What does Lupus feel like?
The chronic autoimmune disorder Lupus occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues.
This tissue damage can sometimes be limited to skin issues or painful inflammation in the joints. In more severe cases, the lupus can damage vital organs like the liver, heart, lungs or kidneys.
Although there is no cure for lupus yet, treatments exist to reduce symptoms, prevent complications and improve quality-of-life .
Muscle and Joint pain
Muscle and joint pain is a common symptom of lupus. This is usually the first sign that something is not right.
A stiffness or aching pain is often experienced by people with lupus. The area can sometimes appear swollen but not always. A person may feel tired and weak.
The symptoms of this condition can flare up and disappear, but they are generally a lifelong condition.
This symptom can be confused with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes stiff and painful joints. The main difference between rheumatoid and lupus is that the former affects only the joints while the latter can affect the skin, the organs or other parts.
Hair, Skin, and Nails
A butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose is another sign of lupus.
These rashes can also occur anywhere on the body. These rashes are often caused by an oversensitivity to UV light (or sunlight). Other lupus symptoms may be triggered or worsened by exposure to light.
Nails may be brittle, and can easily break or crack. There is often swelling and discoloration around the base of the nail.
Discoloration can also occur on the toes or fingers due to Raynaud’s phenomenon. Inflammation restricts blood flow, causing a blue-white color. It can cause pain, tingling or numbness. This is often triggered by emotional stress or cold temperatures.
Hair loss and thinning can be caused by lupus. It is possible that a person with lupus will go bald earlier than usual, but the patches of hair growth usually return after a flare up.
Kidney Problems
Lupus nephritis is a common condition that affects kidneys in people with lupus. It will cause swelling to increase around the body and especially the ankles.
It may also cause weight gain or high blood pressure.
Most people with lupus live long, happy lives. In cases where it is fatal, the cause of death is often lupus kidney failure and lupus-nephritis.
Heart and Lungs
Lupus can also affect the cardiorespiratory systems.
Lupus patients are more likely to have coronary artery diseases, atherosclerosis and other heart issues.
When the tissues surrounding the lung become inflamed or damaged , the person can experience difficulty breathing.
Chest pain can also be felt by people who have problems with their lungs, heart, chest muscles, or rib joints.
Mental Health
Chronic illnesses are often difficult to deal with, particularly when they cause pain and impairments.
People with lupus are not immune to depression or anxiety. It can be made worse if the lupus affects the brain and nervous system tissues.
Treatment and maintenance for lupus can be a complex process that involves both your physical and mental health. The symptoms can affect the entire body, and they may appear and disappear at random times.
