What are the symptoms of lupus
Different people experience different symptoms of lupus and these symptoms of lupus can vary from mild to severe observances with the capacity to deteriorate over time. The more common experienced symptoms include extreme fatigue, unexplained fever, swollen and painful joints (arthritis). The patient could also witness the so called malar or butterfly rash which is reddish and may be seen on the cheek or nose. These rashes may also be seen on the hands, chest, shoulders, upper arms, ears, face and any other part of the body that is exposed to the sun. Lupus makes the skin extra sensitive and exposure to sun can only have negative effects of the exposed skin.
Some more symptoms of lupus to look out for include purple fingers from cold and stress, mouth ulcers, anemia, hair loss, chest pain, seizures, confusion, depression, dizziness, and headaches. One can witness different symptoms at different times and new symptoms of lupus can still come up years after initial diagnosis. While some experience these symptoms in several parts of the body, some others witness it in just one part of the body. Below are some of the parts of the body that can be affected by lupus.
How Lupus affects different parts of your body
Kidneys: The effective disposal of waste products from the body can be affected by the inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis). This condition usually has little or no pain involved, although one’s urine can be darker and parts of the body such as fingers, ankles, eyes and legs can get swollen. Blood tests and abnormal urine is the only way to detect kidney complications. Serious diagnosis and treatment is needed whenever it is observed that lupus is affecting the kidney if permanent damage is to be avoided.
Lungs: Some patients with this condition, witness symptoms such as an inflammation of the lining of the chest cavity (pleutritis) and this can lead to severe chest pain. Pneumonia is another case that may affect lupus patients.
Central nervous system: The central nervous system and the brain can be attacked by lupus in some patients. Such patients experience signs such as seizures, stroke changes in behavior, vision problem, memory disturbances, dizziness, headaches etc.
Blood vessels: Vasculitis, a condition where blood vessels are inflamed and this disrupts the flow of blood all through the body. This inflammation may be severe such that immediate medical attention will be needed. Also, it could also be mild that it doesn’t require serious medical attention; it all varies from person to person. Lupus increases the risk of atherosclerosis in patients (hardening of the arteries).
Blood: Thrombocytonia, leucopenia and anemia are conditions that can arise from lupus, all having to do with blood cells. There is an increased risk of blood clot in lupus patients with a type of auto-antibody known as antiphospholipid.
Heart: Inflammations can occur in the hearts or its surrounding membrane in patients with lupus and this can lead to other symptoms such as chest pain. Endocarditis may harm the heart valves, resulting in the surface of the valve to thicken and extend growths and this can lead to heart murmurs. However, in most cases, the function of the valve is not affected.
For more information you can visit the Lupus Foudation of America
Rx Oasis can fill all your prescriptions to treat the symptoms of Lupus and associated condition. Contact us at 813-677-6000 for details.
