Lupus or systemic lupus erythematosus (ELS) is an autoimmune disease that primarily impacts women between the ages of 15 and 45. It affects everyone differently and generally causes inflammation and swelling, along with a variety of other symptoms. These symptoms are similar to those of other common conditions, making lupus difficult to diagnose. This condition has no cure and requires lifelong management. Here are some early signs of lupus to watch out for:

Fatigue
Constant fatigue is a common symptom among those with lupus. It may affect people to varying degrees. For some, taking an afternoon nap may help. To keep energy levels up, one must remain active and stick to a daily schedule. If the condition interferes with one’s everyday activities, it may be time to speak to a doctor about treatment options.

Unexplained fever
Since the body is constantly trying to fight off infection, people with lupus may experience an unexplained low-grade fever from time to time. This could be a sign of inflammation, infection, or a flare-up. Those experiencing recurrent low fevers must visit their healthcare provider and get checked for lupus or other potential conditions.

Hair loss
Hair loss is another common problem faced by over 70 percent of people with lupus. It is caused due to inflammation of the scalp and may result in thinning hair or hair loss in clumps. Some people may also experience thinning hair in other parts of the body, such as their eyebrows, eyelashes, and beards. Although lupus treatment allows for the regrowth of new hair, some may suffer from permanent hair loss if they have developed lesions on the scalp.

Skin rashes
A red butterfly-shaped rash (also known as the malar rash) on the nose and cheeks is perhaps one of the most easily recognizable signs of lupus. Almost 30 percent of people with lupus develop this rash either suddenly or after exposure to sunlight. This condition can also cause non-itchy rashes or lesions in other body parts, hives, or discoloration in the fingers and toes.

Pulmonary issues
Inflammation of the lungs, lung blood vessels, and the diaphragm is another symptom of lupus. This inflammation may cause chest pain during breathing and is also referred to as pleuritic chest pain. When left unmanaged, this can shrink lung size and lead to more complications.

Kidney inflammation
People with lupus may also develop nephrological issues, making it difficult for the kidneys to filter waste from the blood. Symptoms may include swelling in the lower legs and feet, high blood pressure, blood in the urine, darker urine, frequent urge to urinate at night, and pain on the side of the body. When left unchecked, this can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Swollen joints
Inflammation in the body may also appear in the form of painful or swollen joints, especially in the morning. These symptoms may come and go, and can generally be treated with over-the-counter therapies. However, those facing joint pains must visit their healthcare provider to rule out other conditions, such as arthritis, that may be causing pains and aches.

Raynaud’s Syndrome
Raynaud’s Syndrome occurs when small blood vessels in the fingers and toes spasm, turning them blue or white, indicating limited circulation. It affects over one-third of people with lupus, and those with Raynaud’s are extremely sensitive to cold temperatures.

Digestive problems
Those with lupus may also experience digestive problems such as heartburn or acid reflux. These symptoms can easily be treated with antacids. Those who want to limit these episodes may try cutting down their meal portions or restricting the consumption of caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea. In case of repeated symptoms, one must visit the doctor and get tested for other underlying conditions.

Thyroid troubles
Those with lupus are at increased risk of developing an autoimmune thyroid disorder that affects their metabolism and could increase or decrease BMI levels. It can also affect the functioning of the body’s vital organs and cause moodiness and dry skin and hair. However, these symptoms can be managed well with the right treatment plan.

Sjögren’s Syndrome
This is another autoimmune disorder that causes dry mouth and eyes, as it impacts the functioning of the saliva and tear glands. It may also lead to dryness of the vagina and the skin.

High sensitivity to sunlight
People with lupus can develop photosensitivity, which is an unusually high sensitivity to sunlight and other sources of UV light. This can cause skin rashes, fever, fatigue, and joint pain. However, since sunlight is a trigger for lupus flares, those with lupus are recommended to wear sunscreen, hats, and long sleeves for protection from the sun.

Anemia
Conditions that cause inflammation in the body can lead to anemia or low hemoglobin. Anemia is a condition in which the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues, causing weakness and fatigue. Those with lupus are recommended to get regular blood tests to ensure optimal functioning since treatments can sometimes have an impact on one’s blood count.

Cognitive issues
Since lupus is an unpredictable condition, those with lupus may also experience anxiety or develop other conditions like depression over the state of their health. Lupus has also been linked with seizures, disorientation, psychosis, and memory loss. Seeking professional help for one’s mental health can help manage treatment better and offer a sense of comfort and relief.

Although the list of possible symptoms for this condition is lengthy, it is important for one to know that help is available. The diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus is a scary one, and symptoms may differ from person to person. Doctors and other healthcare professionals can enable those with lupus to manage their symptoms as they appear and offer treatment options to enable them to thrive.