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By Louis Neipris, M.D., HealthAtoZ writer
Feeling tired, running a fever and having achy joints are usually signs of a cold or the flu. For nearly one and a half million Americans, though, these can be symptoms of a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition called lupus. Lupus is more common in women than in men, and usually affects people between the ages of 20 and 40. Two to three times as many African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans have lupus as others. It never really goes away for good.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body attacks its own healthy cells and tissue, including the skin, joints, brain, kidneys and heart. One case of lupus may involve a skin rash and arthritis, while another case may include stroke and kidney disease.
Diagnosis
Lupus can be mistaken for many other diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and blood disorders. About 30 percent of patients with lupus get a "butterfly" rash on the face. Common symptoms include:
- Facial ("butterfly") rash
- Rash that develops after being in the sun
- Red, raised patches
- Ulcers in mouth and nose (usually not painful)
- Swelling and pain in two or more joints
- Swelling of ankles or feet (caused by a kidney problem)
- Pain when taking a deep breath
- Fever, feeling tired
There is no single test to diagnose lupus. If your doctor thinks you might have lupus, laboratory tests may be needed to look for problems with your blood and organs.
- Blood tests can check for clotting, anemia, kidney involvement and immune system problems.
- A urine test can reveal kidney problems.
- Other blood tests can detect signs of the lupus antibody.
- A skin biopsy may be requested if you have a rash.
- Liver function tests can help in a diagnosis.
- A chest x-ray can show abnormalities of the lungs.
If you have lupus, tests will reveal abnormalities in several organ systems. The problems could involve the skin, joints, kidneys, membrane, blood, lungs or nervous system.
How is lupus treated?
Lupus can be treated successfully if it's caught early and watched closely. No single treatment works for everyone. People with mild lupus can manage the disease with lifestyle changes, like getting enough sleep and protecting themselves from the sun.
Lupus can also be treated with medication.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce fever and the symptoms of arthritis. Other drugs are used in people who don't respond to steroids or can't tolerate them.
- Corticosteroid medications, like prednisone, are used in more severe lupus cases.
- Drugs that are used to treat malaria can help with treating skin rashes, sun sensitivity and arthritis.
- Immunosuppresant drugs.
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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