The signs of lupus vary for each person and affect different areas of the body and signs of lupus may appear quickly or develop over time. The severity of lupus episodes also varies ranging from mild to intense flares. Lupus can be temporary or permanent with flares becoming more severe then lessening in severity and subsiding until the next episode.
Symptoms of lupus cover multiple areas of the body from head to toe and can affect internal and mental health as well as external areas and extremities. Signs of lupus may be immediate or the symptoms may be more gradual.
A patient displaying signs of lupus may not be immediately diagnosed with the disease since it can mimic disorders with the same or similar types of symptoms. Fluctuations in the number of episodes can also be a factor in diagnosis especially if the patient is experiencing a quiet period of activity.
External
External symptoms may include a facial rash, sensitivity to sun resulting in a rash, stiffness and pain in joints, swelling of extremities, hair loss, discoloration of toes or fingers during episodes or due to cold weather, scaly patches on skin, skin lesions, dry eyes and swelling around the eye area.
Internal
Internal symptoms vary and with each episode or flare, a different symptom or symptoms may occur. Common symptoms include severe fatigue, fever, shortness of breath, anemia, chest pains, swelling around vital organs, deviation in weight loss or weight gain, nose and mouth sores and headaches. Patients experiencing anxiety and depression, seizures, and memory loss may be exhibiting symptoms of lupus.
Lupus can also cause problems with the kidneys, inflammation to the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
Medications
Three medications prescribed for moderately mild cases of lupus include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-malarial drugs and corticosteroids. More severe cases may require treatment with high-dose corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs.
Based on your symptoms and results from blood and urine laboratory tests will help your doctor determine the type of treatment, medications and applicable dosage to prescribe. As flare activity fluctuates, increases or decreases in dosage and medication are necessary.
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