Lupus is diagnosed through a combination of lab tests, physical exams and medical history. A physical exam may identify certain signs of lupus, including a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, sensitivity to light and mouth ulcers.
Your doctor may also order blood tests to detect elevated levels of certain antibodies, including antinuclear antibodies (ANA test) and anti-dsDNA. Urine tests can determine if your kidneys are inflamed, which is common in lupus.
Chest X-rays, echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart) and other imaging tests may help determine if your organs are affected by lupus. In some cases, a biopsy of the skin or organs may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Your doctor will consider the results of the physical exam and lab tests as well as your medical history to diagnose lupus. It is important to provide your doctor with a complete picture of your symptoms and any other medical issues that may be contributing to your condition.
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What are the 11 indicators of lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can cause a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The most common indicators of lupus include:
1. Swollen, painful or tender joints, which may occur simultaneously or in cycles.
2. Fatigue and feeling weak or having a low energy level.
3. Fever without a known cause (above 101° Fahrenheit).
4. Unexplained hair loss.
5. Abnormal blood clotting.
6. Chest pain with deep breathing.
7. Pale, butterfly-shaped skin rash (malar rash) across cheeks and the bridge of the nose.
8. Sunlight or ultraviolet light sensitivity, leading to rashes, itching, and inflammation.
9. Dry mouth and dry eyes.
10. Brain fog, affecting memory, focus and decision-making.
11. White patches and ulcers on the inside of the mouth and nose.
These are the eleven most common indicators of lupus. If you suspect lupus, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can perform a variety of tests to confirm the diagnosis and best determine the proper course of treatment.
What is the number one symptom of lupus?
The number one symptom of lupus is extreme fatigue, which can be debilitating. People with lupus may experience severe tiredness at any time, often lasting for months. This tiredness doesn’t go away with rest and can make it difficult to complete everyday tasks.
Other common symptoms include joint pain, rashes, and fever. In some cases, inflammation of the kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain can cause headaches, dizziness, mental confusion, and even seizures. With lupus, it is important to be aware of any new or worsening symptoms and to contact a health care professional for an evaluation.
What are the first signs of a lupus flare?
The first signs of a lupus flare can vary as it is different depending on the person, but there are some common signs that can be indicative of an oncoming flare. Some of the most common signs of a lupus flare include extreme fatigue, joint pain, a skin rash known as a “butterfly rash” which typically appears on the face, hair loss, general malaise, mouth ulcers, fever, headaches, chest pains and/or shortness of breath.
It is important to track your symptoms when you believe you may be entering a lupus flare in order to give your doctor a well rounded understanding of your current status. Even if these symptoms are mild, it is important to pay attention as lupus flares can quickly worsen if they are not treated appropriately and timely.
What are daily struggles with lupus?
Daily struggles with lupus vary from person to person and can even change over time. Common daily struggles can include fatigue, pain, joint and muscle swelling and tenderness, rashes, and digestive issues.
Fatigue can be overwhelming, making it difficult to focus, complete tasks, and even motivate oneself to do basic tasks. Pain can range from mild to severe, and can be experienced in a variety of forms, from joint and muscle aches to sharp and burning sensations.
Joint and muscle swelling and tenderness can interfere with activities of daily living if left unchecked. Rashes can cause irritation of the skin and often get itchy or painful. Digestive issues can range from common issues such as nausea and heartburn to more severe issues such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
Other daily struggles that may be associated with lupus can include brain fog, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. It is important to remember that lupus is a chronic, long-term illness, and therefore daily struggles with lupus should be managed and monitored in order to prevent flare-ups and lessen the severity of symptoms.
A combination of treatments and lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising, managing stress, and getting adequate rest, can help minimize daily struggles with lupus.
What does Mild lupus feel like?
Mild lupus can have a wide variety of symptoms, making it difficult to determine exactly what it feels like. Generally, lupus can lead to fatigue, an increase in joint pain and stiffness, skin rashes (often known as a “butterfly rash”), problems concentrating, and headaches.
In some cases, more severe symptoms can be experienced, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, hair loss, and fever. In some rare cases, lupus can affect the heart and kidneys, as well as other organs.
While symptoms of lupus can come and go, when they do occur they can be really uncomfortable and may even interfere with daily life. For those experiencing mild lupus, it can feel like a constant low-level fatigue, coupled with periodic flares where the joint pain and other symptoms get worse.
It’s important to keep in mind that everyone experiences lupus differently, and some people may have no symptoms at all. Hopefully with proper medical treatment, the mild form of lupus can be effectively managed and any symptoms it does cause can be kept to a minimum.
What should you not do if you have lupus?
If you have lupus, it is essential to take care of yourself and make lifestyle changes to reduce the likelihood of disease flare-ups. It is important to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of lupus, as this will help ensure that your treatment plan is effective.
Some things you should not do if you have lupus include:
1. Do not overexert yourself with physical activity. If you have symptoms of fatigue or joint pain, do not push yourself too hard. Low-impact exercises like swimming and stretching can help improve your physical health without overdoing it.
2. Avoid sun exposure whenever possible. While some exposure to sunlight is beneficial, prolonged exposure can trigger a flare-up of lupus. Whenever you are out in the sun, be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible.
3. Do not take antibiotics or other medications, unless prescribed by a physician. Some antibiotics, as well as some other types of medication, can increase your risk of experiencing flares of lupus, as well as other symptoms.
4. Try to avoid stress, as it can trigger lupus flares. Stress can also interfere with your immune system, leading to more serious health problems. To manage stress, find ways to relax and de-stress on a regular basis.
Meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques can be helpful.
5. Do not smoke. Smoking can increase the risk of severe lupus and other health problems. If you quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke, you can lower your risk of experiencing flares. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for yourself if you have lupus.
What does lupus do to the body over time?
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder wherein the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation throughout the body. Over time, the systemic damage caused by lupus can have many effects, some of which can be seriously debilitating and even life-threatening.
Common symptoms of lupus tend to involve the skin, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys, and blood. Skin symptoms include rashes, usually on the face (known as a “butterfly rash”), or a raised red rash over the entire body.
Joint pain and swelling can develop as well, especially near the joints of the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles. The heart can be affected by inflammation of the lining of the heart itself, a condition known as cardiac lupus.
The lungs can become inflamed, leading to shortness of breath and chest pain. Inflammation of the kidneys can impair their functions of excreting waste and reducing the amount of fluid in the body, leading to fluid retention, or edema.
Lupus can also cause chronic fatigue, anemia, as well as interference with the production of blood cells (such as white blood cells and platelets).
Left untreated, lupus can cause damage to many of the organs it affects. In some cases, tissue damage may be permanent and require medical intervention to restore normal functioning. This may include the use of medications, physical therapy, or surgery.
If organs become severely damaged, it can even be life-threatening, and require emergency medical treatment. With proper medical management, the prognosis for lupus can be greatly improved, reducing the risk of long-term tissue damage, organ failure, and other serious complications.
What lifestyle changes are recommended for lupus?
Lifestyle modifications for those with lupus vary depending on the individual and their specific symptoms, but generally physicians may recommend several changes to help patients manage their condition.
These changes include incorporating physical activity as much as possible, avoiding stress as much as possible, improving overall diet and nutrition, getting consistent quality sleep, maintaining regular doctor appointments and tests, and being proactive about skin protection when outdoors.
Physical activity is important for everyone, and especially beneficial for those with lupus due to the improved cardiovascular health, strengthened muscles, and the ability to reduce stress. Incorporating low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, and biking can be beneficial in giving the body a gentle workout without pushing it too hard.
It is especially important for those with lupus to avoid stress as much as possible, as it can trigger a flare-up or worsening of symptoms. This can include getting help with daily tasks that require more energy and being open with family, friends, and health care providers about things that are causing stress.
Improving overall diet and nutrition is key to managing the symptoms of lupus, since nutrient deficiencies are common due to increased inflammation. Adding nutrient-dense foods to the diet such as lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains can help increase energy levels, improve skin health and digestion, and balance moods and hormones.
There is also evidence that eliminating certain allergens and processed foods and eating only organic foods can reduce inflammation and improve lupus symptoms.
Getting consistent quality sleep can help reduce stress and inflammation, which can add on to the symptoms of lupus. Making sure to maintain regular sleeping habits by going to bed around the same time each day and waking up around the same time each day can help regulate the body’s natural processes and help to improve moods.
Regular doctor appointments and tests are important for those with lupus to maintain optimal health. This includes check-ups, blood/urine tests, imaging scans, as well as attending any consultations with specialists.
At these visits, patients should make sure to discuss any changes that have happened since the last appointment and follow any instructions given.
Finally, being proactive about skin protection when outdoors is important for those with lupus since sun exposure can trigger a flare-up. Applying sunscreen before going outdoors and re-applying throughout the day is essential for those with lupus, as well as wearing light-colored long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses when outside to further protect from the sun’s rays.
Does lupus show up in blood work?
Yes, lupus can show up in blood work. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can cause the body to generate antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues and organs. As a result, the presence of these antibodies can be seen in a person’s blood work.
Common antibodies that show up on blood tests in lupus patients include antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-dsDNA antibodies, anti-Ro/SS-A antibodies, anti-La/SS-B antibodies, as well as others. The antibodies can all indicate the presence of lupus in an individual, although the individual might show signs and symptoms that can also indicate lupus.
Symptoms may include inflammation, fatigue, joint pain, and many more. If an individual’s blood work shows elevated levels of any of these antibodies, along with matching symptoms, then a doctor may diagnose the individual with lupus.
Can you have lupus with normal blood work?
Yes, it is possible to have lupus with normal blood work. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. It is a complex condition, and can present with a wide variety of symptoms that may be hard to differentiate from other diseases.
In some cases, the only way to definitively diagnose lupus is by looking at a person’s full medical history, as well as having specific lab tests, such as antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing. While an abnormal ANA test result may suggest lupus, a normal result doesn’t necessarily mean the disorder isn’t present.
It is possible to have a normal ANA test result and have mild lupus-related symptoms. Additionally, due to a phenomenon known as ANA-negative lupus, some people may have lupus, yet have negative blood work results.
However, in all cases, if a person has lupus, it is important to be monitored closely by their physician for any changes.
What blood tests would indicate lupus?
There are several specific types of blood tests that are used to help diagnose lupus and evaluate how active the disease might be. These tests may include:
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC is used to check levels of different types of cells in the blood, such as red and white blood cells, platelets and hemoglobin. In some cases, lupus may cause the number of certain cells to be lower than normal.
• Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA): ANAs help identify autoimmune diseases, including lupus. This test looks for autoantibodies that target certain parts of cells. People with lupus may have higher-than-normal levels of these autoantibodies.
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): ESR tests measure the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube over a certain period of time. People with lupus typically have higher-than-normal ESR values.
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP): CRP is a protein that increases when there is inflammation in the body. A high level of CRP may indicate an active lupus flare.
• Complement Levels: Complement is a set of proteins that help with several functions in the body, including fighting off infections. Low levels of complement may indicate an active lupus flare.
• Antiphospholipid Antibody Test (APA): APAs are autoantibodies that target different parts of cells. They can contribute to blood clots and higher-than-normal levels of these autoantibodies may indicate lupus.
