Systemic lupus erythematosus can generate a wide variety of symptoms. Each patient with the disease can experience different symptoms of lupus, at oscillating intensities. In the initial stages of the disease, the symptoms of lupus resemble those of a cold or flu: generalized state of fatigue, body weakness, muscle and joint pain, headache, poor appetite and moderate fever.
In some people with lupus, only one system of the body such as the skin or joints is affected. Other people experience symptoms in many parts of their body. Just how seriously a body system is affected also varies from person to person. Most commonly, joints and muscles are affected, causing arthritis and muscle pain. Skin rashes are quite common. The following systems in the body also can be affected by lupus.
Now the scale is tipping 250 lbs and every month I see a pound creep on here and there but, hey... I think I got this....then I wake up from this dream with severe anemia, and 181 B-12 level, mild memory loss, and all the old symptoms of Lupus.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a more complex form of lupus and because many different organs can be involved, a variety of symptoms can present. Like many auto immune disorders fatigue and muscle aches can occur but the propensity for infection and bleeding is a serious danger. Organ damage and organ failure are major causes for concern and there is an increased occurrence of other auto immune disease such as arthritis.
When lupus affects the lymphatic system of the body, the most common symptoms of lupus are swelling and pain of the lymph nodes throughout the body. Most cases of lupus either affect the lymphatic system, the musculoskeletal system or the skin. When lupus affects the musculoskeletal system, the most common symptoms are muscular pain, fatigue, swelling and stiffness of the joints. When confined to the skin, lupus commonly generates rashes, inflammation and irritation of the skin.
Today's treatments are efficient in easing the symptoms of lupus and they also allow patients to carry on with their usual daily activities. Most patients with lupus don't require prolonged hospitalization and bed confinement is rarely needed.
The symptoms of lupus can be very different from one person to the next, but they will likely include some of these. Joints that ache and are painful, swollen joints, fevers that rise to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more without any other explanation, pain in the chest, a butterfly like rash on the cheeks and nose, loss of hair, or prolonged fatigue.
Furthermore, it is important to mention that not all kidneys affections lead to lupus nephritis. Many symptoms of lupus and even medicines used to treat this disease, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may produce kidney problems and may even cause the loss of kidneys functions and fluid retention.
Symptoms of lupus don't occur in the same measure to all people who are diagnosed with this affection. In addition to this, some people may endure severe forms of lupus and other patients can have symptoms that are very debilitating. Treatments which are prescribed to treat lupus vary from a person to person and usually include NSAIDs, DMARDs and cytotoxic drug medications.
It is important to mention that the symptoms of lupus may appear only if a person increases the number of medicines which have a high risk in producing lupus or tend to take them for long periods of time.
Symptoms Of Systemic Lupus
The immune system is a mysterious mechanism. Like a pitbull, the immune system will guard against foreign attackers mercilessly to protect its home, and yet, it can also turn on its master, attacking it ferociously all the same. Doctors aren't exactly sure what causes the autoimmune disease called systemic lupus, but they suspect it's a murky concoction of factors.
Inherited genes, UV light, hormones, viruses and drugs may all contribute to the condition. Some of the most recent Lupus Foundation research suggests that a key enzyme fails to eliminate cellular debris, which can happen as a result of a gene mutation.
So, you ask, what are the symptoms and signs of systemic lupus? In 5-10% of the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, they develop red, bordered, non-itchy skin rashes on the face and scalp. This form of lupus is called "discoid lupus" and while painless, can cause permanent hair loss and scarring.
Half the patients with systemic lupus have a red "butterfly rash" across the bridge of their nose and experience extreme sensitivity to sunlight. Most patients experience arthritis in their hands, wrists and feet.
More serious inflammation of organs occurs in the brain, liver, and kidneys. White blood cells and blood clotting factors also can be decreased in SLE, thereby increasing the risk of infection and bleeding. Inflamed muscles, blood vessels, lungs, kidneys and other body parts can cause internal injuries resulting in chest pain, fluid retention, high blood pressure, kidney failure, loss of appetite, seizures, comas, personality changes, fatigue, fever, numbness, hair loss and Raynaud's phenomenon (lack of blood supply and pain in the fingers and toes). The symptoms vary, depending on which part of the body is affected and the severity of the condition, of course.
Doctors can diagnose systemic lupus using eleven criteria established by the American Rheumatism Association. If a patient has four or more symptoms, then a diagnosis is strongly urged. Symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus are: malar (butterfly rash over the cheeks), discoid skin rash (patchy redness), photosensitivity (reaction to sunlight), mucus membrane ulcers (in the mouth, nose or throat), arthritis (swollen, tender joints), pleuritis/pericarditis (inflammation of the lungs/heart tissue), kidney abnormalities (excessive urine protein or cellular casts), brain irritation (seizures or psychosis), blood count abnormalities (low red or white blood cells), immunologic disorder (anti-DNA or abnormal activity) and antinuclear antibody (presence of ANA antibody). Blood tests, blood chemistry tests, body fluid tests and tissue biopsies can help uncover symptoms of lupus as well.
Treatment for systemic lupus is determined on an individual basis, depending on symptoms and inflammation levels. Patients with mild symptoms may not need treatment at all, but those with more serious symptoms may try medications that suppress the body's immune system or decreases inflammation.
Many patients report difficulty sleeping, which can lead to depression, lethargy, random eating patterns and diminished coping abilities. Therefore, sleep aids are an important complementary treatment. Most recently, the 2007 national Rheumatology meeting said that an omega-3 fish oil supplement may decrease heart risks and diminish disease activity.
Both Jackb Son & MIKE SELVON are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jackb Son has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acid Reflux, Health and Skin Problems. Read about .Also read about and. Jackb Son's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.
MIKE SELVON has sinced written about articles on various topics from Camping, Allergies and Personal Desktop. Mike Selvon owns a number of niche portal. Please visit our portal for more great information on , and leave a comment at ou. MIKE SELVON's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.