What are the signs and symptoms of lupus?

The most common lupus symptoms (which are the same for men and women) are: Extreme fatigue (feeling tired all the time) Pain or swelling in the joints Swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes

When does a flare up in lupus occur?

A lupus “flare” or “flare up” is when your lupus symptoms worsen and you feel ill as a result. The formal definition of a flare is: A measurable increase in disease activity in one or more organ systems involving new or worse clinical signs and symptoms and/or lab measurements.

How are the symptoms of lupus like walking through water?

Flares are all-encompassing, growing from the deepest roots that weigh down my spirit and limbs like five to 10-pound weights. Each step is like walking through water. Nerves are loud. Like the sensation you get when you are standing next to the speakers at a rock or metal concert. Sometimes the lightest of touches hurt. My skin gets hot to touch.

What causes chest pain in people with lupus?

As mentioned in #14, pleuritic chest pain, or pain when you take a breath, is a common symptom among people with lupus. This type of chest pain may be due to costochondritis, inflammation of the cartilage that connects the rib to the sternum.

How is systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE ) diagnosed?

SLE is diagnosed by a health care provider using symptom assessments, physical examination, X-rays, and lab tests. SLE may be difficult to diagnose because its early signs and symptoms are not specific and can look like signs and symptoms of other diseases. 1 SLE may also be misdiagnosed if only a blood test is used for diagnosis.

What happens if Lupus is left untreated?

Different types of lupus can range from mild to severe to life-threatening. If you get diagnosed and treated early, you can still have a normal life. If left untreated, lupus can develop into complications and leads to death. Lupus affects different parts of the body, causing various symptoms. Symptoms of lupus can vary and change over time.