Common Symptoms of Lupus
Many people with active lupus feel generally unwell and experience fever, weight loss, and fatigue. People with lupus also develop specific problems when the immune system attacks a particular organ or area of the body. Several areas of the body can be affected by lupus:
Your Skin
Skin problems are a common feature of lupus. Some people with lupus develop a red rash over their cheeks and the bridge of their nose, known as a "butterfly" or malar rash. Hair loss and mouth sores are also common. One particular type of lupus that generally affects only the skin is called discoid lupus. With this type of lupus, skin problems consist of large red, circular rashes that may scar. Skin rashes are usually aggravated by sunlight. A common lupus rash called subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is often worse after sun exposure and can affect the arms, legs, and torso. An uncommon but serious form of lupus rash results in the development of large blisters and is called a bullous lupus rash.
Your Joints
Arthritis is very common in people with lupus. There may be pain, with or without swelling. Stiffness and pain may be particularly evident in the morning. Arthritis may be a problem for only a few days or weeks, or may be a permanent feature of the disease. Fortunately, the arthritis is usually not crippling.
Your Kidneys
Kidney involvement in people with lupus can be life-threatening and may occur in up to half of those with lupus. Kidney problems are more common when someone also has other lupus symptoms, such as fatigue, arthritis, rash, fever, and weight loss. Less often, kidney disease may occur when there are no other symptoms of lupus present.
Your Blood
Blood involvement can occur with or without other symptoms. People with lupus may have dangerous reductions in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets (particles that help clot the blood). Sometimes, changes in blood counts, such as low red cell count (anemia), may cause fatigue, serious infections (low white cell count), or easy bruising or bleeding (low platelet count). Many patients do not have symptoms from low blood counts; however, it is important for people with lupus to have periodic blood tests to detect any problems.
Blood clots are more common in people with lupus. Clots often occur in the legs (deep venous thrombosis or DVT), lungs (pulmonary embolus or PE), and occasionally in the brain (stroke). Blood clots that develop in lupus patients may be associated with the production of antiphospholipid (APL) antibodies. These are abnormal proteins that may increase the tendency of the blood to clot. Blood can be tested for these antibodies.
Your Brain and Spinal Cord
Brain involvement is, fortunately, a rare problem in people with lupus. When present, it may cause confusion, depression, seizures, and possibly strokes. Involvement of the spinal cord (transverse myelitis) can cause numbness and weakness.
Your Heart and Lungs
Heart and lung involvement is often caused by inflammation of the covering of the heart (pericardium) and lungs (pleura). When these structures become inflamed, patients may develop chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and accumulation of fluid around the lungs (pleuritis or pleurisy) and heart (pericarditis). The heart valves and the lung tissue itself can also be affected by lupus, resulting in shortness of breath.