What Are the Symptoms of Lupus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation in various parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, and lungs. Symptoms vary widely between individuals and may come and go in episodes called flares. Recognizing these symptoms early is essential for timely diagnosis and effective management.

Common Symptoms of Lupus

According to the Arthritis Foundation and the American College of Rheumatology, lupus symptoms can affect multiple systems in the body. The most common include:

Joint and Muscle Pain: Pain, stiffness, or swelling in joints, particularly in the hands, wrists, and knees, is common. These symptoms often mimic arthritis and may affect both small and large joints.
Fatigue: Persistent, debilitating tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest affects nearly all lupus patients, significantly impacting daily life.
Skin Rashes: A hallmark symptom is the malar or “butterfly” rash, a red or purplish rash across the cheeks and nose. Other rashes may appear on sun-exposed areas like the arms, neck, or face, often triggered or worsened by sunlight (photosensitivity).
Fever: Unexplained low-grade fevers (above 100°F) are common during flares, often due to systemic inflammation.
Photosensitivity: Sensitivity to sunlight or ultraviolet light can cause or exacerbate rashes, joint pain, or other symptoms.
Hair Loss: Temporary thinning or patchy hair loss (alopecia) may occur during flares, often affecting the scalp or eyebrows.
Mouth or Nose Sores: Painless ulcers inside the mouth or nose are common and may persist for days or weeks.
Chest Pain: Inflammation of the lining around the lungs (pleuritis) or heart (pericarditis) can cause sharp chest pain, especially when taking deep breaths.
Kidney Involvement: Lupus nephritis, inflammation of the kidneys, may lead to swelling in the legs, feet, or face, high blood pressure, or changes in urination (e.g., blood or protein in urine).
Neurological Symptoms: Some patients experience headaches, memory problems (“lupus fog”), confusion, or, in rare cases, seizures.

Other Possible Symptoms

Lupus can affect nearly any organ, leading to additional symptoms such as:

Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Fingers or toes may turn white or blue in response to cold or stress due to blood vessel spasms.
Shortness of Breath: Lung inflammation or fluid buildup can make breathing difficult.
Dry Eyes or Vision Problems: Inflammation may affect the eyes, causing dryness, sensitivity, or blurred vision.
Blood Disorders: Anemia, low white blood cell counts, or increased risk of blood clots may occur.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Lupus symptoms can be vague and overlap with other conditions, making diagnosis challenging. If you experience persistent fatigue, joint pain, rashes, or unexplained symptoms, consult a rheumatologist. Diagnostic tests, such as blood tests for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) or kidney function tests, can help confirm lupus.

Managing Lupus Symptoms

While lupus is a lifelong condition, treatments like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, antimalarials (e.g., hydroxychloroquine), and immunosuppressants can help control symptoms and prevent flares. Lifestyle changes, such as using sunscreen, managing stress, and getting adequate rest, are also critical. The Arthritis Foundation emphasizes that regular follow-ups with a rheumatologist can help tailor a treatment plan to your needs.