Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage skin, joints and organs. People develop the disease when their immune system isn’t working properly. Immune systems fight off germs, viruses and bacteria, and our immune systems are supposed to produce antibodies. People with the disease have poor immune systems, and they don’t produce antibodies regularly.
The disease has many symptoms and signs. People who develop the disease may experience fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, dry eyes, chest pain, joint pain, stiffness, swelling, skin lesions, a rash, headaches, confusion, memory loss, dry mouth, anemia, hair loss, pain while breathing and sensitivity to light.
1. Dryness of Mouth
Dry mouth occurs when glands in your mouth that produce saliva aren’t working properly. Dry mouth has its own signs and symptoms such as cracked lips, gum irritation, bad breath, mouth sores, a dry, tough tongue, a burning feeling in the mouth, a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth or throat, and difficulty chewing, tasting, speaking or swallowing.
There are several ways to minimize dry mouth. Avoid sugar, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, coffee, tea, soda, acidic foods, spicy foods and salty foods. People who have dry mouth should drink plenty of water. Chewing on sugarless gum or hard candy will stimulate saliva glands. If these options don’t work, people should ask their doctor to prescribe medication that’ll stimulate more saliva.
2. Soreness in Muscles
It isn’t uncommon for people who have the disease to experience sore muscles. Sore muscles may be caused by inflammation. People who experience inflammation and pain may experience weakness and loss of strength.
Some people who have the disease may experience lupus arthritis. Lupus arthritis causes pain, stiffness, tenderness and warmth in joints. Fortunately, lupus arthritis isn’t as severe as rheumatoid arthritis.
Other people who have the disease may experience myositis. People who have myositis may experience inflammation of their skeletal muscles. This may cause weakness and loss of strength.
Other people with the disease may experience tendinitis and bursitis. People who develop tendinitis and bursitis will likely experience sore muscles.
3. Sharp Pain in Chest
Many people who have the disease will experience sharp pain in their chest. People who experience this symptom may have myocarditis. Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle. This can cause people to experience pain and a fast heartbeat. People often think that when they have this pain that they’re experiencing a heart attack or blood clot, but that’s often not the case.
The best treatment for myocarditis is treating the disease itself. People who have a mild case of myocarditis will usually see their condition improve without treatment. An antiviral medication may be prescribed by their doctor.
People who have a severe case of myocarditis may need other types of medications. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers may be prescribed.
4. Anemia
Anemia occurs when blood doesn’t move enough oxygen to the rest of your body. 50 percent of people whose disease is active experience this symptom. Fatigue is usually the first and most common symptom.
There are many reasons why people develop anemia. Treatment of this symptom will vary depending on its cause. Usually, people will have to take iron supplements to boost production of their red blood cells. People who have severe anemia may have to have blood transfusions, treatment to strengthen their immune system, corticosteroids and other medications.
5. Scaly Rashes
Approximately 66 percent of patients’ who have the disease experience scaly rashes. 40 to 70 percent of people who have the disease find that it worsens when they’re exposed to ultraviolet rays from sunlight or artificial light.
Some people may develop cutaneous lupus erythematosus. People who have this disease will have rashes or lesions on their body. Typically, they’ll appear on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the ears, neck, face, arms and legs.
There are three forms of cutaneous lupus. These three forms are chronic cutaneous lupus, subacute cutaneous lupus and acute cutaneous lupus. Other skin problems that are associated with lupus include calcinosis, cutaneous vasculitis lesions, Raynaud’s phenomenon, mucosal ulcerations, petechiae and livedo reticularis and palmar erythema.
6. Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common side effect for people who have the disease and the medications used to treat it. People who have widespread hair loss with no scarring will often see their hair grow back. If their hair loss is caused by a medication, they may have to wait until their disease is under control to treat this symptom. People who lose their hair because of medication will often see it grow back.
It’s important that people who experience this symptom seek treatment quickly. If there is too much damage to their skin, their hair may not be able grow back. People who experience discoid lesions and scarring will likely not see their hair grow back because of permanent damage.
7. Pain While Breathing
50 percent of people who have the disease will experience pain while they’re breathing. A common issue for people who have the disease is pleuritis. Pleuritis occurs when a membrane around the exterior of their lungs and the interior of their chest capacity becomes inflamed. Pleural effusion occurs when fluid between their lungs and their chest wall leaks out. This causes pain while breathing.
8. Blood in Urine
Nephritis occurs when the disease causes inflammation in kidneys. Nephritis usually develops within the first five years of the disease. People who are between the ages of 20 and 40 usually experience nephritis. The first symptom of nephritis is weight gain. Their urine may become foamy or turn red.
Approximately 60 percent of people will develop kidney complications. Kidney complications require treatment. There are many medications available that can treat it.
9. Swelling
Swelling is common for people. Inflammation can cause pain, stiffness and swelling. Swelling is usually visible in their joints during morning hours.
People who experience this symptom should take over-the-counter pain medications. If over-the-counter pain medications don’t help, they should see their doctor.
10. Sensitivity to Light
66 percent of people experience sensitivity to light. People who experience sensitivity to light may develop a skin rash that appears on their nose and cheeks after exposure to sunlight. People who experience sensitivity to light should try their best to avoid exposure to sunlight. People who can’t avoid exposure to sunlight should limit their time outdoors. Doctors’ recommend that they apply sunscreen and protect themselves with clothing.
