Yes, you can have lupus for years and not know it. Lupus is a complex, chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect any organ system in the body. It is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms often mimic those of many other diseases.
Symptoms of lupus can be quite varied and can come and go over time, making it hard to diagnose. Diagnosing lupus requires a full medical history and physical examination. Blood tests are also used to diagnose lupus, including those that measure levels of inflammation and autoantibody production.
In many cases, lupus can go undetected for years because the symptoms tend to be intermittent and vague in the early stages. Some of the common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, “sun sensitivity,” chest pain, hair loss, and swollen lymph nodes, but the symptoms will vary greatly from person to person.
Even if you think you may have lupus, it is important to see your doctor so they can accurately diagnose your condition and treat it properly. By identifying lupus in its early stages, you can manage the symptoms of the disease and avoid further damage to your organs.
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What does undiagnosed lupus feel like?
Undiagnosed lupus can be a difficult and frustrating experience because many of its symptoms can be vague and hard to pinpoint, making it difficult to be diagnosed. Common symptoms of lupus can include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and an array of other flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, night sweats, and rashes.
Skin conditions can also be prevalent in lupus, ranging from skin lesions to rashes that are triggered by sun exposure (photo-sensitivity), and they can be subtly different from other rashes that are commonly associated with autoimmune conditions.
Many people with undiagnosed lupus may also experience general aches and pains, changes in appetite, unexplained weight loss, depression, cognitive dysfunction, swollen glands, mouth sores, and shortness of breath.
It is not uncommon for people with undiagnosed lupus to also be diagnosed with other medical conditions such as fibromyalgia or depression as many of the symptoms of lupus are often mistaken for other issues.
As lupus can affect many different systems of the body, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis so that proper treatment can be pursued.
What are daily struggles with lupus?
Lupus can cause a variety of daily struggles which can range from mild to severe depending on the individual. Common daily struggles associated with lupus include chronic pain, fatigue, joint swelling and stiffness, and cognitive issues like ‘fibro fog’, which can affect a person’s concentration and focus.
Chronic pain is a common symptom of lupus, which can interfere with daily activities and even cause difficulty sleeping. Joint pain may develop alongside joint swelling, stiffness, and restricted range of motion.
Headaches and chest pain can also be symptoms of lupus.
Fatigue, or a feeling of overwhelming tiredness, can make even basic daily tasks difficult for people who have lupus. This can cause further issues with concentration, focus, and the ability to perform daily tasks.
The cognitive issues often referred to as ‘fibro fog’ can cause difficulties with memory and pronunciation, decreased awareness and focus, and a slowed thought process. This can cause frustration and can make even routine activities like communicating and multitasking difficult.
Overall, lupus can cause a variety of daily struggles that can interfere with activities and daily life. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of lupus and to seek treatment if you suspect you may have the condition.
What are the first warning signs of lupus?
The earliest warning signs of lupus may include: fatigue, achy joints, skin rashes and sensitivity to the sun, shortness of breath, headaches, painful or swollen glands, chest pain and trouble concentrating.
Other common symptoms that can appear before a formal diagnosis of lupus include abdominal pain, pleurisy, anemia, and a low-grade fever that persists. Additionally, some people with lupus may experience depression, hair loss and weight loss.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible, as early detection of lupus can improve health outcomes. Your doctor may try to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms and may perform a physical exam or lab tests.
Blood tests can be performed to evaluate inflammation or to measure specific autoantibodies, which are antibodies made by the body that are directed against its own tissues and organs. While there is no single definitive test to diagnose lupus, your doctor will look at the pattern of your symptoms and the results of any tests to make a diagnosis.
What happens if lupus goes undiagnosed?
If lupus goes undiagnosed, it can cause serious problems. Without proper treatment, the symptoms of lupus can worsen, putting the patient at risk of serious damage to the organs, joints, and skin. Long-term, untreated lupus can cause permanent organ damage, especially in the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
This can lead to life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, pulmonary hypertension, kidney failure, and even death.
In addition, without treatment, fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes may become worse and more frequent. The body’s immune system may also become weak, making it harder to fight off infections and other illnesses.
There’s also an increased risk that lupus may become chronic and difficult to manage.
For these reasons, as soon as lupus is suspected, it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help to avoid more serious complications.
What are weird lupus symptoms?
Lupus is a complex autoimmune disorder that can affect multiple parts of the body, making it difficult to diagnose and manage. Some of the most common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, skin rash, fever, and swollen glands.
However, there are a few symptoms that may seem strange or unusual to those unfamiliar with the disorder.
One symptom is a “butterfly” rash on the face, which is a reddish-purplish splotch extending across the cheeks and nose. Some people may experience sensitivity to the sun, where exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause skin lesions and rashes, as well as fatigue.
And for some, their skin may become extremely sensitive to cold temperatures. Unexplained hair loss or changes in the hair’s texture may also occur.
Another strange symptom is that one’s fingers and toes, particularly the tips, may turn white and numb when exposed to cold temperatures—referred to as Raynaud’s phenomenon. Patients may also experience headaches, dizziness, chest pain, vision loss, swelling of the organs, anemia, and headaches, as well as cognitive issues, such as confusion and difficulty concentrating.
In some rare cases, lupus may cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, resulting in seizures.
Lupus is a highly individualized disorder, and these symptoms may vary significantly from person to person. It’s important to keep track of your symptoms and discuss any unusual changes with your healthcare provider.
Does lupus show up in blood work?
Yes, lupus can show up on blood work. When diagnosing lupus, a doctor may order a complete blood count (CBC) and a series of blood tests to look for antibodies and markers that are associated with lupus.
These tests may include the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test, a complement test, and tests for autoantibodies such as the antiphospholipid antibody (APA).
The ANA test is the most common blood test for diagnosing lupus, and a positive result is often followed up with additional tests to confirm a diagnosis. A positive result on a blood test can help support a diagnosis of lupus, but it is not considered a definitive diagnosis by itself.
Clinical signs and symptoms are important elements in making a diagnosis of lupus.
Can you live with untreated lupus?
Yes, it is possible to live with untreated lupus. People with mild lupus can often manage the condition and its effects without medication. However, if symptoms become more severe, or if lupus progresses, the right treatment should be considered.
Without treatment, lupus can cause significant short and long-term health issues, including joint and organ damage.
People living with lupus will need to be proactive in managing their condition. Adequate sleep, regular exercise and proper stress management can all help with symptom management. Dietary changes may also help, as some substances can worsen lupus symptoms.
Because of the potential consequences to their health, untreated lupus should not be taken lightly. In order to reduce damage, people with lupus should speak with a physician and talk about the best options for safely managing their disease.
What is borderline lupus?
Borderline lupus is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body’s own immune system to attack its healthy tissues. It is sometimes referred to as a ‘milder’ form of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and tends to manifest differently from SLE.
While the symptoms of SLE can range from mild to severe, those of borderline lupus are usually mild and can include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, and skin rashes. In some cases, borderline lupus can also cause inflammation of the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and other internal organs.
Borderline lupus is difficult to diagnose because it has different effects in different people and can mimic the symptoms of other illnesses. For example, some people with borderline lupus may experience fever, arthritis, a rash on the cheeks and/or nose, mouth ulcers, and/or swollen glands, which can also be signs of other illnesses.
As a result, people with borderline lupus can be misdiagnosed with another autoimmune disorder or some other condition.
In addition, the cause of borderline lupus is unknown. It is believed to be linked to genetics, but the exact connection has yet to be determined. Treatment often involves a combination of medications to reduce inflammation, improve symptoms, and prevent other illnesses such as infections, heart problems, and stroke.
For most people, careful management can help them lead normal and active lives.
Does anything mimic lupus?
No, there is not currently anything that mimics lupus. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition which can cause inflammation and pain in many different areas of the body, including the skin, joints, and internal organs.
The cause of lupus is not yet known and its symptoms can be quite varied, making the disease difficult to diagnose. Symptoms may come and go, and can sometimes be confused with other conditions. For example, SLE and rheumatoid arthritis can have similar symptoms, but the diseases are caused by different underlying issues and therefore require specific treatments.
Other conditions, such as scleroderma, fibromyalgia, and infections, may also have similar symptoms as lupus, so it is important to seek medical advice to receive a proper diagnosis.
What is the number one symptom of lupus?
The most common symptom of lupus is a facial rash that appears over the cheeks and bridge of the nose. This rash, which is known as a “butterfly rash” because of its shape, is a unique symptom of lupus and is often one of the first indications that someone is suffering from the condition.
Other common symptoms of lupus include extreme fatigue, joint pain, a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, chest pain, sensitivity to light, areas of the skin that are turning white or blue when exposed to the sun, skin lesions, lung problems, hair loss, ovarian problems, and headaches.
In addition, people with lupus may have a higher risk of infection because the condition lowers their immunity.
At what age does lupus usually show up?
Lupus typically shows up between the ages of 15 and 44, with 40 percent of cases occurring in people aged 20 to 40. It is much less common in children and older adults, though it can occur in any age group.
Lupus also tends to affect women more than men, with nine out of 10 people with lupus being female. It can take years for a definitive diagnosis to be made, and many factors play a role in the development of lupus.
What are the markers for lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder, meaning it occurs when the immune system malfunctions and begins attacking healthy tissue. While the cause of lupus is unknown, it can affect many parts of the body including the skin, joints, blood and organs.
The exact markers of lupus vary from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, anemia, sun sensitivity, shortness of breath, swelling and fever.
Additionally, people with lupus may experience headaches, chest pain, depression, confusion and difficulty concentrating.
There are also a few laboratory tests used to diagnose lupus. These tests typically measure levels of antibodies in the body, such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA), which are present in the majority of people with lupus.
A doctor may also recommend testing for other specific autoantibodies, such as anti-dsDNA or anti-Ro, which are both common in people with lupus.
Evaluating levels of certain proteins and hormones can also help diagnose lupus, such as C-reactive protein, complement or complement component 4, and thyroid hormones.
In addition to lab tests, a doctor may also use an x-ray, CT scan, MRI or ultrasound imaging to assess organ damage caused by lupus. Other non-laboratory tests that can help diagnose lupus include a physical examination and complete medical history.
It’s important to note that lupus often mimics symptoms of other diseases, so it takes a knowledgeable doctor to accurately diagnose lupus.
Can you suddenly develop lupus?
No, you can’t suddenly develop lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that develops slowly and may not have obvious signs or symptoms right away. It often takes years or even decades for a person to be diagnosed with lupus, as doctors need to look for certain markers, such as malar rash or immune system deficiencies, to determine if a person has the condition.
It is important to understand that lupus is not an infectious disease, so you cannot “catch” it from someone else, nor can you develop it out of nowhere. Some people may have a genetic risk factor for lupus, which means that their risk for developing lupus is greater due to genetic factors.
If a person does have a genetic risk factor for lupus, their lifestyle and environment can still play a role in the development of the condition. Therefore, it is important to work with your doctor in order to identify the risk factors for lupus and work towards reducing those risk factors in order to minimize any future health problems.
When should you suspect lupus?
If someone is experiencing any of the following common signs and symptoms of lupus, they should suspect they might have the disease and speak with a doctor:
1.Swollen, painful joints in the hands, wrists, or other areas
2.Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
3.A butterfly-shaped rash on the face that spans across the nose and cheeks
4.Unexplained fever
5.Mouth sores
6.Inflammation of the lining of the heart or lungs
7.Anemia
8.Light or sun sensitivity
9.Hair loss
10.Chest pain
11.Kidney problems
However, it’s important to note that having any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that someone has lupus. It’s best to seek medical advice to determine whether lupus is the cause of any of the symptoms listed above.
A doctor may do blood tests and order additional tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, to make this determination.
