Understanding the Early Signs of Lupus and What You Need to Know
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Imagine dealing with an unusual fever that won’t go away. Achy joints that make easy tasks painful and a strange rash across your face. It might be a touch of the flu. But days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months, but the fatigue remains, new symptoms appear, and the quality of your life starts falling. This is the reality for many individuals living with lupus, an autoimmune disease that can be hard to diagnose and even more difficult to manage. Lupus can have various symptoms. If you’re experiencing unexplained changes in your health, especially those involving fatigue, rashes, or joint pain, it’s vital to learn about the signs of lupus and take the first step toward finding answers and taking control of your health. Read on to explore everything you need to know about lupus and how it can impact your life.
What is Lupus?
Lupus is a condition where your body’s defense system, meant to protect you, falsely attacks healthy tissues and organs. This causes inflammation that can harm different parts of your body – joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, and even the brain, heart, and lungs.
Diagnosing this condition can be tricky, as signs of lupus often resemble other illnesses. One of the most noticeable signs of lupus is a rash on the face. Although, this rash doesn’t appear in every case.
Some people are born with a tendency to lupus, which may be activated by infections, specific medications, or even exposure to sunlight. While there’s currently no cure for lupus, treatments are available to manage its symptoms.
Lupus affects an estimated 5 million people across the globe, with 1.5 million of those cases occurring in the United States alone (as reported by the Lupus Foundation of America).
Causes of Lupus
Scientists haven’t found the exact cause of lupus. It stems from a mix of different factors.
- Environment: Research found that environmental elements such as smoking, stress, and coming into contact with toxins like silica dust might increase the chances of developing lupus.
- Genetics: Scientists have explored over 50 genes linked to signs of lupus. Having a close relative with the disease may increase your own risk.
- Hormones: Studies suggest that having unusual hormone levels, mainly higher estrogen, could be a significant factor in developing lupus.
- Medications: Long-term use of certain medications like hydralazine and quinidine has been associated with drug-induced lupus (DIL). Additionally, individuals on TNF blockers for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may also develop DIL. In rare scenarios, tetracyclines, often used for acne and rosacea, can also cause DIL.
It’s essential to note that you could develop lupus even if you haven’t experienced any of these possible triggers.
What are the Early Signs of Lupus?
Lupus affects different body systems. It can be tough to detect early on. Recognizing the possible warning signs of lupus is essential for getting a proper diagnosis and starting treatment.
Here are a few of the most common early signs of lupus:
- Consistent Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired, even after plenty of rest.
- Unusual Fever: A low-grade fever that lasts without an obvious cause.
- Joint Pain and Swelling: Pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints, especially in the hands, wrists, and knees.
- Butterfly-Shaped Rash: A unique red rash spreading across the cheeks and nose (often resembling a butterfly).
- Skin Sensitivity to Sunlight: Developing rashes, lesions, or discoloration on sun-exposed areas.
- Mouth Sores: Frequent sores in the mouth or on your nose.
- Hair Loss: Noticeable thinning of hair or patchy hair loss on the scalp.
Important Note: These signs of lupus don’t always mean you have lupus. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms. If you’re experiencing any of these, you must visit your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis of Lupus
Figuring out if someone has signs of lupus can be tricky. Symptoms can vary for everyone and may look like other health issues. This is why doctors can’t depend on a single test for the diagnosis process. Instead, they use a combination of things to get a clear idea:
Medical History: Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and if anyone in your family background has lupus or similar diseases. They’ll also perform a physical exam to look for signs of lupus, like rashes or joint swelling.
Blood and Urine Tests: These tests allow doctors to understand how well your organs work and check for signs of lupus. Some standard tests include:
- Complete Blood Count: Checks for anemia, low white blood cells, or low platelets, which can be linked with lupus.
- Antinuclear Antibody Test (ANA): Looks for a few antibodies made by an overactive immune system. Most people with lupus have these antibodies but having them doesn’t always mean you have lupus.
- Kidney and Liver Tests: Lupus might affect these organs.
- Urinalysis: Detects abnormal protein levels or blood in your urine, which could mean kidney issues related to lupus.
Imaging Tests: If your doctor thinks lupus may be affecting your heart or lungs, they may suggest:
- Chest X-ray: Creates images to look for inflammation or fluid in your lungs.
- Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to make a video of your heart beating, checking heart valves and function.
Biopsy In a few cases, doctors may need to test a small tissue sample from the kidney or skin to confirm a diagnosis of lupus and determine the best treatment.
FAQs
Can Lupus Go Away?
Unluckily, lupus is a chronic disease, meaning there’s no proper cure. However, with the correct treatment, you can experience periods of remission where signs disappear for a time. The main aim of the treatment is to manage symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and lower the risk of complications. Many people with lupus live long and fulfilling lives.
Can Lupus be Transmitted Sexually?
Absolutely not! Lupus is not contagious in any way, including sexually. You cannot catch it from someone or give it to someone else.
Lupus develops due to factors like genetics, hormones, and environment.
Can Lupus Cause Hemorrhoids?
Lupus doesn’t directly cause hemorrhoids, but it can increase the risk due to inflammation in blood vessels, medication side effects, and overall health problems associated with lupus.
Can Lupus Cause Headaches?
It’s important to know that headaches can be one of the signs of lupus. This can occur due to inflammation in your brain or blood vessels. This is called “lupus headache,” an increased chance of migraines or other lupus-related complications. If you’re experiencing frequent or severe headaches, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor to help determine the cause and explore treatment options.
Can I Prevent Lupus?
Since the exact cause of lupus remains unknown, prevention isn’t possible. If you have a family history of lupus, consult a healthcare provider to understand your risk. Limiting sun exposure may help manage symptoms for those already diagnosed.
When to See a Doctor?
If you or someone you might know is experiencing any of the above-mentioned signs of lupus, it’s crucial to visit your doctor right away. Remember, experiencing these symptoms doesn’t always mean you have lupus. Hence, getting professional help may help you understand your condition better. With rashes on your face or persistent fatigue, you may find it difficult to go out in the sun to book an appointment. This is where Cellmaflex can help! Register now for free and get access to a number of professionals while sitting and relaxing at your home.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information is strictly for informative purposes. It is not intended to be used in lieu of professional medical advice, inclusive of diagnosis or treatment. It is strongly advised that you seek a doctor’s medical advice on any treatment or medical condition that you learn about.
