Everyone that has lupus can experience different symptoms; it can affect nearly every organ within the body. Some people living with lupus may experience pains in their joints, whereas other may experience problems with their kidneys and skin rashes. Over time patients may notice that their symptoms evolve, either affecting them in different ways or becoming less severe or more severe.
As you may already know, lupus will usually come’s and go’s. When symptoms are at a high point and causing a lot of issues, this is referred to as flare up. When the symptoms improve and you start to feel better, this is called remission.
Here are some of the most common symptoms that our patients experience:
Joint and muscle pain – Lots of people that have lupus will experience some form of joint pain. In some cases, this can be caused by inflammation at the joints. The most common pain that people will experience is neck and back pain, leg and/or arm ache.
Fever – Fevers can be quite common for people with lupus. This can either be caused by an infection or inflammation. Treatment for lupus will usually help to keep this symptom under control.
Skins rashes – Many lupus patients will have heard of a butterfly rash. This is one of the most common skin symptoms that people with lupus will experience. Skin rashes can also be brought on by exposure to sun.
Chest pain – inflammation of the lining of the lungs can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing for a lot of patients that have lupus.
Hair loss – unfortunately lupus can cause hair loss for a lot of patients. This can either be bald patches or thinning of the hair.
Light sensitivity – Lots of patient will experience sensitivity to bright lights or sun light. This can cause skin rashes, fatigue, joint pain or fevers.
Kidney problems – around 50% of lupus patients will have some form of kidney problems. This is usually caused by inflammation of the organs. Symptoms include weight gain, swollen ankles, high blood pressure.
Extreme fatigue – Patients may feel tired even if they are well rested.
This article is intended to inform and give insight but not treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a doctor. Always seek medical advice with any questions regarding a medical condition.
