Fever is a common early sign of lupus, and lupus patients are more susceptible to infections. It can be difficult to distinguish between a lupus fever and a common fever, but paying attention to other symptoms can help. Lupus patients should monitor their temperature regularly and seek medical attention if their fever is above 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Infections can be dangerous for lupus patients, and they should stay hydrated during a fever.
Fever is one of the most common early signs of lupus. Individuals diagnosed with lupus sometimes experience lupus “flare-ups,” or periods when the disease gets worse; these flares may be accompanied by fever in addition to other symptoms. Lupus patients are also often more susceptible to infections, which are usually accompanied by fever. It is also typical for many lupus patients to regularly run temperatures that are a degree or two above normal.
Although fever can be an early indicator of lupus, it can be difficult for an undiagnosed patient to distinguish between a lupus fever and a common fever caused by the disease. In fact, the onset of lupus can feel very similar to a typical bout of the flu, a condition referred to as “flu-like syndrome.” These symptoms include muscle aches, joint pains, and fatigue. To differentiate between the flu and lupus, an individual should pay attention to other symptoms of lupus, such as weight loss or gain, hair loss, mouth sores, dry eyes, and bruising. A rash may also appear on the face and cover the nose and cheeks, and skin lesions or rashes typically get worse when exposed to sunlight.
The “normal” temperature varies from person to person, but the universal normal temperature for a healthy human being is approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). A fever is considered to be any temperature above 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit (about 37.5 degrees Celsius). Many patients have a chronic low-grade lupus fever, one or two degrees above normal, unaccompanied by the other usual symptoms of a lupus flare: rash, mouth sores, fatigue, or body aches.
Because it is common for patients to have a low-grade fever on a regular basis with lupus, it is important for an individual to understand what is “normal” for them by taking their temperature several times a day. A person with lupus should watch out for a fever whenever they feel unwell and should practice good hygiene to prevent infection. If a lupus fever greater than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38.9 degrees Celsius) is detected, the patient should see their doctor as soon as possible; high fever is a sign of infection. Other signs of infection include unusual pain, cramping, swelling, headache with neck stiffness, difficulty breathing, nausea and diarrhea.
Infection can be a significant problem for people with lupus, as many of the medications lupus patients take make them more vulnerable to infection. Such drugs include immunosuppressant drugs, corticosteroids, large amounts of aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Infections can come in many different forms, including urinary tract infection and respiratory infection. Any infection should be taken seriously, as it can result in death in lupus patients.
Regardless of the cause, lupus patients should make sure they drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration during a fever. While occasional or chronic low-grade fevers may be relatively harmless, any high fever with lupus should be a signal that it’s time to see a doctor before the condition gets worse. Dehydration can signal dangerous responses in the body for lupus patients.
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