Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Clinical Signs and Symptoms

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by acute and chronic inflammation of various tissues of the body. Like other autoimmune diseases, lupus occurs when the body' own tissues attacked by its own immune system.

Symptoms of lupus can vary from one person to another, and may come and go. There are no total cure for lupus. The goal of treatment focused toward symptom relief to protect the vital organs of the body. Better see your doctor immediately if you suspect you have symptoms of lupus.

Here are some of the common clinical symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Fatigue

The feeling of tiredness will definitely affect our ability to do daily task. Being tired all the time with no clear reason is something to take noticed by. Sleeping is perhaps the easiest thing to do to fight off fatigue. Some people take an afternoon rest to keep their energy level up for the rest of the day. Remember, too much sleeping during the day might lead to insomnia at night.

Hair Loss

Alopecia is a medical terminology for hair loss. Hair becomes brittle and thins out slowly as a result of inflammation of the skin and scalp. Thinning of eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, and other body hair might happen in some people with lupus.

Skin Rash

Butterfly shaped rash is one of the visible symptoms you will see in people with lupus. Rash will appear suddenly upon exposure to the sun, or even artificial lighting.

Photosensitivity

Unusual sensitivity to sunlight.

Dryness of Mouth and Eyes

This happens because some patient with lupus develops Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that affect the glands responsible for saliva and tears.

Swollen and Painful Joints

This usually occurs in the joints of the fingers, hands, wrists, and knees due to inflammation. The symptoms can come and go, like other symptoms of lupus. There are over-the-counter medications to help you with this symptom.

Mouth and Nose Ulcers

Small, painful ulcerations of the oral and nasal mucosa.

Raynaud's Phenomenon

This develops from poor circulation. Finger changes in color to white or blue with exposure to cold.

Nephritis and Infection

Patient with lupus usually develops inflammation of the kidney. The inflammation will affect the kidney's ability to filter toxins and waste from the blood.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

There is occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, and other gastrointestinal problems. Some over-the-counter medications may give relief, or better see your doctor if none has been helpful. Avoiding caffeinated beverages and cutting down the meal size is just some of the ways to manage the symptoms. Nausea, sometimes with vomiting, and diarrhea are common to lupus patient as well.

Heart and Lung Problems

Pleuritis or pericarditis usually develop as a result of inflammation of the lining tissue around the heart or lungs. Lupus patient experiences chest pain upon breathing.

Cognitive Dysfunction

Patient with lupus might have difficulties with memory and reasoning.

Other symptoms include headache, seizure, and changes in mood.