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in your joints, especially in the morning. It may be mild at first, gradually becoming more visible. Joint problems come and go just as other lupus symptoms.
Thyroid Problems
Many patients with lupus also develops autoimmune thyroid disease. Your body metabolism is controlled by the thyroid gland that affects all bodily functions and vital organs including kidney, heart and lungs. Low thyroid function of hypothyroidism can result in weight gain, dry skin, dry hair and moodiness.
Dry Eyes And Mouth
Lupus may cause you have a dry mouth and gritty, dry eyes as well. This is because some patients develop another antoimmune disorder refered to as Sjogren’s Syndrome.
This disorder causes malfunctioning of the glands responsible for secreting tears and saliva. Women may also experience dryness of vagina. Doctors can give medications to increase saliva and tears secretion after they rule out lupus.
Other Symptoms
Other possible early lupus symptoms include chest pain, muscle pain, depression and osteoporosis. Other though more rare symptoms are seizures, anemia and dizziness. Interested to learn more about lupus symptoms? Check out this infographic that can help you to visualize systemic lupus symptoms and how lupus can affect your body
P.S. Suffer from lupus? A reputable supplement company is giving you a FREE bottle of high quality probiotic and a container of premium protein. It’s truly free, no strings attached. Get it HERE
