Lupus: Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatments

Woman holding her wrist, suffering from joint pain caused by lupus — Photo Courtesy: Adobe Images

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that affects multiple parts of the body. Lupus is a complex condition to pinpoint due to its symptoms mimicking those of other diseases. Further complicating the matter, the symptoms are often unique to each individual. Individuals with lupus may experience symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening. Knowing what signs to look for may help prevent the progression of the disease.

What is Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, meaning your body's immune system attacks itself because it can't distinguish between healthy tissue, bacteria, and viruses. Lupus can affect individuals of all ages, races, and ethnicities. Higher rates of the most common type of lupus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), are seen in Latina and Black women of childbearing age.

Symptoms of Lupus

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lupus symptoms can look like many other diseases, leading to underdiagnosis, missed diagnosis, or misdiagnosis.

Common signs of SLE Lupus include:

Hair loss
Fever
Extreme exhaustion or fatigue
Muscle and joint pain
Swelling of muscles or joints
A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks or nose
Recurring mouth sores
Sun sensitivity
Heart problems
Lung problems
Anemia
Blood clots
Psychosis
Memory problems
Chest pain when taking a deep breath
Numbness in fingers and toes or fingers and toes that turn blue or white
Eye diseases

People with lupus can have flare-ups where they experience symptoms and then have periods of remission where they don't experience any symptoms.

What Causes Lupus?

The causes of lupus are primarily unknown. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases and Skin Diseases, specific factors can trigger your immune system and potentially cause the disease, such as:

Genetics
Viral infections
Sunlight
Smoking
Certain medications
Inflammatory and Immune system conditions

There is insufficient research to say exactly what causes lupus; however, these factors have been associated with the condition.

Types of Lupus

There are various forms of this condition. According to the Johns Hopkins Lupus Center, there are four types of lupus.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)-The most common form of lupus affects multiple organs and body parts.
Cutaneous Lupus- There are three forms of Cutaneous Lupus that affect only the skin. Cutaneous Lupus is seen in approximately 10% of all Lupus cases. The three forms of cutaneous lupus include Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (SCLE), and Timid Lupus. Skin biopsies are required to diagnose cutaneous types of lupus, as each form has a unique pattern.
Drug-induced Lupus Erythematosus- Specific medications can temporarily cause Lupus-like symptoms in a person without lupus. This type of lupus can resolve when a person stops taking the drug.
Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus- A rare form of lupus that affects the babies of women with specific antibodies. Often, neonatal lupus can be treated effectively because it only affects the babies' skin; however, 1-2% of babies with lupus have a congenital heart block.

Treatments for Lupus

If you or a loved one have lupus,
treatments are available that can help alleviate symptoms.

The CDC mentions several drugs that can help reduce lupus symptoms and prevent flare-ups. The medications that might be best for you depend on your symptoms.

Commonly prescribed medicines for lupus includes:

NSAIDS: To reduce joint pain and swelling
Steroids: To reduce pain and swelling
Anti-malarial drugs: Lung inflammation, fatigue, skin rash, and inflammation.
BLyS inhibitors: Limit the number of abnormal B cells in the body

When these treatments don't work or when lupus affects significant organs, many people may try chemotherapy or immunosuppressant drugs. The CDC also mentions that many people try alternative treatments by using ointments, creams, and supplements to treat their symptoms. There isn't sufficient research to fully support these alternative treatments, but some say they work.

If you have lupus, you may want to consider hiring a chiropractor to help with joint pain, as it can be helpful for some people. It also may be beneficial to see a rheumatologist since they specialize in muscle and joint diseases.

Overview

Lupus is an autoimmune condition characterized by your body having difficulty distinguishing between healthy cells and bacteria or viruses. Lupus can be deadly; therefore, taking care of yourself and obtaining proper medications and treatment is vital. Treatment consists of medications and alternative therapies. Although alternative treatments aren't guaranteed, they help some people feel better.

If you’re seeking additional support for yourself or a loved one with Lupus, consider visiting the Lupus Foundation of America for education, support, and resources.