What Is Usually the First Sign of Lupus? Know the Symptoms

What Is Usually the First Sign of Lupus? Know the Symptoms

Lupus is an uncomfortable condition to live with. Its unpredictable flare-ups and variety of symptoms can disrupt everyday life, making it difficult to enjoy the activities you love. Though identifying lupus symptoms can be tricky, a professional diagnosis can help patients find relief.

Bergen Medical Associates is a multi-specialty medical practice with locations throughout northern New Jersey. We provide treatment for many medical conditions, including lupus. Learn more about lupus, its signs, and the treatments available.

What Is Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks its own tissues. Your immune system is responsible for protecting your body against disease. When a harmful bacteria or virus appears, the immune system attacks and destroys it. Lupus, however, causes the immune system to attack and damage healthy tissue instead of harmful pathogens.

Lupus may manifest in one of four different forms:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): A form of lupus that affects your entire body. This is the most common form of lupus.
• Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: A form of lupus that affects only the skin.
• Drug-induced lupus: Certain medications cause symptoms of lupus as a side effect. These symptoms usually are temporary and will disappear when patients stop taking the medication.
• Neonatal lupus: Babies occasionally are born with lupus. Though lupus is not necessarily hereditary, babies born to parents with lupus may have an increased risk.

Lupus is a chronic disease. Many patients struggle with lupus throughout their lifetimes. Luckily, treatments exist to reduce symptoms and flare-ups. These treatments can help patients live comfortably with their condition.

What Causes Lupus?

Rheumatology experts who treat lupus are not sure what causes this condition. It is believed patients may be predisposed toward lupus due to genetic factors. These genetics become triggered when exposed to certain environmental conditions, such as:

• Surges of hormones, such as estrogen
• Certain types of blood pressure, anti-seizure, and antibiotic medications
• Viral or bacterial infections
• A history of smoking
• High stress levels
• Bright sunlight

Because its causes are not entirely understood, lupus is difficult to predict or prevent. Some groups of people, however, may be at greater risk. Lupus is more common in females and Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Alaskan Native, First Native, and Pacific Islander populations. It most frequently develops at birth or between the ages of 15 and 44.

What Are Common Lupus Symptoms?

Symptoms of lupus often resemble those caused by other conditions. Because of this, lupus can be tricky to identify. Every patient experiences a different combination and intensity. Symptoms may even change between flare-ups.

In most cases, however, symptoms develop slowly. Patients notice only one or two symptoms at first, then more as time goes on. These may include:

• Pain in the joints, muscles, or chest
• Headaches
• Rashes, especially across the face
• Skin lesions
• Fever
• Dry eyes
• Hair loss
• Sores around the mouth
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen glands
• Swelling in the arms, legs, or face
• Blood clots
• Confusion or memory loss

Symptoms often come and go. People with lupus may occasionally experience flare-ups when symptoms are severe enough to impact their everyday lives. Between flare-ups are periods of remission when symptoms disappear, and the person suddenly feels better. Remission does not mean the lupus is gone. Future flare-ups may occur if the person’s condition is triggered again.

What Treatments Are Available for Lupus?

All treatment begins with diagnosis. Typically, this involves a physical exam followed by a series of diagnostic tests. These may include a blood test, antibody test, urinalysis, or tissue biopsy. Regardless of the tests used, however, lupus can be tricky to diagnose. Don’t hesitate to tell your practitioners about any sensations or changes in your body that might help them identify your condition.

Lupus cannot be cured. Instead, treatments focus on minimizing damage and reducing the disease’s impact on daily life. Most patients need a combination of medications, which might include:

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) that can relieve symptoms and slow their progression.
• Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that reduce pain and inflammation.
• Corticosteroids are prescription medication that relieves inflammation. They may be taken with an oral pill or injected into a joint.
• Immunosuppressants, or medications that reduce the immune system’s activity level, protect against tissue damage.

Balancing medications may take some trial and error. With the right combination, however, patients can experience fewer flare-ups and reduced symptoms – helping them live a comfortable life.

Treat Symptoms of Lupus at Bergen Medical Associates

If you or a loved one is struggling with lupus symptoms, now is the time to seek a diagnosis. Bergen Medical Associates provides lupus treatment from locations across northern New Jersey, including Emerson, Montvale, Northvale, Paramus, and Ridgewood. The experienced team of more than 40 board-certified physicians, nurses, and staff represents a wide breadth of specialties. Contact us to find out how we can help or to request an appointment.