Signs and Symptoms of Lupus You Should not Ignore

Descriptions of Warning Warning Signs of liver Lupus:



Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means the body attacks its own cells and organs—including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys, and brain—because it can’t differentiate between foreign germs and viruses and healthy cells.



However, with the proper diagnosis, treatment plan, and management, lupus sufferers can reduce symptoms and live more comfortably. Here are the ten primary symptoms of lupus…



1, Skin Rash.

Skin rashes are very common in individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases. In the case of lupus, a type of rash known as a malar rash or a butterfly rash typically forms on the ears, arms, chest, and face. These rashes are particularly common in the cheeks and across the nose, and usually take the shape of a red, blotchy set of butterfly wings.



2, Oral & Nasal Lesions.

The large majority of lupus suffers report the painful development of sores or lesions inside the mouth or nose. The mouth sores are very similar to canker sores, which can make eating, drinking, and speaking very painful. In the case of sores located within the nostrils, breathing may become restricted, and the patient may experience pain and tenderness when coming in contact with the lesions.



3, Joint Inflammation.

One of the most common symptoms of lupus is pain and inflammation in the joints—particularly in the hands, legs, feet, ankles, hips, and knees.  Joint inflammation is typically one of the first signs of lupus, and a normally energetic person may suddenly suffer from extreme joint pain and weakness.  Of all the symptoms of lupus, this is the one that usually prompts people to visit their doctor to get a definitive diagnosis.



4, Photosensitivity.

As mentioned, lupus patients may develop blisters as the result of sun exposure, or have existing lesions and skin abnormalities flare up when they stay outside for prolonged periods of time on a sunny day. However, the photosensitivity associated with lupus and other autoimmune disorders can present itself in a variety of other ways.



5, Fever & Headache.

The more subtle symptoms of lupus are can be very troubling because they linger for longer periods of time and are more generalized. For instance, lupus sufferers regularly report feeling feverish and suffering from migraine headaches on an ongoing basis, but doctors fail to accurately identify the root cause, instead treating the symptoms in a manner which only provides temporary relief.



6, Chest Pain.

In severe cases, the pain and inflammation associated with lupus can become so pronounced and so serious that it can actually spread into major organs, such as the lungs. For example, chest pain can occur if the lungs become inflamed as the result of disrupted immune system function. The lungs will literally swell up, pressing against the rib cage and causing an ongoing ache.



7, Hair Loss.

Like many other autoimmune diseases and disorders, lupus can actually affect the normal development of body cell growth. One of the most visible way in which this symptom presents itself is through abnormalities in hair growth. Specifically, patients with lupus, and patients taking certain drugs for lupus, may experience inhibited hair growth, or a full-scale loss of hair.



8, Blue Fingers.

One of the more troubling symptoms of lupus is known as Raynaud’s phenomenon. This condition is caused by the occasional restriction of blood flow to the fingers, which in turn can cause the fingers to go numb and turn blue, since they aren’t receiving enough oxygenated blood. Then, a sudden rush of blood flows into the extremities, causing them to go flush.



9, Fatigue.

Lupus patients frequently report a draining feeling of fatigue and exhaustion, even if the disease has been diagnosed and is being treated. Doctors blame this on a wide range of factors; medical studies have shown that lupus interferes with energy levels in numerous ways. Ongoing symptoms can disrupt normal sleep patterns, leaving patients chronically under-rested and feeling tired throughout the day.



10, Kidney Problems.

In addition to affecting the lungs, heart, and brain, lupus can also afflict the kidneys, causing inflammation and dysfunction that make waste elimination difficult.  In fact, if toxins remain in the body and aren’t eliminated efficiently via urination, lupus patients can develop a wide range of urinary tract disturbances, including uncomfortable urination, urgent urination, and discoloration of the urine.