Toczeń
Objawy

Toczeń rumieniowaty układowy (SLE) to przewlekła choroba autoimmunologiczna o charakterze wielonarządowym, charakteryzująca się naprzemiennymi okresami zaostrzeń i remisji. Najczęstsze objawy to zmęczenie (50-90% pacjentów), bóle stawów i mięśni (około 90%), wysypki skórne, gorączka, nadwrażliwość na światło UV, utrata włosów oraz objawy ze strony nerek (nefropatia toczniowa u ~50% pacjentów w ciągu pierwszych 5 lat), układu sercowo-naczyniowego, oddechowego, nerwowego i krwiotwórczego. Nefropatia toczniowa manifestuje się białkomoczem, krwiomoczem, nadciśnieniem i obrzękami, a jej nieleczenie może prowadzić do niewydolności nerek. Zajęcie OUN (około 40% pacjentów) objawia się zaburzeniami poznawczymi, bólami głowy, drgawkami i psychozą. Choroba ma różne typy i przebieg, zależne od wieku, płci i pochodzenia etnicznego, z cięższym przebiegiem u dzieci, mężczyzn oraz osób pochodzenia afroamerykańskiego i latynoskiego.

Toczeń (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – SLE): Objawy i progresja choroby

Toczeń rumieniowaty układowy (SLE – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) to przewlekła choroba autoimmunologiczna, w której układ odpornościowy organizmu atakuje własne tkanki i narządy. Jest to zaburzenie wielonarządowe charakteryzujące się szerokim spektrum objawów klinicznych, których nasilenie i kombinacja różnią się znacząco u poszczególnych pacjentów12.

Ogólna charakterystyka przebiegu choroby

Toczeń ma charakter przewlekły z typowym przebiegiem w postaci okresów zaostrzeń (rzutów) i remisji. W trakcie zaostrzeń objawy mogą być na tyle nasilone, że wpływają na codzienne funkcjonowanie pacjenta. W okresach remisji objawy są łagodne lub całkowicie ustępują12.

Objawy zazwyczaj rozwijają się powoli. Początkowo pacjent może zauważyć jeden lub dwa symptomy, a wraz z upływem czasu mogą pojawiać się kolejne. Progresja choroby jest nieprzewidywalna – może przebiegać łagodnie z minimalnymi objawami lub gwałtownie rozwijać się do postaci zagrażającej życiu12.

Najczęstsze objawy tocznia

Najczęstsze objawy tocznia obejmują123:

  • Skrajne zmęczenie (uczucie stałego wyczerpania) – dotyczy 50-90% pacjentów i jest jednym z najbardziej charakterystycznych objawów12
  • Bóle stawów i mięśni – występują u około 90% pacjentów, najczęściej dotyczą drobnych stawów rąk, nadgarstków i kolan12
  • Wysypki skórne – szczególnie charakterystyczny rumień w kształcie motyla na policzkach i nosie12
  • Gorączka bez wyraźnej przyczyny1
  • Nadwrażliwość na światło słoneczne – ekspozycja na promieniowanie UV może nasilać wysypkę i inne objawy12
  • Utrata włosów1
  • Owrzodzenia jamy ustnej i nosa1
  • Bóle w klatce piersiowej, szczególnie podczas głębokiego oddychania12
  • Duszność1
  • Obrzęk węzłów chłonnych1
  • Obrzęki kończyn lub twarzy1
  • Zaburzenia funkcji poznawczych, w tym splątanie i problemy z pamięcią12
  • Tendencja do powstawania zakrzepów1

Progresja choroby i zajęcie narządów wewnętrznych

Toczeń może prowadzić do zapalenia i uszkodzenia różnych narządów i układów. Najczęściej dotyczy12:

Czynniki wpływające na progresję choroby

Dynamika progresji tocznia zależy od wielu czynników. Zidentyfikowano następujące czynniki, które mogą wpływać na przebieg choroby12:

  • Płeć – choroba jest 2-4 razy częstsza u kobiet, ale u mężczyzn przebiega zazwyczaj ciężej12
  • Wiek zachorowania – toczeń o późnym początku (po 50. roku życia) cechuje się mniej burzliwym początkiem, ale gorszym rokowaniem. Toczeń u dzieci ma zwykle cięższy przebieg niż u dorosłych12
  • Pochodzenie etniczne – choroba jest cięższa u osób pochodzenia afroamerykańskiego i latynoskiego12
  • Ekspozycja na promieniowanie UV – może wywoływać zaostrzenia1
  • Stres – może nasilać objawy i przyczyniać się do zaostrzeń12
  • Infekcje – mogą wyzwalać zaostrzenia1
  • Ciąża – może prowadzić do zaostrzenia choroby1
  • Niektóre leki – mogą indukować lub nasilać objawy tocznia1

Typy tocznia i ich przebieg

Istnieje kilka typów tocznia, które różnią się przebiegiem i zajęciem narządów12:

  • Toczeń układowy (SLE) – najczęstsza postać, stanowi około 70% przypadków. Dotyczy wielu narządów i układów1
  • Toczeń skórny (CLE) – ograniczony głównie do skóry, jednak u niektórych pacjentów może być wczesnym objawem rozwoju SLE12
  • Toczeń typu 1 – charakteryzuje się większą aktywnością układu immunologicznego, powoduje znaczne uszkodzenia narządów wewnętrznych12
  • Toczeń typu 2 – mniejsza aktywność immunologiczna i mniejsze uszkodzenia narządów, ale silniejszy ból, zmęczenie i bardziej stałe objawy12

Zaostrzenia i remisje

Toczeń charakteryzuje się naprzemiennymi okresami zaostrzeń i remisji12:

  • Zaostrzenia (rzuty) – okresy nasilenia objawów, mogą być łagodne do ciężkich. Mogą być wyzwalane przez ekspozycję na słońce, infekcje, stres, niektóre leki12
  • Remisje – okresy, gdy objawy są minimalne lub nieobecne. Mogą trwać miesiące lub lata12

Nierozpoznany lub nieleczony toczeń może prowadzić do poważnych powikłań, w tym niewydolności nerek, powikłań sercowo-naczyniowych, a w ciężkich przypadkach nawet do śmierci12.

Diagnostyka i trudności w rozpoznaniu

Diagnoza tocznia jest często trudna ze względu na różnorodność objawów i ich podobieństwo do innych chorób12. Czas od wystąpienia pierwszych objawów do postawienia diagnozy może wynosić od kilku miesięcy do kilku lat12.

Według badań, około 63% pacjentów z toczniem jest początkowo błędnie diagnozowanych, a ponad połowa z nich konsultuje się z co najmniej czterema różnymi specjalistami, zanim otrzyma prawidłowe rozpoznanie1.

Rokowanie i przewidywany przebieg choroby

Rokowanie w toczniu znacznie poprawiło się w ostatnich dekadach. Obecnie ponad 90% pacjentów przeżywa co najmniej 5 lat od diagnozy, a 80% przeżywa 15 lat12.

Szacuje się, że 10-15% pacjentów z toczniem umrze przedwcześnie z powodu powikłań choroby12. Główną przyczyną zgonów u pacjentów z toczniem są powikłania sercowo-naczyniowe wynikające z przyspieszonej miażdżycy12.

Pacjenci wymieniają ból (65%), zmiany stylu życia (61%) i problemy emocjonalne związane z toczniem (50%) jako najtrudniejsze aspekty radzenia sobie z chorobą1.

Znaczenie wczesnej diagnozy i leczenia

Wczesna diagnoza i rozpoczęcie leczenia mają kluczowe znaczenie dla poprawy rokowania i jakości życia pacjentów z toczniem12.

Głównym celem leczenia jest osiągnięcie remisji lub niskiej aktywności choroby, co zmniejsza ryzyko uszkodzenia narządów i poprawia funkcjonowanie pacjenta1.

Podstawą leczenia jest hydroksychlorochina, która może łagodzić objawy tocznia i spowalniać ich progresję1. W zależności od nasilenia objawów i zajęcia narządów stosuje się również glikokortykosteroidy, leki immunosupresyjne oraz nowsze terapie, takie jak voclosporin1.

Zajęcie narządowe w toczniu – szczegółowa charakterystyka

Zajęcie nerek – nefropatia toczniowa

Zajęcie nerek w przebiegu tocznia, określane jako nefropatia toczniowa (lupus nephritis), jest jednym z najpoważniejszych powikłań choroby12. Dotyka około 50% pacjentów z toczniem, zwykle w ciągu pierwszych 5 lat od wystąpienia objawów12.

Charakterystyczne objawy nefropatii toczniowej obejmują12:

  • Obrzęki twarzy, kończyn i jamy brzusznej spowodowane wyciekiem białka do moczu (białkomocz)
  • Krwiomocz
  • Nadciśnienie tętnicze
  • Zespół nerczycowy w ciężkich przypadkach
  • Ciemne i pieniste zabarwienie moczu
  • Przyrost masy ciała

W przypadku ciężkiego uszkodzenia nerek mogą również wystąpić świąd i kurcze mięśniowe1. Nieleczona nefropatia toczniowa może prowadzić do trwałego uszkodzenia nerek, niewydolności nerek wymagającej dializoterapii, a w skrajnych przypadkach przeszczepu nerki12.

Wczesne wykrycie i leczenie zmian nerkowych jest kluczowe dla zapobiegania nieodwracalnym uszkodzeniom1.

Zajęcie układu nerwowego

Zajęcie ośrodkowego układu nerwowego (OUN) występuje u około 40% pacjentów z toczniem, czasami określane jako neuropsychiatryczny toczeń (NPSLE)12. Objawy neurologiczne mogą być różnorodne i obejmują12:

  • Zaburzenia poznawcze, trudności z koncentracją, tzw. „mgła mózgowa”
  • Bóle głowy nieustępujące po lekach dostępnych bez recepty
  • Zaburzenia pamięci
  • Niepokój i depresja
  • Drgawki
  • Udar
  • Zaburzenia chodu
  • Zaburzenia ruchu
  • Drżenia
  • Psychoza
  • Zaburzenia widzenia
  • Osłabienie i drętwienie twarzy i/lub kończyn

Dysfunkcje poznawcze są często zgłaszane przez pacjentów z toczniem i mogą ulegać wahaniom z dnia na dzień1. Mogą być wynikiem bezpośredniego ataku tocznia na mózg, widocznego w badaniach obrazowych i współistniejącego z innymi objawami, takimi jak drgawki. Częściej jednak badanie mózgu jest prawidłowe, a funkcje poznawcze mogą ulegać pogorszeniu wraz z aktywnością choroby1.

Zajęcie układu sercowo-naczyniowego

Toczeń może wpływać na różne struktury układu sercowo-naczyniowego, co zwiększa ryzyko chorób serca12. Zajęcie serca może obejmować12:

  • Zapalenie osierdzia – najczęstsza forma zajęcia serca, powodująca ból w klatce piersiowej
  • Zapalenie mięśnia sercowego – może prowadzić do niewydolności serca
  • Zapalenie wsierdzia
  • Zapalenie tętnic wieńcowych (vasculitis) – może prowadzić do bólów dławicowych

Pacjenci z toczniem mają podwyższone ryzyko chorób układu krążenia, w tym choroby wieńcowej i miażdżycy12. Choroby układu sercowo-naczyniowego są główną przyczyną zgonów u pacjentów z toczniem12.

Zajęcie układu oddechowego

Około połowa pacjentów z toczniem doświadcza zajęcia płuc w przebiegu choroby1. Najczęstsze objawy ze strony układu oddechowego to12:

  • Zapalenie opłucnej (pleuritis) – powoduje ból podczas głębokiego oddychania
  • Wysięk opłucnowy
  • Śródmiąższowe zapalenie płuc
  • Nadciśnienie płucne
  • Zespół kurczących się płuc (shrinking lung syndrome)
  • Duszność

Zajęcie skóry

Zmiany skórne występują u około dwóch trzecich pacjentów z toczniem1. Najczęstsze objawy skórne obejmują12:

  • Rumień w kształcie motyla (malar rash) na policzkach i nosie – charakterystyczny objaw, występujący często po ekspozycji na słońce
  • Toczeń krążkowy (discoid lupus) – okrągłe, wyniosłe zmiany, najczęściej na twarzy, skórze głowy lub uszach, mogące prowadzić do trwałych blizn i wypadania włosów
  • Nadwrażliwość na światło słoneczne (fotosensytywność)
  • Owrzodzenia jamy ustnej i nosa
  • Utrata włosów (łysienie) – może być rozlana lub plackowata
  • Livedo reticularis – siatkowy wzór na skórze
  • Objaw Raynauda – palce stóp i dłoni stają się białe lub niebieskie w odpowiedzi na zimno lub stres

U osób o ciemniejszej karnacji długotrwałe zmiany tocznia krążkowego mogą pozostawiać przebarwienia, odbarwienia lub trwałe blizny1.

Zajęcie układu mięśniowo-szkieletowego

Bóle i zapalenie stawów występują u około 90% pacjentów z toczniem i często są pierwszymi objawami choroby12. Objawy ze strony układu mięśniowo-szkieletowego obejmują12:

  • Bóle stawów (artralgia) – najczęściej dotyczą drobnych stawów rąk, nadgarstków, łokci i kolan
  • Zapalenie stawów (arthritis) – może występować jako ostre zapalenie wielu stawów (ostra poliartropatia)
  • Bóle mięśniowe (mialgia) – występują powszechnie
  • Zapalenie mięśni (myositis) – rzadziej występujące, objawia się osłabieniem mięśni utrudniającym wstawanie i podnoszenie rąk
  • Rzadko – artropatia Jaccouda (deformacje stawów)

W przeciwieństwie do reumatoidalnego zapalenia stawów, zapalenie stawów w toczniu rzadziej prowadzi do trwałych uszkodzeń12.

Zajęcie układu krwiotwórczego

Zaburzenia hematologiczne są częste w toczniu i mogą obejmować12:

  • Niedokrwistość – występuje u około 50% dzieci z toczniem i jest częsta u dorosłych
  • Leukopenia (zmniejszenie liczby białych krwinek)
  • Małopłytkowość (zmniejszenie liczby płytek krwi) – może prowadzić do zwiększonego ryzyka krwawień
  • Zwiększone ryzyko zakrzepów
  • Zapalenie naczyń krwionośnych
  • Nadciśnienie tętnicze

Objawy ogólnoustrojowe

Oprócz objawów dotyczących konkretnych narządów, toczeń powoduje również objawy ogólnoustrojowe12:

  • Zmęczenie – jeden z najczęstszych objawów, dotyka niemal wszystkich pacjentów, może być wyniszczające i wpływać na jakość życia
  • Gorączka – często niewysoka (poniżej 38°C), może poprzedzać zaostrzenie choroby
  • Utrata masy ciała
  • Brak apetytu
  • Objawy grypopodobne
  • Poty nocne

Współwystępujące choroby i zespoły

U pacjentów z toczniem często występują dodatkowe choroby autoimmunologiczne i inne schorzenia123:

  • Zespół Sjögrena – powoduje suchość oczu i jamy ustnej, występuje u około 10% pacjentów z toczniem
  • Zespół Raynauda – występuje u około 20% pacjentów z toczniem
  • Zespół antyfosfolipidowy – zwiększa ryzyko zakrzepów
  • Choroby tarczycy – autoimmunologiczne choroby tarczycy są częste u pacjentów z toczniem
  • Osteoporoza – zwiększone ryzyko wynika zarówno z samej choroby, jak i stosowania glikokortykosteroidów
  • Zaburzenia psychiczne – depresja i lęk występują u około jednej trzeciej pacjentów
  • Zespoły nakładania – współwystępowanie tocznia z innymi chorobami tkanki łącznej, takimi jak twardzina, zapalenie wielomięśniowe, reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów

Progresja tocznia w różnych grupach pacjentów

Przebieg tocznia może różnić się w zależności od wieku, płci i przynależności etnicznej12:

Toczeń u dzieci

Toczeń u dzieci (cSLE) ma tendencję do cięższego przebiegu niż u dorosłych1. Dzieci z toczniem częściej doświadczają zajęcia ważnych narządów, szczególnie nerek i mózgu12. Najmłodsze dzieci należą zazwyczaj do najciężej chorych pacjentów z toczniem, głównie dlatego, że większość z nich ma również niedobór dopełniacza, co oznacza, że nie mają wystarczającej ilości określonych białek krwi odgrywających kluczową rolę w układzie odpornościowym1.

Toczeń u osób starszych

Toczeń o późnym początku (po 50. roku życia) ma tendencję do bardziej podstępnego początku, z mniejszym zajęciem głównych narządów i niższym stopniem aktywności choroby. Mimo to pacjenci ci mają gorsze rokowanie pod względem gromadzenia się uszkodzeń i śmiertelności1.

Różnice etniczne w przebiegu tocznia

Badania wskazują, że pacjenci z mniejszości etnicznych doświadczają bardziej gwałtownego początku choroby, cięższych objawów klinicznych i wyższego stopnia aktywności choroby w porównaniu z pacjentami rasy białej1. Te grupy również gromadzą więcej uszkodzeń w czasie i w szybszym tempie niż pacjenci rasy białej1.

Kobiety pochodzenia afroamerykańskiego są trzy razy bardziej narażone na zachorowanie na toczeń niż kobiety rasy białej1. Kobiety pochodzenia afroamerykańskiego i latynoskiego zwykle zachorują na toczeń w młodszym wieku i mają cięższe objawy, w tym problemy z nerkami, niż kobiety z innych grup1.

Różnice płciowe w przebiegu tocznia

Toczeń występuje od 2 do 4 razy częściej u kobiet, ale u mężczyzn przebieg choroby jest zwykle cięższy1. Niektóre objawy tocznia, takie jak niedokrwistość, zakrzepy krwi, uszkodzenia narządów lub drgawki, mają tendencję do cięższego przebiegu u mężczyzn1. Mężczyźni również częściej mają objawy dotykające wielu narządów1.

Typ tocznia Główne cechy Typowe objawy Przebieg i progresja
Toczeń układowy (SLE) Najczęstsza postać (70% przypadków)
Zajmuje wiele narządów i układów
Zmęczenie, bóle stawów, wysypka, gorączka, zajęcie narządów wewnętrznych Przewlekły przebieg z zaostrzeniami i remisjami
Możliwe uszkodzenie narządów
Toczeń skórny (CLE) Dotyczy głównie skóry
Może być wczesnym objawem SLE
Wysypki, w tym rumień w kształcie motyla, zmiany krążkowe, nadwrażliwość na słońce Może prowadzić do trwałych blizn i utraty włosów
U części pacjentów rozwija się SLE
Toczeń typu 1 Wysoka aktywność autoimmunologiczna
Znaczne uszkodzenia narządów
Nefropatia, rumień, zapalenie stawów, owrzodzenia, zapalenie opłucnej, wysypki, łysienie Możliwa remisja, ale z ciężkimi zaostrzeniami
Wysokie ryzyko uszkodzenia narządów
Toczeń typu 2 Niższa aktywność autoimmunologiczna
Mniejsze uszkodzenia narządów
Depresja, zmęczenie, zaburzenia pamięci, lęk, zaburzenia snu, mgła mózgowa, ból Objawy bardziej stałe ale mniej intensywne
Znaczący wpływ na codzienne funkcjonowanie
Toczeń dziecięcy (cSLE) Początek przed 18 r.ż.
Cięższy przebieg niż u dorosłych
Zajęcie nerek i OUN, wysypka, bóle stawów, gorączka, zmęczenie Szybsza progresja choroby
Wyższe ryzyko uszkodzenia narządów
Toczeń o późnym początku Początek po 50 r.ż.
Podstępny początek
Mniejsze zajęcie narządów, łagodniejsze objawy ogólne Gorsze rokowanie mimo łagodniejszych objawów
Wyższa śmiertelność

Monitorowanie i jakość życia z toczniem

Toczeń jest chorobą przewlekłą, wymagającą regularnego monitorowania i odpowiedniego postępowania terapeutycznego12.

Pacjenci z toczniem powinni regularnie odwiedzać swojego lekarza, aby śledzić zmiany w objawach i dostosowywać leczenie1. Szczególnie ważne jest monitorowanie funkcji nerek, serca i płuc oraz układu nerwowego12.

Obecnie nie istnieje lekarstwo na toczeń, ale odpowiednie leczenie może kontrolować objawy i zapobiegać uszkodzeniom narządów12. Celem terapii jest osiągnięcie remisji lub niskiej aktywności choroby1.

Jakość życia pacjentów z toczniem może być znacząco upośledzona przez objawy takie jak zmęczenie, ból, zaburzenia poznawcze i skutki uboczne leków12. Wsparcie społeczne zostało zidentyfikowane jako czynnik modulujący aktywność choroby, gromadzenie uszkodzeń, a nawet funkcjonowanie1.

Wczesna diagnoza, odpowiednie leczenie i pewne dostosowania stylu życia oznaczają, że większość osób z toczniem czuje się dobrze i cieszy się dobrą jakością życia1. Mimo to toczeń pozostaje złożoną chorobą, która wymaga kompleksowego podejścia do opieki i leczenia12.

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

  1. 11.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Lupus – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupus
    Lupus, formally called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in many parts of the body. Symptoms vary among people and may be mild to severe. Common symptoms include painful and swollen joints, fever, chest pain, hair loss, mouth ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, feeling tired, and a red rash which is most commonly on the face. Often there are periods of illness, called flares, and periods of remission during which there are few symptoms. […] The cause of SLE is not clear. It is thought to involve a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Among identical twins, if one is affected there is a 24% chance the other one will also develop the disease. […] Diagnosis can be difficult and is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory tests.
  • #1 Lupus: Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4875-lupus
    Lupus causes symptoms throughout your body. Everyone experiences a different combination and severity of symptoms. […] Lupus symptoms usually come and go in waves called flare-ups. During a flare-up, the symptoms can be severe enough to affect your daily routine. You might also have periods of remission when you have mild or no symptoms. […] Symptoms usually develop slowly. You might notice one or two signs of lupus at first, and then more or different symptoms later on. The most common symptoms include: Joint pain, muscle pain or chest pain (especially when you’re taking a deep breath). Headaches. Rashes (it’s common to have a rash across your face that providers sometimes call a butterfly rash). Fever. Hair loss. Mouth sores. Fatigue (feeling tired all the time). Shortness of breath (dyspnea). Swollen glands. Swelling in your arms, legs or on your face. Confusion. Blood clots.
  • #1 Lupus Symptoms – What is Lupus | Lupus Research Alliance
    https://www.lupusresearch.org/about-lupus/what-is-lupus/lupus-symptoms/
    The most common symptoms of lupus are extreme fatigue, skin rashes, joint pain and unexplained fevers. […] Approximately 50%90% of people with lupus identify fatigue as one of their primary symptoms. The severe fatigue of lupus seems to be caused by many factors, including disease activity, anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, vitamin D deficiency and low levels of exercise. […] About half of people with lupus experience a characteristic red malar rash or color change that may appear across the cheeks and bridge of the nose in the shape of a butterfly. […] Because many people with lupus are sensitive to sunlight (called photosensitivity), skin rashes often first develop or worsen after being out in the sun. […] Up to 90% of people with lupus will have arthritis, which is defined as inflammation or swelling of the joint lining. […] Most people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience unexplained fevers (temperatures over 100F (37.8C).
  • #1 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone-joint-and-muscle-disorders/systemic-rheumatic-diseases/systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle
    Symptoms of lupus vary greatly from person to person. Symptoms may begin suddenly with fever, resembling a sudden infection. Or symptoms may develop gradually over months or years with episodes (called flare-ups) of fever, feeling unwell, or any of the symptoms discussed below alternating with periods when symptoms are absent or minimal. Most people with lupus have mild symptoms affecting mostly the skin and joints. However, symptoms may affect any organ system. […] Joint symptoms, ranging from intermittent joint pains (arthralgias) to sudden inflammation of multiple joints (acute polyarthritis), occur in approximately 90% of people and may exist for years before other symptoms appear. In long-standing disease, marked joint looseness and deformity called Jaccoud arthritis or Jaccoud arthropathy may occur, but it is rare. However, most polyarthritis is intermittent and usually does not damage the joints.
  • #1 20 Signs of Lupus in Women – BuzzRx
    https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/20-signs-of-lupus-in-women
    Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks different body systems or parts such as skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, and the central nervous system. […] The biggest indicators of lupus are a butterfly rash on the bridge of the nose and the cheeks, unexplained fever, fatigue, hair loss, sun sensitivity, skin rash, painful and swollen joints, and kidney problems. […] Symptoms vary from person to person. However, one of the biggest indicators in lupus patients is a malar rash (butterfly rash) on the bridge of the nose and the cheeks. This early sign can be accompanied by unexplained fever, fatigue, hair loss, sun sensitivity, skin rash, painful and swollen joints, and kidney problems. […] Common symptoms and signs of lupus include: Fatigue, Fever, Swollen and painful joints, Skin rashes, including a butterfly rash on the face, Sun sensitivity (skin lesions that are worse with sun exposure), Hair loss, Kidney problems.
  • #1 Lupus: What Is It, Symptoms, Treatment, Rash, and More
    https://www.healthline.com/health/lupus
    Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease. It can cause many different symptoms, including fever, fatigue, rashes, body aches, and confusion. […] Many people with lupus experience a mild version of it, but it can become severe without proper treatment. Currently, theres no known cure for lupus, so treatment focuses on easing symptoms and reducing inflammation. […] The most common symptoms and signs include: high fever, fatigue, body aches, inflammation, joint pain, rashes, including a butterfly rash on the face, skin lesions, shortness of breath, Sjgrens syndrome, which includes chronic dry eyes and dry mouth, pericarditis and pleuritis, which both can cause chest pain, headaches, confusion, memory loss. […] Symptoms may: be constant, disappear suddenly, flare up occasionally. […] Some people with lupus may find that exposure to sunlight triggers certain symptoms. These can include: rashes, fatigue, joint pain, internal swelling. […] Skin rashes are a common symptom of lupus that many people experience. Rash typically occurs after sun exposure. According to a 2019 review, it often presents as a butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
  • #1 Lupus | Lupus Symptoms | SLE | MedlinePlus
    https://medlineplus.gov/lupus.html
    Lupus can have many symptoms, and they differ from person to person. Some of the more common ones are: […] Symptoms may come and go. When you are having symptoms, it is called a flare. Flares can range from mild to severe. New symptoms may appear at any time. […] Lupus causes inflammation throughout your body. This can cause problems in your organs, including: […] Some people with lupus may be more likely to develop other conditions, such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and atherosclerosis.
  • #1 Lupus Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment | HSS Rheumatology
    https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_lupus.asp
    Each person with lupus will likely have their own, specific patterns of symptoms and flares. These patterns may change over time, however. […] A doctor may suspect a person has lupus if they display some of the classic signs, such as recurring rashes and fevers. […] In cases where these more obvious symptoms are absent, the diagnosis may be less overt. For example, a patient may experience only mild forms of some of the classic symptoms, such as fatigue and swollen lymph nodes, and not seek medical attention until a serious complication occurs, such as pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart). […] About one-third of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (but not those with cutaneous, drug-induced, or neonatal lupus) develop kidney disease, known as lupus nephritis.
  • #1 10 Early Signs of Lupus: How to Identify Them
    https://www.healthline.com/health/lupus/early-signs
    Up to 90% of people with lupus experience some level of fatigue. […] Lupus may cause pleurisy, which is inflammation of the pleura. […] Inflammation may cause pain, stiffness, and visible swelling in your joints, particularly in the morning. […] Like other symptoms of lupus, joint problems can flare up and then go away. […] Early signs and symptoms of lupus vary for each person and may affect different parts of the body. While new symptoms can appear, others often disappear.
  • #1 Lupus Symptoms
    https://lupusnewstoday.com/lupus-symptoms/
    Lupus commonly causes muscle pain, or myalgia. Less commonly, it can cause muscle inflammation — myositis — which typically manifests as muscle weakness that can make it hard for patients to stand up or raise their arms. […] In about 40% of people with the disorder, lupus affects the central nervous system, comprised of the brain and spinal cord. This is sometimes called neuropsychiatric lupus, and symptoms may include: confusion and difficulty concentrating, sometimes called brain fog; memory issues; headaches; anxiety; depression; seizures; stroke; psychosis, which can include hallucinations and/or delusions. […] Around half of lupus patients experience some form of lung involvement over the course of their illness. […] Lupus also may cause inflammation in the heart and surrounding tissues, causing symptoms such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and abnormal fluid buildup that can cause swelling.
  • #1 Lupus Symptoms
    https://lupusnewstoday.com/lupus-symptoms/
    Blood-related abnormalities that can occur in people with lupus include: high blood pressure; increased risk of blood clotting; a buildup of plaque in the arteries; low levels of red blood cells; low levels of white blood cells; low levels of platelets; blood vessel inflammation. […] Lupus may cause inflammation in various digestive organs, giving rise to problems related to digestion. […] Fatigue — persistent feelings of tiredness and low energy, even when well-rested — is one of the most common symptoms of lupus. The inflammation that drives lupus also can result in fever. […] A flare, also called a flare-up or relapse, is a sudden worsening of lupus symptoms caused by increased activity of the autoimmune attack that drives the disease. Flares are usually followed by periods of remission, where symptoms ease or go away completely.
  • #1 Lupus (SLE) | Causes, symptoms, treatment | Versus Arthritis
    https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/lupus-sle/
    Less frequently, lupus can affect the lining tissue of the gut, the gut itself, pancreas, liver or spleen, all of which can cause pain in the stomach. […] Very rarely, lupus can cause a painful red eye or changes in your eyesight. […] A condition known as Sjögren’s syndrome, which causes severe dryness of the eyes and mouth, is more common among people with lupus. […] Less commonly, people with lupus can have the inflammatory type of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis, or a condition known as myositis, which is inflammation of the muscles.
  • #1 Lupus – diagnosis, treatment, symptoms and causes | healthdirect
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/lupus
    Lupus can lead to various complications. It may affect major organs, mental health and overall immune function. […] People with lupus may develop organ damage especially to the kidneys, heart and lungs, blood disorders such as anaemia, high blood pressure or blood clots, mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, nervous system complications such as seizures or vision problems, infections, osteoporosis, and pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, preterm labour and an increased risk of miscarriage.
  • #1 Understanding the Epidemiology and Progression of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2813992/
    This review examines the burden and patterns of disease in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the influence and interactions of gender, ethnicity, age, and psychosocial attributes with respect to disease progression, focusing on issues relevant to clinical practice and research. […] The disease is 2 to 4 times more frequent, and more severe, among nonwhite populations around the world and tends to be more severe in men and in pediatric and late-onset lupus. […] SLE patients now experience a higher than 90% survival rate at 5 years. […] Discordance between physician and patient ratings of disease activity may affect quality of care. […] Minority patients by and large have more abrupt disease onset, more severe clinical manifestations, and higher degrees of disease activity compared with white SLE patients.
  • #1 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
    https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/autoimmunity/systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle
    Lupus is an unpredictable disease. For some people, symptoms will subside after treatment of the initial acute attack. Others may experience periods of improvement (remission), followed by brief flares of disease symptoms. […] Symptom flare ups may be caused by: Hormones, Certain types of medication, Chemicals, Viral and bacterial infections, Exposure to UV light (sun exposure), Dietary factors, Stress, Pregnancy. […] There is currently no cure for lupus, but there are effective medications that will bring the disease under control, often permanently. The outlook for most people with lupus is good. […] Early detection, effective treatment and some lifestyle adjustments mean most people with lupus feel well and enjoy good quality of life.
  • #1 The Connection Between Lupus and Stress – iProcess
    https://iprocess.net/is-there-a-connection-between-lupus-and-stress/
    Lupus occurs when the immune system, which usually protects the body from infections and diseases, mistakenly attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation and, in severe cases, tissue damage. […] The range of lupus symptoms can vary greatly and typically affect different body systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and fever, though their manifestation and severity differ from person to person. […] Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness practices, exercise, and counseling, can be beneficial for managing lupus symptoms and improving overall well-being. […] Living with lupus can be stressful, and this stress may contribute to the worsening of symptoms. […] Research suggests that people with lupus have higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to those without the disease.
  • #1 Lupus: Causes, symptoms, and research
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323653
    Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. It can cause a wide range of symptoms throughout the body. […] Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type, and people often use the term lupus to refer to SLE. However, there are other types, depending on which part of the body lupus mainly affects. […] SLE accounts for 70% of lupus cases. It affects multiple organs and systems throughout the body. For this reason, SLE tends to be a more severe form of lupus. The symptoms can range from mild to severe. […] The symptoms of lupus occur in times of flare-ups. Between flare-ups, people usually experience times of remission, when there are few or no symptoms. […] Life expectancy will depend partly on the type of lupus. Statistics suggest that 85-90% of people with Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) will live at least 10 years after their diagnosis, and many will live much longer.
  • #1 Cutaneous Lupus Symptoms and Treatment
    https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/cutaneous-lupus-symptoms-and-treatments
    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the skin. But one form of SLE, called cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) affects just your skin, without other lupus symptoms. […] People who have this condition can go on to develop other SLE symptoms. It can be an early warning sign of the systemic disease, and patients with SLE often have skin symptoms. […] Unlike SLE, which mainly affects women, CLE is far more common in men. […] There are three subtypes of cutaneous lupus acute, subacute and chronic. All can cause rashes that range from mild and localized to more widespread and severe. […] Acute cutaneous lupus. The most recognizable sign of this type is a painless malar (butterfly) rash that stretches across the nose and cheeks.
  • #1 Lupus Type 1 and Type 2: Symptoms and Treatment Distinctions – LupusCorner
    https://lupuscorner.com/lupus-type-1-and-type-2-whats-the-difference/
    Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is the most common type of lupus. SLE is usually what people mean when they just say lupus. It is an autoimmune disease that has a broad spectrum of intensity, ranging from mild symptoms, to serious organ issues. SLE has acute (short-term and intense) and chronic (long term and constant) symptoms. […] Type 1 causes the most tissue damage. It involves more immune system activity that actively attacks the internal organs. While Type 1 can quiet down and resemble remission, it can also flare up into painful, debilitating events. […] Type 2 presents with less immune system activity and less organ damage. However, people with Type 2 SLE experience high levels of pain, fatigue, and more constant symptoms. Type 2 can come and go, and also have flares, but it usually simmers at a lower intensity, but more constant state.
  • #1 Symptoms of Lupus | Lupus | CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/signs-symptoms/index.html
    Lupus is a long-term disease that can affect any part of the body. […] People with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often referred to just as lupus can have many different symptoms. […] The most common symptom of lupus is fatigue, which means feeling extremely tired. […] Fatigue can affect a person’s physical and mental health and quality of life. It can also make it hard for people with lupus to socially connect with others. […] Other common symptoms include: Pain or swelling in the muscles and joints. Skin rashes (in particular, a butterfly-shaped face rash). Fever. Hair loss. Frequent mouth sores. […] Some adults with lupus have periods of increased symptoms, called flares. […] These flares usually come and go in waves, sometimes years apart. […] People with lupus might also have periods of remission when symptoms temporarily go away.
  • #1 Lupus: What Is It, Symptoms, Treatment, Rash, and More
    https://www.healthline.com/health/lupus
    The inflammation associated with lupus may lead to a variety of complications. Possible complications of lupus can include problems with: kidneys, blood or blood vessels, heart, lungs, nervous system. […] Lupus nephritis is a serious complication that can occur due to lupus, according to a 2020 study. It happens when your immune system attacks the part of your kidneys that works to filter your blood. […] A lupus flare happens when your lupus symptoms worsen, making you feel ill. Flares come and go. […] Lupus flares can range in severity from mild to serious. Some may only cause a rash or joint pain, while more serious flares can cause damage to your internal organs. […] People with lupus are living longer than ever because of medical innovations and improvements in diagnostic testing. Survival rates are estimated to be around 85 to 90 percent during the first 10 years. […] Those who have severe lupus symptoms or who experience a severe flare are at greater risk of developing complications than those with mild to moderate lupus. Some complications of lupus can be life threatening.
  • #1 How Long can you Have Lupus Without Knowing? – Dr. Naveen Bhadauria | Private Rheumatologist Consultant In London
    https://privatelondonrheumatologist.com/how-long-can-you-have-lupus-without-knowing/
    Awareness about the signs and symptoms of lupus is crucial. If you or someone you know is experiencing unexplained symptoms like extreme fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, or any other symptoms mentioned earlier, it’s essential to discuss them with a healthcare provider. […] Early diagnosis of lupus can help in managing the disease more effectively and prevent potential organ damage, thereby improving the quality of life for those with this condition. […] Yes, lupus can be dormant, or in remission, for years. This can be part of the natural course of the disease, or it can be due to effective treatment. […] Remission in lupus is generally defined as a prolonged period without active disease. During this time, symptoms of lupus are minimal, or possibly even entirely absent. […] It’s important to note, however, that remission doesn’t mean the disease is cured. The immune system abnormalities associated with lupus still exist, and flare-ups can occur.
  • #1 Lupus: Symptoms, Causes, Complications, and Treatment
    https://www.webmd.com/lupus/arthritis-lupus
    Joint pain, fatigue, and a butterfly-like rash may be the first signs that you have lupus. […] Most people with lupus have a mild form with periodic flare-ups. During these periods, symptoms may worsen for a bit, then get better or even go away for a time. […] The early stages of lupus typically don’t exhibit a consistent pattern of symptoms. However, initial signs may include fever, weakness, weight loss, or fatigue. Another early symptom may be pain in your joints. […] A rash on your face that looks like a butterfly’s wings is often considered the most telltale sign of lupus. The rash often will appear or worsen after you’ve been in the sun. […] Many people who have active lupus feel ill in general. They have fever, weight loss, and fatigue. If your immune system attacks a certain organ or part of your body, you can also have more specific problems. […] Lupus can affect many of your organs, so if you choose not to treat your symptoms, there’s a higher risk of worse symptoms, damaged organs, and increased flare-ups. If organ damage is severe, that can be life-threatening.
  • #1 Lupus – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365790
    The challenges of living with lupus increase your risk of depression and related mental health problems, such as anxiety, stress and low self-esteem. […] Because the symptoms of lupus can mimic so many other health problems, you may need patience while waiting for a diagnosis. Your doctor must rule out a number of other illnesses before diagnosing lupus.
  • #1 Lupus: Physical Feeling, Symptom Start, Treatment
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/lupus-8694321
    The most common initial symptoms of lupus are fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes. […] It can take up to two years or more from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis. […] Lupus is often called the great mimicker because of its overlap of nonspecific symptoms—symptoms that can account for many other conditions. […] Symptoms range from joint pain and fatigue to hair loss, skin rashes, fevers, headaches, and skin rashes.
  • #1 Lupus Facts and Statistics | Lupus Foundation of America
    https://www.lupus.org/resources/lupus-facts-and-statistics
    Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age. However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too. […] People with lupus can experience significant symptoms, such as pain, extreme fatigue, hair loss, cognitive issues, and physical impairments that affect every facet of their lives. Many suffer from cardiovascular disease, strokes, disfiguring rashes, and painful joints. For others, there may be no visible symptoms. […] Systemic lupus accounts for approximately 70 percent of all cases of lupus. In approximately half of these cases, a major organ or tissue in the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, or brain will be affected. […] It is believed that between 10-15 percent of people with lupus will die prematurely due to complications of lupus. […] A majority (63%) of people with lupus surveyed report being incorrectly diagnosed. Of those reporting incorrect diagnosis, more than half of them (55%) report seeing four or more different healthcare providers for their lupus symptoms before being accurately diagnosed. […] Participants cited pain (65%), lifestyle changes (61%), and emotional problems associated with lupus (50%) as the most difficult parts of coping with lupus.
  • #1 Lupus – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupus
    There is no cure for SLE, but there are experimental and symptomatic treatments. Treatments may include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, hydroxychloroquine, and methotrexate. […] SLE significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, with this being the most common cause of death. […] While it most commonly begins between the ages of 15 and 45, a wide range of ages can be affected. […] The most commonly sought medical attention is for joint pain, with the small joints of the hand and wrist usually affected, although all joints are at risk. More than 90 percent of those affected will experience joint or muscle pain at some time during the course of their illness. […] Anemia is common in children with SLE and develops in about 50% of cases. […] SLE may cause pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining surrounding the heart), myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), or endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart).
  • #1 Lupus | Better Health Channel
    https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/lupus
    At times the symptoms you experience as a result of your lupus (such as rash, pain, fatigue) will become more intense. This is called a flare. Flares are unpredictable and can seem to come out of nowhere. […] Early diagnosis and treatment is important for the best possible health outcomes. […] There is no cure for lupus, however there are different medications that can help to control it very effectively. […] If your condition is controlled early, the likelihood of later complications may be reduced. […] All medications can have side effects. […] It’s important you discuss these with your doctor, and know what to do if you experience any.
  • #1 Lupus (SLE) in Children, Pediatric Lupus: Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14796-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle-in-children
    The main goal of lupus treatment is to put the disease into remission (no disease activity) or reach a state of low disease activity (LDA). With remission or LDA, your child has no symptoms or their symptoms are less noticeable, and your child is less likely to have organ damage or need hospitalization. […] Your child’s outlook depends on many factors, including: The severity of their disease and how much it affects their organs. When they start treatment and how their body responds to it. Any complications that arise.
  • #1 Lupus: Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4875-lupus
    Lupus can sometimes cause other health conditions or issues, including: Photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight). Dry eye. Depression (or other mental health conditions). Seizures. Anemia. Raynaud’s syndrome. Osteoporosis. Heart disease. Kidney disease. […] Your healthcare provider will suggest treatments for lupus that manage your symptoms. The goal is minimizing damage to your organs and how much lupus affects your day-to-day life. Most people with lupus need a combination of medications to help them prevent flare-ups and lessen their symptom severity during one. […] Hydroxychloroquine is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that can relieve lupus symptoms and slow down how they progress (change or get worse). […] Lupus is a lifelong (chronic) condition. You should expect to manage lupus symptoms for the rest of your life.
  • #1 Lupus – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365790
    Diagnosing lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms vary considerably from person to person. Signs and symptoms of lupus may change over time and overlap with those of many other disorders. […] Treatment for lupus depends on your signs and symptoms. Determining whether you should be treated and what medications to use requires a careful discussion of the benefits and risks with your doctor. […] As your signs and symptoms flare and subside, you and your doctor may find that you’ll need to change medications or dosages. […] In clinical trials, voclosporin has been shown to be effective in treating lupus. […] Sometimes people with lupus seek alternative or complementary medicine. There aren’t any alternative therapies that have been shown to alter the course of lupus, although some may help ease symptoms of the disease.
  • #1 Lupus and women
    https://womenshealth.gov/lupus/lupus-and-women
    Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects more women than men. […] SLE can be mild or severe and can affect different parts of the body. Common symptoms include fatigue, hair loss, sun sensitivity, painful and swollen joints, unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems. […] More than half of all people with lupus have kidney problems, called lupus nephritis. Kidney problems often begin within the first five years after lupus symptoms start to appear. This is one of the more serious complications of lupus. […] Lupus raises the risk of the most common type of heart disease, called coronary artery disease (CAD). […] Medicines that treat lupus may cause bone loss. Bone loss can lead to osteoporosis, a condition that causes weak and broken bones. […] Lupus is most common in women ages 15 to 44, or during the years they can have children. Having lupus raises your risk of other health problems. Lupus can also make these problems happen earlier in life compared to women who do not have lupus. […] African-American women are three times more likely to get lupus than white women. […] African-American and Hispanic women usually get lupus at a younger age and have more severe symptoms, including kidney problems, than women of other groups.
  • #1 Lupus: symptoms, causes, treatment, testing and diagnosis
    https://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/conditions-symptoms/lupus/
    Common lupus symptoms include tiredness and fatigue, joint pains and skin rashes. […] The commonest symptom of kidney disease in lupus is water retention, causing swelling of the face, limbs and abdomen. This is caused by leakages of protein in the urine (proteinuria) due to damaged glomeruli. If the protein leak is severe it may cause nephrotic syndrome. […] Kidney damage may also be indicated by blood in urine (haematuria) and high blood pressure. […] If kidney damage is well advanced, other symptoms including itching and muscle cramps, may also occur.
  • #1 Lupus Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment | HSS Rheumatology
    https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_lupus.asp
    Many cases of lupus involving the kidney are mild, and treatments have significantly improved, but up to 10% of patients with lupus nephritis can develop kidney failure, with a need for dialysis and, possibly, a kidney transplant. […] Patients with severe kidney disease and lupus need close follow-up with a rheumatologist and kidney specialist, since new treatments continue to be developed.
  • #1 Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (NPSLE) in Children and Teenagers
    https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/n/neuropsychiatric-systemic-lupus-erythematosus
    Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (also called SLE or lupus) is an autoimmune disease that can affect nearly any part of a childs body. SLE is a lifelong disease that can be severe. It can have periods with quiet spells and flare-ups. Up to 20% of all people with SLE are diagnosed in childhood. When SLE affects the brain, spinal cord or other nerves, it is called neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). This happens in about 66% of all people who have SLE. […] Symptoms of NPSLE may persist or may come and go. They can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common symptoms that may affect the brain and spine include: Headaches not improved by over-the-counter medication, Anxiety, Depression, Confusion, Attention problems, Seizures, Stroke, Abnormal gait (walking), Abnormal movements, Tremors (shaking), Psychosis, Trouble seeing, Weakness and numbness of the face and / or arms and legs. […] If NPSLE is treated early, most children have a normal lifespan and good quality of life.
  • #1 Cognitive symptoms in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) | CUH
    https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/cognitive-symptoms-in-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle/
    Lupus is a long-term condition and patients may have varied types and severity of symptoms over the course of their disease. […] Cognitive symptoms are commonly reported by patients with lupus, and these can fluctuate from day-to-day. Patients often report that their symptoms also vary in severity and may not be linked to the activity of lupus. […] Cognitive dysfunction in some instances may be the result of a direct attack of lupus on the brain; this may be visible on scans and accompanied by other features such as seizures (fits). More commonly though, the brain scan is normal and there are no associated features suggest that the brain is being affected by lupus. […] Your brain functions can vary with lupus activity as the presence of mild activity in the body is enough to make thinking a little more difficult.
  • #1 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone-joint-and-muscle-disorders/systemic-rheumatic-diseases/systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle
    Skin problems include a raised, red rash across the nose and cheeks (called a malar rash or butterfly rash), raised bumps or patches of thin skin, and flat or raised red areas on exposed areas of the face and neck, upper chest, and elbows. Blisters and skin ulcers (sores) are rare, but ulcers do commonly occur on mucous membranes, particularly on the roof of the mouth, on the inside of the cheeks, on the gums, and inside the nose. […] Generalized or patchy loss of hair (alopecia) is common during flare-ups. […] It is common for people with lupus to feel pain when breathing deeply. The pain is due to recurring inflammation of the sac around the lungs (pleurisy), with or without fluid (effusion) inside this sac. […] People with lupus may have chest pain due to inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericarditis). More serious but rare effects on the heart are inflammation of the walls of the coronary arteries (coronary artery vasculitis), which can lead to angina, and inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), which can lead to heart failure.
  • #1 Patient education: Systemic lupus erythematosus (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/systemic-lupus-erythematosus-beyond-the-basics
    Two-thirds of people with lupus have skin problems at some point. The most common is a rash, known as the „butterfly rash” because of its shape; this appears as redness over the cheeks and nose after being in the sun. […] Changes in kidney function are common in people with lupus. These changes usually develop during the first few years of the illness. […] Lupus can cause inflammation of the glomerulus, the part of the kidney that filters waste and excess fluids (which then exit the body in the form of urine). […] If lupus nephritis is left untreated, it can lead to permanent scarring in the kidneys. […] Digestive symptoms can occur if lupus-related inflammation affects the pancreas (pancreatitis), the lining of the abdomen (peritonitis), or the large intestine (colitis). […] Lung problems in lupus can include pain with breathing and shortness of breath.
  • #1 Lupus and your skin: Signs and symptoms
    https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/lupus-symptoms
    There are different types of lupus, and each can affect the skin differently. You may see a rash, sores, swelling, or other changes. These changes often appear on skin that gets sun like the: […] When lupus affects the skin, swelling can be one of the first signs of lupus. […] Occurring only in people who have lupus, this rash spreads out across the nose and cheeks, often in the shape of a butterfly. […] People who have discoid lupus develop these patches. Most patches appear on the face, scalp, or ears, but patches can develop elsewhere on the skin. Without prompt treatment, these patches tend to stay on the skin for a long time sometimes for years. […] If you have a darker skin tone, the long-standing patches of discoid lupus will eventually clear and can leave behind dark spots, light spots, or permanent scars.
  • #1 Lupus Symptoms
    https://lupusnewstoday.com/lupus-symptoms/
    Damage to the body’s organs from lupus, an autoimmune disorder caused by a patient’s own immune system attacking healthy tissues, can result in a wide range of symptoms, from skin issues to kidney and bladder inflammation to problems with joints, muscles and bones, among others. […] Lupus can affect almost any part of the body, and symptoms of the disease generally depend on which part(s) may be affected. Lupus symptoms and manifestations vary widely from person to person, and they also can change over time. […] Inflammation in the kidneys, referred to as lupus nephritis, is one of the most severe complications of lupus. It causes damage to the kidneys and interferes with their ability to filter waste out of the body. […] As many as 95% of lupus patients experience some type of joint problems. In lupus, joint problems are less likely to cause long-term damage than in other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
  • #1 What is Lupus? | Lupus UK
    https://lupusuk.org.uk/what-is-lupus/
    Lupus is an incredibly complex disease. It is common for people with lupus to have comorbidities (one or more additional conditions), these frequently include Sjgrens syndrome, Raynauds phenomenon, and antiphospholipid syndrome, to name a few. Some symptoms of lupus such as joint pain, fatigue and hair loss are also commonly seen in other diseases such as thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and dermatomyositis. This can make lupus more difficult to correctly diagnose. […] In lupus the immune system produces far too many antibodies which, circulating through the bloodstream, cause reactions leading to inflammatory processes anywhere in the body. […] A viral infection, strong medication, sunlight, trauma, around puberty, after childbirth and the menopause can all contribute. Environmental factors may also contribute in some way. Any two or more of these can also combine to set off the illness.
  • #1 Pediatric Lupus – Conditions and Treatments | Children’s National Hospital
    https://www.childrensnational.org/get-care/health-library/systemic-lupus-erythematosus
    Lupus is a disease that causes episodes of inflammation and damage to many parts of the body, including the skin and organs. […] Symptoms include a rash, fever, joint inflammation and pain, and sensitivity to the sun. […] Lupus can range from a mild disease to a life-threatening disease. […] Lupus is a long-term (chronic) disease. It affects each person differently. The effects of the illness range from mild to severe. Symptoms of lupus may come and go. These are sometimes known as flare-ups, periods of remission and relapse. […] In children, lupus tends to get worse more quickly than in adults. Children may be affected in different ways, having mild to life-threatening symptoms. […] Some of the common symptoms of lupus are: Anemia, Butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks of the face (malar rash), Tiredness (fatigue), Fever, Hair loss, Loss of appetite, Memory problems, Pale, blue or red fingers triggered by cold, stress or illness (Raynaud phenomenon), Raised rash on the head, arms, chest or back, Rashes caused by sunlight, Sores in the mouth or nose, Swollen glands, Swollen or painful joints (arthritis), Weight loss. […] Lupus can range from a mild disease to a life-threatening disease that damages organs.
  • #1 Pediatric Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus) | Boston Children’s Hospital
    https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/lupus
    Lupus is known as the great imitator because many of its earliest warning signs are common in other illnesses, too. […] Lupus is also a very shifty disease. Symptoms often come and go, new ones may crop up, while others seem to disappear. Symptoms also vary greatly from person to person, depending on what part of the body the disease is affecting at the time. […] Compared with adults, children with lupus are more likely to have problems with vital organs, especially the kidneys and the brain. These symptoms may include: Dark urine, Swelling around the feet, legs, and eyelids (kidney inflammation, or nephritis), Shortness of breath, chest pain (lung inflammation, or pleuritis), Headaches, memory problems, seizures (brain inflammation, or cerebritis). […] The outlook for children with lupus can vary a great deal, however, depending on when the disease begins (called the onset).
  • #1 Pediatric Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus) | Boston Children’s Hospital
    https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/lupus
    Symptoms can be more severe in this group, and there’s a greater chance that vital organs will be affected. […] The smallest children are typically among the sickest lupus patients, largely because most also have complement deficiency, meaning they don’t have enough of certain blood proteins that play a key role in the immune system. […] The leading cause of death among lupus patients is cardiovascular disease. […] If children with lupus develop heart-healthy habits early on, they can significantly reduce their risk for this illness later in life. […] Lupus is most dangerous when it affects vital organs. In young children, doctors watch closely for any involvement of the kidneys and the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), because these two organ systems require the most immunosuppression and, if damaged, can have life-threatening complications.
  • #1 Understanding the Epidemiology and Progression of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2813992/
    These groups also accrue more damage over time and at a faster pace than white SLE patients and develop specific damage items more often (renal and integument). […] Late-onset lupus (age 50 years and above) tends to have a more insidious onset, less major organ system involvement, and lower degrees of disease activity, yet these patients tend to have a poor outcome, in terms of both damage accrual and mortality. […] The development of clinical instruments for the assessment of disease activity and disease damage has facilitated research on SLE progression. […] Social support has been identified as a modulating factor in disease activity, damage accrual, and even functioning. […] The level of self-reported physical and mental functioning or self-reported health-related quality of life is another important dimension to consider in SLE. […] The disease is overall more frequent among minority population groups around the world and the outcome of the disease is less favorable in these populations. […] SLE at the extremes of life (pediatric and late-onset) may be particularly severe.
  • #1 Signs and Symptoms of Lupus in Men – AVISE Tests
    https://avisetest.com/patient/signs-and-symptoms-of-lupus-in-men/
    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, is an autoimmune disease that can affect the whole body.1 Anyone can get lupus, but signs and symptoms of lupus in men often get overlooked.2 While lupus is more common in women, it is certainly not solely a womens disease.3 […] Lupus is a chronic, or life-long condition.1 Many men push through symptoms or are unsure how to talk with others about their symptoms. But putting off the conversation can hinder your health and quality of life and may end up impacting those you care for.3 […] Symptoms are similar in men and women.9 However, some lupus symptoms, such as anemia (too few red blood cells), blood clots, organ damage or seizures, tend to be more severe in men.9,10 […] Men also tend to have symptoms that affect multiple organs.11 Lupus may also cause inflammation in blood vessels that blocks blood flow.12 Additionally, the risk of developing coronary artery disease is higher in people with lupus.12 Inflammation of the tissue in and around the lungs is also common.12
  • #1 Lupus: Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4875-lupus
    Lupus can be unpredictable, and the way it impacts you can change over time. You’ll need to regularly visit your healthcare provider so they can track changes in your symptoms. […] There’s currently no cure for lupus. Your healthcare provider will help you find a combination of treatments to manage your symptoms and hopefully put lupus into remission (long periods of time with no symptoms or flare-ups).
  • #1 Lupus Erythematosus | UW Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
    https://orthop.washington.edu/patient-care/articles/arthritis/lupus-erythematosus.html
    Other common symptoms of the illness include muscle aches swollen glands lack of appetite low grade temperature hair loss and nausea and vomiting. […] Other frequent symptoms include inflammation of the lining of some body parts (for example the heart and lungs) causing symptoms of pain on breathing or shortness of breath. Kidney problems commonly occur. […] Sometimes people with lupus experience depression or inability to concentrate. […] The doctor will watch you closely for any signs of these problems and treatment will be started quickly if they occur. Remember that lupus can take many forms. You may have only a few of these problems. Many people with lupus do very well without having major problems. […] Lupus is an unpredictable disease. Signs of the disease appear and disappear sometimes for no apparent reason.
  • #2 Systemic lupus erythematosus: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaLock
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000435.htm
    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. […] Symptoms vary from person to person, and may come and go. Everyone with SLE has joint pain and swelling at some time. Some develop arthritis. SLE often affects the joints of the fingers, hands, wrists, and knees. […] Other common symptoms include: Chest pain when taking a deep breath. Fatigue. Fever with no other cause. General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise). Hair loss.
  • #2 Symptoms of Lupus | Lupus | CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/signs-symptoms/index.html
    Lupus is a long-term disease that can affect any part of the body. […] People with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often referred to just as lupus can have many different symptoms. […] The most common symptom of lupus is fatigue, which means feeling extremely tired. […] Fatigue can affect a person’s physical and mental health and quality of life. It can also make it hard for people with lupus to socially connect with others. […] Other common symptoms include: Pain or swelling in the muscles and joints. Skin rashes (in particular, a butterfly-shaped face rash). Fever. Hair loss. Frequent mouth sores. […] Some adults with lupus have periods of increased symptoms, called flares. […] These flares usually come and go in waves, sometimes years apart. […] People with lupus might also have periods of remission when symptoms temporarily go away.
  • #2 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology and Etiology, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/332244-overview
    Clinical features tend to vary between children and adults with SLE: signs including malar rash, seizures, and fever are more common in children, while articular manifestations and pulmonary involvement more common in adults. […] Management of SLE often depends on the individual patients disease severity and disease manifestations, although hydroxychloroquine has a central role for long-term treatment in all SLE patients. […] The disease course is milder and the survival rate higher in persons with isolated skin and musculoskeletal involvement than in those with kidney disease and CNS disease. […] SLE carries a highly variable prognosis for individual patients. The natural history of SLE ranges from relatively benign disease to rapidly progressive and even fatal illness. SLE often waxes and wanes in affected individuals throughout life, and features of the disease vary greatly among individuals.
  • #2 Lupus Symptoms | Lupus Foundation of America
    https://www.lupus.org/resources/common-symptoms-of-lupus
    Because lupus can affect so many different parts of the body, it can cause a lot of different symptoms. And many people with lupus dont have all the symptoms. The most common lupus symptoms (which are the same for men and women) are: Extreme fatigue (feeling tired all the time) […] Lupus symptoms may come and go and they can change over time. Not necessarily. Lupus shares a lot of symptoms with other diseases, like arthritis and diabetes. So if you have these common lupus symptoms, its important to talk to your doctor and find out whether you have lupus or a different health problem. That way, you can get the treatment you need.
  • #2 10 Early Signs of Lupus: How to Identify Them
    https://www.healthline.com/health/lupus/early-signs
    Up to 90% of people with lupus experience some level of fatigue. […] Lupus may cause pleurisy, which is inflammation of the pleura. […] Inflammation may cause pain, stiffness, and visible swelling in your joints, particularly in the morning. […] Like other symptoms of lupus, joint problems can flare up and then go away. […] Early signs and symptoms of lupus vary for each person and may affect different parts of the body. While new symptoms can appear, others often disappear.
  • #2 Lupus (SLE) | Causes, symptoms, treatment | Versus Arthritis
    https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/lupus-sle/
    Lupus can affect many parts of the body in several ways. It can range from mild to severe. There is no cure, but early treatment can help to keep symptoms under control. […] The three most common symptoms of lupus are: joint pains, skin rashes, which may become noticeable after being out in the sun, and extreme tiredness, known as fatigue. […] Lupus can affect many different parts of the body, and when internal organs such as the heart, lungs, brain or kidneys are involved it can be much more serious. […] Most people will only have one or a few of the possible symptoms, and many people find that the symptoms come and go. […] Joint pain is common in lupus, especially in the small joints of the hands and feet. The pain often moves from joint to joint. […] Joint pain, swelling and stiffness can be the main symptoms for some people with lupus. In most cases, lupus is unlikely to cause permanent damage or change the shape of joints. But it can sometimes cause serious joint problems.
  • #2 Lupus: What Is It, Symptoms, Treatment, Rash, and More
    https://www.healthline.com/health/lupus
    Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease. It can cause many different symptoms, including fever, fatigue, rashes, body aches, and confusion. […] Many people with lupus experience a mild version of it, but it can become severe without proper treatment. Currently, theres no known cure for lupus, so treatment focuses on easing symptoms and reducing inflammation. […] The most common symptoms and signs include: high fever, fatigue, body aches, inflammation, joint pain, rashes, including a butterfly rash on the face, skin lesions, shortness of breath, Sjgrens syndrome, which includes chronic dry eyes and dry mouth, pericarditis and pleuritis, which both can cause chest pain, headaches, confusion, memory loss. […] Symptoms may: be constant, disappear suddenly, flare up occasionally. […] Some people with lupus may find that exposure to sunlight triggers certain symptoms. These can include: rashes, fatigue, joint pain, internal swelling. […] Skin rashes are a common symptom of lupus that many people experience. Rash typically occurs after sun exposure. According to a 2019 review, it often presents as a butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
  • #2 What is lupus?
    https://www.jnj.com/health-and-wellness/what-is-lupus
    SLE can also affect the skin, causing red, thick and sometimes scaly rashes and sores that might burn or itch. Sometimes patients develop a rash across the nose and cheeks, which is known as a butterfly rash. Some people with SLE are sensitive to the sun, and a rash appears after sun exposure. […] One thing SLE symptoms have in common is that over time they impact a patients quality of life, limiting activity and making it more difficult to take on day-to-day tasks. Further, in rare cases, untreated SLE can be fatal.
  • #2 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone-joint-and-muscle-disorders/systemic-rheumatic-diseases/systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle
    Skin problems include a raised, red rash across the nose and cheeks (called a malar rash or butterfly rash), raised bumps or patches of thin skin, and flat or raised red areas on exposed areas of the face and neck, upper chest, and elbows. Blisters and skin ulcers (sores) are rare, but ulcers do commonly occur on mucous membranes, particularly on the roof of the mouth, on the inside of the cheeks, on the gums, and inside the nose. […] Generalized or patchy loss of hair (alopecia) is common during flare-ups. […] It is common for people with lupus to feel pain when breathing deeply. The pain is due to recurring inflammation of the sac around the lungs (pleurisy), with or without fluid (effusion) inside this sac. […] People with lupus may have chest pain due to inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericarditis). More serious but rare effects on the heart are inflammation of the walls of the coronary arteries (coronary artery vasculitis), which can lead to angina, and inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), which can lead to heart failure.
  • #2 Cognitive symptoms in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) | CUH
    https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/cognitive-symptoms-in-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle/
    Lupus is a long-term condition and patients may have varied types and severity of symptoms over the course of their disease. […] Cognitive symptoms are commonly reported by patients with lupus, and these can fluctuate from day-to-day. Patients often report that their symptoms also vary in severity and may not be linked to the activity of lupus. […] Cognitive dysfunction in some instances may be the result of a direct attack of lupus on the brain; this may be visible on scans and accompanied by other features such as seizures (fits). More commonly though, the brain scan is normal and there are no associated features suggest that the brain is being affected by lupus. […] Your brain functions can vary with lupus activity as the presence of mild activity in the body is enough to make thinking a little more difficult.
  • #2 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus) – Who gets it? | NIAMS
    https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/lupus
    Lupus occurs when the immune system, which normally helps protect the body from infection and disease, attacks its own tissues. This attack causes inflammation, and in some cases permanent tissue damage, which can be widespread affecting the skin, joints, heart, lung, kidneys, circulating blood cells, and brain. […] If you have lupus, you may experience periods of illness (flares) and periods of wellness (remission). Lupus flares can be mild to serious, and they are unpredictable. However, with treatment, many people with lupus can manage the disease. […] The symptoms of lupus vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. You may have just a few symptoms affecting just one area of your body, or you could have many symptoms throughout your body. Symptoms may come and go, and you may develop new symptoms over time. Some symptoms happen when the disease causes inflammation in organs, such as the joints, skin, kidneys, lining of the heart and lungs, brain, and blood cells. Symptoms of lupus can include: […] Lupus causes inflammation throughout the body, which can cause problems in organs, including: […] Some people with lupus may be more likely to develop other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease due to inflammation of the heart and blood vessel tissues caused by lupus, which can lead to:
  • #2 Lupus Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment | HSS Rheumatology
    https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_lupus.asp
    Many cases of lupus involving the kidney are mild, and treatments have significantly improved, but up to 10% of patients with lupus nephritis can develop kidney failure, with a need for dialysis and, possibly, a kidney transplant. […] Patients with severe kidney disease and lupus need close follow-up with a rheumatologist and kidney specialist, since new treatments continue to be developed.
  • #2 Lupus Symptoms
    https://lupusnewstoday.com/lupus-symptoms/
    Lupus commonly causes muscle pain, or myalgia. Less commonly, it can cause muscle inflammation — myositis — which typically manifests as muscle weakness that can make it hard for patients to stand up or raise their arms. […] In about 40% of people with the disorder, lupus affects the central nervous system, comprised of the brain and spinal cord. This is sometimes called neuropsychiatric lupus, and symptoms may include: confusion and difficulty concentrating, sometimes called brain fog; memory issues; headaches; anxiety; depression; seizures; stroke; psychosis, which can include hallucinations and/or delusions. […] Around half of lupus patients experience some form of lung involvement over the course of their illness. […] Lupus also may cause inflammation in the heart and surrounding tissues, causing symptoms such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and abnormal fluid buildup that can cause swelling.
  • #2 Patient education: Systemic lupus erythematosus (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/systemic-lupus-erythematosus-beyond-the-basics
    Two-thirds of people with lupus have skin problems at some point. The most common is a rash, known as the „butterfly rash” because of its shape; this appears as redness over the cheeks and nose after being in the sun. […] Changes in kidney function are common in people with lupus. These changes usually develop during the first few years of the illness. […] Lupus can cause inflammation of the glomerulus, the part of the kidney that filters waste and excess fluids (which then exit the body in the form of urine). […] If lupus nephritis is left untreated, it can lead to permanent scarring in the kidneys. […] Digestive symptoms can occur if lupus-related inflammation affects the pancreas (pancreatitis), the lining of the abdomen (peritonitis), or the large intestine (colitis). […] Lung problems in lupus can include pain with breathing and shortness of breath.
  • #2 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone-joint-and-muscle-disorders/systemic-rheumatic-diseases/systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle
    Kidney involvement may be minor and without symptoms or may be progressive and fatal. People may develop kidney failure that requires dialysis. The kidneys can be affected at any time and may be the only organ affected by lupus (called lupus nephritis). […] The numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets may decrease. Platelets assist in blood clotting, so if these numbers decrease greatly, bleeding may occur. […] People may have nausea, diarrhea, and vague abdominal discomfort. The occurrence of these symptoms may be the forewarning of a flare-up. […] Lupus tends to be chronic and relapsing, often with symptom-free periods (remissions) that can last for years. Flare-ups in women occur less often after menopause. […] However, despite better treatment and a lower death rate, people who have lupus may not live as long as people who do not because of they have an increased risk of heart disease, end-stage kidney disease, and infection.
  • #2 Signs and Symptoms of Lupus in Men – AVISE Tests
    https://avisetest.com/patient/signs-and-symptoms-of-lupus-in-men/
    If the immune system attacks and severely damages the kidney, it can lead to lupus nephritis.13 This prevents the body from maintaining proper fluid levels, regulating hormones and removing waste.13 Lupus nephritis may cause kidney failure if not treated early enough.13 […] While there is currently no cure for lupus, there are medications to help you have fewer or less severe symptoms.5 Treatment is generally the same in men and women.3 Your provider will work with you to choose the right medications for your symptoms and lifestyle.14 […] Common medications used to treat lupus include:5, 14 […] Living with lupus can be challenging, but there are things you can do to help manage symptoms and flares:15 […] Tracking your symptoms is a great way to learn your triggers.15 Plus, a daily log can help your provider see what treatments work well for you.16
  • #2 Signs and Symptoms of Lupus in Men – AVISE Tests
    https://avisetest.com/patient/signs-and-symptoms-of-lupus-in-men/
    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, is an autoimmune disease that can affect the whole body.1 Anyone can get lupus, but signs and symptoms of lupus in men often get overlooked.2 While lupus is more common in women, it is certainly not solely a womens disease.3 […] Lupus is a chronic, or life-long condition.1 Many men push through symptoms or are unsure how to talk with others about their symptoms. But putting off the conversation can hinder your health and quality of life and may end up impacting those you care for.3 […] Symptoms are similar in men and women.9 However, some lupus symptoms, such as anemia (too few red blood cells), blood clots, organ damage or seizures, tend to be more severe in men.9,10 […] Men also tend to have symptoms that affect multiple organs.11 Lupus may also cause inflammation in blood vessels that blocks blood flow.12 Additionally, the risk of developing coronary artery disease is higher in people with lupus.12 Inflammation of the tissue in and around the lungs is also common.12
  • #2 Pediatric Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus) | Boston Children’s Hospital
    https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/lupus
    Symptoms can be more severe in this group, and there’s a greater chance that vital organs will be affected. […] The smallest children are typically among the sickest lupus patients, largely because most also have complement deficiency, meaning they don’t have enough of certain blood proteins that play a key role in the immune system. […] The leading cause of death among lupus patients is cardiovascular disease. […] If children with lupus develop heart-healthy habits early on, they can significantly reduce their risk for this illness later in life. […] Lupus is most dangerous when it affects vital organs. In young children, doctors watch closely for any involvement of the kidneys and the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), because these two organ systems require the most immunosuppression and, if damaged, can have life-threatening complications.
  • #2 Lupus and women
    https://womenshealth.gov/lupus/lupus-and-women
    Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects more women than men. […] SLE can be mild or severe and can affect different parts of the body. Common symptoms include fatigue, hair loss, sun sensitivity, painful and swollen joints, unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems. […] More than half of all people with lupus have kidney problems, called lupus nephritis. Kidney problems often begin within the first five years after lupus symptoms start to appear. This is one of the more serious complications of lupus. […] Lupus raises the risk of the most common type of heart disease, called coronary artery disease (CAD). […] Medicines that treat lupus may cause bone loss. Bone loss can lead to osteoporosis, a condition that causes weak and broken bones. […] Lupus is most common in women ages 15 to 44, or during the years they can have children. Having lupus raises your risk of other health problems. Lupus can also make these problems happen earlier in life compared to women who do not have lupus. […] African-American women are three times more likely to get lupus than white women. […] African-American and Hispanic women usually get lupus at a younger age and have more severe symptoms, including kidney problems, than women of other groups.
  • #2 The Connection Between Lupus and Stress – iProcess
    https://iprocess.net/is-there-a-connection-between-lupus-and-stress/
    Another study found that depression may also increase the risk of developing lupus. The study found that women with depression had a two-fold higher risk of systemic lupus erythematosus than women without depression. […] For people who are diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, like lupus, managing stress becomes even more important. Not only does stress negatively affect the immune systems ability to control inflammation, but it can also increase the risk for mental health issues, which are common among patients with lupus. […] As more studies are conducted, healthcare professionals will be better able to provide guidance on stress management and how it may improve disease progression.
  • #2 Lupus Type 1 and Type 2: Symptoms and Treatment Distinctions – LupusCorner
    https://lupuscorner.com/lupus-type-1-and-type-2-whats-the-difference/
    Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is the most common type of lupus. SLE is usually what people mean when they just say lupus. It is an autoimmune disease that has a broad spectrum of intensity, ranging from mild symptoms, to serious organ issues. SLE has acute (short-term and intense) and chronic (long term and constant) symptoms. […] Type 1 causes the most tissue damage. It involves more immune system activity that actively attacks the internal organs. While Type 1 can quiet down and resemble remission, it can also flare up into painful, debilitating events. […] Type 2 presents with less immune system activity and less organ damage. However, people with Type 2 SLE experience high levels of pain, fatigue, and more constant symptoms. Type 2 can come and go, and also have flares, but it usually simmers at a lower intensity, but more constant state.
  • #2 Cutaneous Lupus Symptoms and Treatment
    https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/cutaneous-lupus-symptoms-and-treatments
    According to Henry Lee, MD, a dermatologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital and assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, half of SLE patients will develop a malar rash, usually after sun exposure and often years before other symptoms. […] Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). This can cause two kinds of lesions: red, ring-shaped sores that sometimes overlap like interlocking circles, and a raised rash that resembles psoriasis. […] A certain percentage of people with SCLE also develop SLE or other autoimmune diseases like Sjogrens syndrome. […] Chronic Cutaneous Lupus. This form of cutaneous lupus has different subtypes, but the most common is discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) named for the coin-shaped sores that mainly appear on the face, ears and scalp. […] These can cause permanent scarring, changes in pigmentation and sometimes irreversible hair loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.
  • #2 Lupus Type 1 and Type 2: Symptoms and Treatment Distinctions – LupusCorner
    https://lupuscorner.com/lupus-type-1-and-type-2-whats-the-difference/
    Type 1 SLE is heavily associated with organ damage, and that includes the kidneys. The inflammation happens in the nephrons, the part of the kidney that is in contact with the bloodstream. […] The etiology of lupus Type 1 is autoimmunity (inflammations-based which can lead to organ damage). […] These biological factors result in symptoms like: nephritis, malar rash, inflammatory arthritis, mouth sores, pleuritic chest pain, cutaneous rashes, serositis, alopecia, ILD (shrinking lung), vasculitis. […] Common Type 2 symptoms include: depression, fatigue, memory loss, anxiety, sleep disturbances, brain fog, cognitive dysfunction, pain. […] People with Type 1 SLE will have to be on the lookout for signs of organ failure. Proactive monitoring helps protect the kidneys. Catching organ damage early is essential for limiting overall damage. […] People with Type 2 SLE benefit from knowing that the symptoms are going to be more continuous. These symptoms, especially fatigue and pain, are both difficult to explain and severely impact day-to-day life.
  • #2 How Long can you Have Lupus Without Knowing? – Dr. Naveen Bhadauria | Private Rheumatologist Consultant In London
    https://privatelondonrheumatologist.com/how-long-can-you-have-lupus-without-knowing/
    Lupus is often characterized by periods of illness, known as flares, and periods of wellness, or remission. During a flare, symptoms such as rash, joint pain, fatigue, and other signs of inflammation may appear or worsen. In contrast, during remission, these symptoms fade or disappear. […] Even during remission, it’s crucial for people with lupus to continue care under the guidance of their healthcare provider. […] While lupus can be inactive or dormant for years, ongoing care and monitoring are essential to managing the disease effectively. […] In conclusion, while lupus can be dormant for years, the disease can still flare up, so ongoing vigilance and care are essential. If you have lupus and experience any new or worsening symptoms, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider promptly.
  • #2 Lupus – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupus
    Painless passage of blood or protein in the urine may often be the only presenting sign of kidney involvement. Acute or chronic renal impairment may develop with lupus nephritis, leading to acute or end-stage kidney failure. […] Neuropsychiatric syndromes can result when SLE affects the central or peripheral nervous system. […] Fatigue in SLE is probably multifactorial and has been related to not only disease activity or complications such as anemia or hypothyroidism, but also to pain, depression, poor sleep quality, poor physical fitness and lack of social support. […] No cure is available for SLE but there are many treatments for the disease. […] Mortality rates are however elevated compared to people without SLE. […] The mortality risk is fivefold when compared to the normal population in the late stages, which can be attributed to cardiovascular disease from accelerated atherosclerosis, the leading cause of death for people with SLE.
  • #2 Early signs of lupus in females: What to expect and more
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/early-signs-of-lupus-in-females
    Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because it has wide-ranging symptoms that may be similar to those of other conditions. Early signs in females include fatigue, hair loss, joint pain, and swelling. […] Lupus can cause mild or severe symptoms in different parts of the body. […] Early signs of lupus that females may experience include fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes. […] Lupus symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, such as chronic fatigue, skin disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis. This means lupus can often be difficult to diagnose. […] According to research, females with lupus may feel tired and fatigued. They can also experience hair loss, shortness of breath, fever, skin rashes, and painful, swollen joints. […] Because lupus symptoms vary and sometimes mimic those of other conditions, a person may be unaware that they have lupus. Some studies indicate that people can have lupus for months or even years before receiving a diagnosis. […] While MS and lupus share some common signs like fatigue and weakness, they also have distinctly different symptoms. MS can cause vision problems, dizziness, and issues with numbness and motor control. Lupus can cause rashes, hair loss, painful joints and unexplained fever.
  • #2 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology and Etiology, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/332244-overview
    Although historically, SLE was associated with a reduced life expectancy, mortality in patients with SLE has decreased over the past few decades. Prior to 1955, the 5-year survival rate in SLE was less than 50%; currently, the average 10-year survival rate exceeds 90%, and the 15-year survival rate is approximately 80%. […] The presence of lupus nephritis may increase these risks. […] The influence of race on prognosis has been widely debated. The LUMINA study group reported that high disease activity and poverty predicted higher mortality in Black and Hispanic patients with lupus.
  • #2 Lupus: Causes, symptoms, and research
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323653
    Lupus is an incurable disease and symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. […] It is believed that between 10-15% of people with lupus will die prematurely due to complications of lupus. However, due to improved diagnosis and disease management, most people with the disease will go on to live a normal life span.
  • #2 Lupus (SLE) in Children, Pediatric Lupus: Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14796-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle-in-children
    The main goal of lupus treatment is to put the disease into remission (no disease activity) or reach a state of low disease activity (LDA). With remission or LDA, your child has no symptoms or their symptoms are less noticeable, and your child is less likely to have organ damage or need hospitalization. […] Your child’s outlook depends on many factors, including: The severity of their disease and how much it affects their organs. When they start treatment and how their body responds to it. Any complications that arise.
  • #2 Lupus Symptoms
    https://lupusnewstoday.com/lupus-symptoms/
    Damage to the body’s organs from lupus, an autoimmune disorder caused by a patient’s own immune system attacking healthy tissues, can result in a wide range of symptoms, from skin issues to kidney and bladder inflammation to problems with joints, muscles and bones, among others. […] Lupus can affect almost any part of the body, and symptoms of the disease generally depend on which part(s) may be affected. Lupus symptoms and manifestations vary widely from person to person, and they also can change over time. […] Inflammation in the kidneys, referred to as lupus nephritis, is one of the most severe complications of lupus. It causes damage to the kidneys and interferes with their ability to filter waste out of the body. […] As many as 95% of lupus patients experience some type of joint problems. In lupus, joint problems are less likely to cause long-term damage than in other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
  • #2 10 Early Signs of Lupus: How to Identify Them
    https://www.healthline.com/health/lupus/early-signs
    Lupus is an autoimmune disease that may impact any organ in your body. Early signs include a butterfly-shaped skin rash on the face, fatigue, hair loss, and pulmonary and kidney problems. […] Symptoms of lupus typically start in early adulthood between ages 15-44. However, early signs and symptoms may be hard to detect because theyre similar to those of other conditions. […] Lupus symptoms vary in severity and affect everyone differently. […] Flare-ups are when symptoms get worse, while remission is when they improve for a period of time. […] People with lupus can develop a kidney inflammation called nephritis. Inflammation makes it harder for your kidneys to filter toxins and waste from the blood. […] According to the LFA, lupus nephritis typically affects people ages 20-40 and starts within 5 years of initial lupus symptoms. However, it affects children as well and is often severe.
  • #2 Diagnosing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | NYU Langone Health
    https://nyulangone.org/conditions/systemic-lupus-erythematosus/diagnosis
    Symptoms of kidney disease also often include swelling of the ankles, feet, legs, and, less commonly, the face or hands, as well as puffy eyes upon waking. Dark-colored and foamy urine, high blood pressure, and weight gain may also appear. […] As lupus becomes more active, the level of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies can rise, indicating a greater risk of lupus nephritis, which can lead to kidney failure. […] The anti-Smith antibody, also known as the anti-Sm antibody, targets the bodys own proteins and is found almost exclusively in people with lupus. Though not all people with lupus have this antibody, those who do usually receive a diagnosis of lupus.
  • #2 Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (NPSLE) in Children and Teenagers
    https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/n/neuropsychiatric-systemic-lupus-erythematosus
    Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (also called SLE or lupus) is an autoimmune disease that can affect nearly any part of a childs body. SLE is a lifelong disease that can be severe. It can have periods with quiet spells and flare-ups. Up to 20% of all people with SLE are diagnosed in childhood. When SLE affects the brain, spinal cord or other nerves, it is called neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). This happens in about 66% of all people who have SLE. […] Symptoms of NPSLE may persist or may come and go. They can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common symptoms that may affect the brain and spine include: Headaches not improved by over-the-counter medication, Anxiety, Depression, Confusion, Attention problems, Seizures, Stroke, Abnormal gait (walking), Abnormal movements, Tremors (shaking), Psychosis, Trouble seeing, Weakness and numbness of the face and / or arms and legs. […] If NPSLE is treated early, most children have a normal lifespan and good quality of life.
  • #2 Lupus – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupus
    There is no cure for SLE, but there are experimental and symptomatic treatments. Treatments may include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, hydroxychloroquine, and methotrexate. […] SLE significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, with this being the most common cause of death. […] While it most commonly begins between the ages of 15 and 45, a wide range of ages can be affected. […] The most commonly sought medical attention is for joint pain, with the small joints of the hand and wrist usually affected, although all joints are at risk. More than 90 percent of those affected will experience joint or muscle pain at some time during the course of their illness. […] Anemia is common in children with SLE and develops in about 50% of cases. […] SLE may cause pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining surrounding the heart), myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), or endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart).
  • #2 Lupus and your skin: Signs and symptoms
    https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/lupus-symptoms
    Discoid lupus can cause sores inside the mouth. People who have lupus can also develop sores inside their nose, eyes, or vagina. […] Many types of lupus can cause hair loss. With treatment for lupus, the hair often regrows. If you have discoid lupus, hair loss can be permanent because scarring develops. […] These are most common in people who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Some people develop a nail infection, which can cause splitting or crumbling nails and discoloration, or swollen skin and discoloration around the nails. […] The different types of lupus can also cause the following changes to your skin: Dry, chapped lips, Blister-like rash, Lacy pattern on the skin called livedo reticularis, Depressions in the skin, Itchy hives, Palms that turn red, Hard lumps under the skin, Poor blood flow in the fingers and toes when exposed to cold (Raynauds phenomenon). […] Sometimes, a rash or other sign of lupus causes a symptom like itch or pain. If you have symptoms, tell your dermatologist. Treatment can help get rid of these symptoms until your skin clears.
  • #2 Patient education: Systemic lupus erythematosus (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/systemic-lupus-erythematosus-beyond-the-basics
    Symptoms of lupus can be general and affect the whole body (eg, fatigue) or related to the effects of inflammation on specific organs. […] Most people with lupus experience fatigue, fever, and weight changes at some point in their illness. […] Fatigue is the most common symptom of lupus and can be debilitating. Almost everyone with lupus experiences fatigue at some point, even when there are no other symptoms. […] Many people with lupus get fevers when their disease flares. Fever is defined as a temperature over 100°F (37.8°C). […] Muscle pain or tenderness is common in people with lupus. Rarely, some people also notice muscle weakness. […] Lupus can sometimes cause weight loss or weight gain. […] Joint pain and stiffness (arthritis) occur in almost all people with lupus at some point during the disease, and these are often the earliest symptoms.
  • #2 Lupus (SLE) | Causes, symptoms, treatment | Versus Arthritis
    https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/lupus-sle/
    People with lupus can have problems with their kidneys. […] In most cases if spotted early, kidney problems caused by lupus can be treated successfully. Medication can prevent permanent kidney damage. […] Lupus may also cause anaemia, which is when you have a lack of red blood cells. […] People with lupus might also have a low number of platelets, cells that help the blood to clot. […] Some people with lupus are more at risk of developing blood clots in veins or arteries. […] People with lupus may experience anxiety or depression. […] Lupus can cause high blood pressure, particularly if the kidneys are involved. […] Lupus can also make you more likely to have high cholesterol. […] Occasionally lupus directly affects the heart and lungs. […] People with lupus can experience swelling of the lymph glands, which may cause discomfort.
  • #2 Understanding the Epidemiology and Progression of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2813992/
    These groups also accrue more damage over time and at a faster pace than white SLE patients and develop specific damage items more often (renal and integument). […] Late-onset lupus (age 50 years and above) tends to have a more insidious onset, less major organ system involvement, and lower degrees of disease activity, yet these patients tend to have a poor outcome, in terms of both damage accrual and mortality. […] The development of clinical instruments for the assessment of disease activity and disease damage has facilitated research on SLE progression. […] Social support has been identified as a modulating factor in disease activity, damage accrual, and even functioning. […] The level of self-reported physical and mental functioning or self-reported health-related quality of life is another important dimension to consider in SLE. […] The disease is overall more frequent among minority population groups around the world and the outcome of the disease is less favorable in these populations. […] SLE at the extremes of life (pediatric and late-onset) may be particularly severe.
  • #2 Pediatric Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus) | Boston Children’s Hospital
    https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/lupus
    Potential complications of lupus include: Kidney disease (called nephritis), which affects about 60 percent of children with lupus. […] Central nervous system problems, often cerebritis, inflammation of brain tissues, which affect about 20 to 30 percent of children with lupus and can cause mood changes, memory problems, seizures, and even stroke. […] The outlook for your child depends on a great deal on how severe her illness is. […] The disease can also be very active, and if it spreads to vital organs it can do a lot of damage sometimes irreversible. […] Even if your child’s lupus settles down either on its own or through treatment it never goes away completely.
  • #2 Lupus | Cedars-Sinai
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/l/systemic-lupus-erythematosus-lupus.html
    Lupus symptoms often come and go over time. It is important to know the warning signs that a relapse or flare-up is going to happen. Each person may have different warning signs. They may include fatigue, pain, rash, or fever. Knowing your warning signs can help you work with your healthcare provider to adjust your medicine. […] There is no known cure for lupus, but treatment can help manage it. You may work with a rheumatologist. This healthcare provider specializes in lupus, arthritis, and other related diseases. You may also work with other kinds of healthcare providers. These include specialists in kidney disease, blood disorders, immune disorders, and heart problems. […] There is no known cure for lupus, but medicines and lifestyle changes can help you manage symptoms of the disease.
  • #2 Lupus Erythematosus | UW Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
    https://orthop.washington.edu/patient-care/articles/arthritis/lupus-erythematosus.html
    A flare is a period during which disease symptoms appear or become worse. […] If you tire easily you need a balance of rest and activity. Part of this balancing includes pacing yourself during the day and also from day to day. […] Because of the changing character of lupus the type and amount of drugs may be changed often. […] Sometimes even with the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs the kidneys fail.
  • #3 Lupus Symptoms – What is Lupus | Lupus Research Alliance
    https://www.lupusresearch.org/about-lupus/what-is-lupus/lupus-symptoms/
    The most common symptoms of lupus are extreme fatigue, skin rashes, joint pain and unexplained fevers. […] Approximately 50%90% of people with lupus identify fatigue as one of their primary symptoms. The severe fatigue of lupus seems to be caused by many factors, including disease activity, anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, vitamin D deficiency and low levels of exercise. […] About half of people with lupus experience a characteristic red malar rash or color change that may appear across the cheeks and bridge of the nose in the shape of a butterfly. […] Because many people with lupus are sensitive to sunlight (called photosensitivity), skin rashes often first develop or worsen after being out in the sun. […] Up to 90% of people with lupus will have arthritis, which is defined as inflammation or swelling of the joint lining. […] Most people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience unexplained fevers (temperatures over 100F (37.8C).
  • #3 Lupus and women
    https://womenshealth.gov/lupus/lupus-and-women
    Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects more women than men. […] SLE can be mild or severe and can affect different parts of the body. Common symptoms include fatigue, hair loss, sun sensitivity, painful and swollen joints, unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems. […] More than half of all people with lupus have kidney problems, called lupus nephritis. Kidney problems often begin within the first five years after lupus symptoms start to appear. This is one of the more serious complications of lupus. […] Lupus raises the risk of the most common type of heart disease, called coronary artery disease (CAD). […] Medicines that treat lupus may cause bone loss. Bone loss can lead to osteoporosis, a condition that causes weak and broken bones. […] Lupus is most common in women ages 15 to 44, or during the years they can have children. Having lupus raises your risk of other health problems. Lupus can also make these problems happen earlier in life compared to women who do not have lupus. […] African-American women are three times more likely to get lupus than white women. […] African-American and Hispanic women usually get lupus at a younger age and have more severe symptoms, including kidney problems, than women of other groups.
  • #3 Lupus (SLE) | Causes, symptoms, treatment | Versus Arthritis
    https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/lupus-sle/
    Less frequently, lupus can affect the lining tissue of the gut, the gut itself, pancreas, liver or spleen, all of which can cause pain in the stomach. […] Very rarely, lupus can cause a painful red eye or changes in your eyesight. […] A condition known as Sjögren’s syndrome, which causes severe dryness of the eyes and mouth, is more common among people with lupus. […] Less commonly, people with lupus can have the inflammatory type of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis, or a condition known as myositis, which is inflammation of the muscles.