Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

Condition Basics

What is lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body's natural defense system (immune system), Opens dialog attacks your body's healthy tissues instead of attacking only things like bacteria and viruses. This causes inflammation.

Some people with lupus have only mild symptoms. But the disease is lifelong and can become severe. Lupus may cause problems with your skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, nerves, or blood cells.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common and most serious type of lupus. But there are other types of lupus. They include discoid or cutaneous lupus, drug-induced systemic lupus, and neonatal lupus.

What causes it?

The exact cause of lupus isn't known. Experts believe that some people are born with certain genetic mutations that affect their immune systems and make them more likely to get lupus.

What are the symptoms?

Lupus symptoms vary widely, and they come and go. Common symptoms include feeling very tired and having joint pain or swelling (arthritis), Opens dialog, a fever, and a skin rash, Opens dialog. You may have mouth sores and hair loss. Over time, some people with lupus have problems with the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood cells, or nervous system, Opens dialog.

How is it diagnosed?

There is no single test for lupus. Your doctor will check for lupus by examining you, asking you questions about your symptoms and past health, and doing some blood and urine tests. He or she will check for certain criteria to help diagnose lupus. These criteria include the butterfly rash and joint swelling.

How is lupus treated?

Treatment for lupus may include antimalarial medicines to treat fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes, corticosteroid, Opens dialog cream for rashes, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for mild joint or muscle pain and fever. Corticosteroid pills may be prescribed if other medicines don't control your symptoms.

How can you manage it?

One of the goals of controlling mild to moderate lupus symptoms is to prevent flares. You can:

  • Get plenty of rest. Some people with lupus need up to 12 hours of sleep every night.
  • Avoid the sun. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when you are outside.
  • Exercise regularly to prevent fatigue and joint stiffness.
  • Pace yourself. Don't do too many activities.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Watch your symptoms. If they seem to be getting worse, take steps to control them. For example, if your fatigue, pain, or rash gets worse, it may be a sign of a flare.
  • Talk with your doctor about any vaccines you may need.

With good self-care, most people who have lupus can keep doing their regular daily activities.

Help your family and friends understand your limits and needs when your symptoms flare. Build a support system of family, friends, and health professionals.

Information about Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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