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Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects joints, skin, and organs. Symptoms include joint pain, fatigue, rash, fever, and more serious complications like seizures and difficulty swallowing. Treatment aims to control symptoms, and regular check-ups are important. Women with lupus who want to become pregnant should consult their doctor.
Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus, is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that can have adverse effects on joints, skin, and various organs in the body. Symptoms vary widely among patients, but some common signs of lupus include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and a rash, particularly on the face. More serious complications such as seizures and difficulty swallowing may occur in some patients. There is no cure for lupus, so treatment aims to control individual symptoms. Lupus can be mild in some patients and severe enough to be life-threatening in others.
Joint pain and arthritis are the most common signs of lupus, with the majority of lupus patients having these symptoms. The joints in the hands, fingers and knees are most affected by lupus. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help with pain and inflammation in swollen joints. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications.
One of the hallmarks of lupus is a butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks. Although this rash is common among lupus patients, not everyone with lupus will get this rash. It is also possible for some patients to develop a more widespread rash. Sun exposure often makes the rash worse.
Unexplained fever and fatigue are often signs of lupus. Swollen glands are also common among lupus patients. Some patients may experience abdominal pain or periodic episodes of nausea or vomiting. As is the case with many of the signs of lupus, these symptoms can come and go without a predictable pattern.
Some of the more troublesome signs of lupus can include seizures, psychosis, or difficulty swallowing. Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the heart and lungs can occur, leading to improper functioning of these vital organs. Some lupus patients may also experience kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant with a donor kidney.
It is vitally important that any patient who has been diagnosed with lupus makes regular appointments with a doctor, even if the symptoms are mild. Regular physicals and lab tests can often detect new problems or complications early enough to prevent serious damage to a patient’s overall health. Any woman with lupus who is planning to become pregnant should discuss this with her doctor, as most doctors recommend stopping all medications a few months before trying to conceive. The pregnancy will then be considered high-risk due to the potential complications, even though most women with lupus will be able to safely carry a baby to term.
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