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
- poor appetite, and weight loss
- chest pain and coughing
- sensitivity to sunlight
- unexplained fatigue
- Raynaud's phenomenon: fingers or toes turn blue on exposure to cold,
then become red and warm as the blood flow returns to normal
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 mild with minimal 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.