Symptoms and Complications
With lupus, symptoms may flare up every once in a while and then go away for a period of time. This symptom-free period is called remission.
Lupus may be mild or severe, and may result in a range of symptoms, such as:
- joint pain, swelling, and redness that comes and goes (the fingers and wrists are commonly affected)
- rashes, especially across the nose and cheeks, known as a "butterfly rash"
- fever
- weight loss
- chest pains due to inflammation of the coverings of the heart and lungs (serositis)
- coughing and breathing problems
- sensitivity to sunlight, which can sometimes occur even with the use of sunblock
- unexplained fatigue
- Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers or toes turn blue on exposure to cold, then white, then red and warm as the blood flow returns to normal)
- hair loss
- headaches
- disordered thinking or confusion
- labile emotions (unsteady and uncontrolled emotions or mood changes)
Complications of lupus may involve inflammation that can affect other areas of the body (such as the kidneys, central nervous system, and heart). If complications occur, they usually appear during the first few years after the initial diagnosis.
Kidney inflammation as a result of lupus is usually without symptoms at first, and unfortunately many people may not even notice it until the problem is advanced. Once it progresses, there may be other signs such as bloating, ankle swelling, and abnormal blood and urine tests. Ultimately, kidney failure may develop.
It is very important that people with lupus be monitored closely for signs of early kidney disease, such as protein and other abnormalities in the urine.
Lupus also commonly accelerates and worsens atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), so your doctor may also monitor for risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Your doctor may also advise you to not smoke. Treatment for atherosclerosis is very important.