Lupus: Symptoms & Causes - Mayo Clinic

Overview

• Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks body's tissues.
• Causes inflammation affecting joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.
• Diagnosis is challenging due to mimicry of other ailments; distinctive feature: butterfly-shaped facial rash.
• No cure but treatments available to manage symptoms.

Symptoms

• Symptoms vary: sudden or slow onset, mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
• Most experience mild disease with flares.
• Symptoms depend on affected systems but often include:
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Joint pain, stiffness, swelling
  • Butterfly-shaped facial rash
  • Skin lesions sensitive to sun
  • Raynaud's phenomenon (color change in fingers/toes)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Dry eyes
  • Headaches, confusion, memory loss

When to See a Doctor

• Consult a doctor if experiencing an unexplained rash, ongoing fever, or persistent aching and fatigue.

Causes

• Combination of genetics and environment.
• Triggers may include:
  • Sunlight: Induces skin lesions or internal response.
  • Infections: Can initiate or relapse lupus.
  • Medications: Certain drugs can trigger lupus; drug-induced lupus is reversible post medication cessation.

Risk Factors

• Sex: More common in women.
• Age: Commonly diagnosed between 15-45 years.
• Race: Higher prevalence in African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans.

Complications

• Kidneys: Potential for severe damage, leading cause of lupus-related death.
• Brain & CNS: Possible headaches, dizziness, behavior changes, strokes, seizures.
• Blood & Vessels: Anemia, bleeding, clotting issues.
• Lungs: Inflammation, painful breathing, possible pneumonia.
• Heart: Inflammation, increased cardiovascular disease risk.

Other Complications

• Increased infection risk due to weakened immune response.
• Slightly increased cancer risk.
• Bone tissue death from reduced blood supply.
• Pregnancy complications like miscarriage, high blood pressure, preterm birth.

Resources

• Request an appointment
• Mayo Clinic Family Health Book
• Mayo Clinic Health Letter & Books
• Living with Lupus