Basic Symptoms
Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body. Symptoms of lupus can vary widely among individuals and may come and go over time. Common symptoms of lupus include:
Coughing, sneezing and sore throat
Fever is a key symptom, experts say. Don't fixate on number, but it's really not a fever until your temperature reaches at least 39°C.
Hot fever and shortness breath
You feel hot to touch on your chest or back It is a common sign and also may appear in 2-10 days if you affected.
Strong headache and chills
Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing or shortness breath.
Skin Rashes
Skin rashes are common in lupus and can vary in appearance. The most characteristic rash is a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose (malar rash). Other types of rashes may appear on areas exposed to sunlight or as raised red patches (discoid rash).
Joint Pain and Swelling
Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often affecting the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles. Joint pain in lupus can be migratory, meaning it moves from one joint to another.
Chest Pain
Chest pain may occur, particularly when breathing deeply (pleurisy) or due to inflammation of the heart or surrounding tissues (pericarditis).
Photosensitivity
Increased sensitivity to sunlight, leading to skin rashes, hives, or other skin reactions after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Hair Loss
Hair loss or thinning, which can occur on the scalp or in patches
Have questions? Find answers!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is lupus?
- What causes lupus?
- Who gets lupus?
- What are the symptoms of lupus?
- Is lupus contagious?
- How is lupus diagnosed?
- Is there a cure for lupus?
- What is the prognosis for lupus?
- Can lupus be prevented?
- Where can I find support and resources for lupus?
- What is the Gift Lupus Foundation?
- What does the Gift Lupus Foundation do?
- How can I get involved with the Gift Lupus Foundation?
- Does the Gift Lupus Foundation provide financial assistance?
- How can I access educational resources about lupus through the Gift Lupus Foundation?
- Is the Gift Lupus Foundation affiliated with any other organizations?
- How can I stay updated on the Gift Lupus Foundation's activities and initiatives?
What is Lupus
Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs. It can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood cells.
What causes Lupus
The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Factors such as genetics, infections, sunlight exposure, certain medications, hormonal changes, and stress may contribute to the development or exacerbation of lupus.
Who gets Lupus
Lupus can affect people of all ages, races, and ethnicities, but it is most commonly diagnosed in women of childbearing age (15 to 44). Women are diagnosed with lupus much more often than men, with a ratio of about 9 to 1. Lupus also tends to be more common in certain populations, such as African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans.
What are the symptoms of Lupus
Symptoms of lupus can vary widely among individuals and may include fatigue, joint pain and swelling, skin rashes, fever, chest pain, hair loss, mouth sores, sensitivity to sunlight, Raynaud's phenomenon, kidney problems, neurological symptoms, and hematological symptoms.
Is Lupus Contagious?
No, lupus is not a contagious disease. It is an autoimmune disease and cannot be transmitted from person to person like a virus or bacteria.
How is lupus diagnosed?
Diagnosing lupus can be challenging because its symptoms often mimic those of other diseases. Healthcare providers typically use a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests (such as antinuclear antibody test and anti-double-stranded DNA test), and imaging tests to diagnose lupus.
Is Lupus Contagious?
Currently, there is no cure for lupus. However, treatment aims to manage symptoms, prevent flares, and minimize organ damage. Treatment may include medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, antimalarial drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologics. Lifestyle modifications and self-care strategies are also important in managing lupus.
What is the prognosis for lupus?
Lupus prognosis varies depending on factors such as the severity of symptoms, organs affected, and response to treatment. With proper management, many people with lupus can lead relatively normal lives. However, lupus can sometimes be life-threatening, particularly if it affects vital organs such as the kidneys or brain.
Can lupus be prevented?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent lupus, but you can take steps to potentially reduce your risk or minimize the severity of symptoms. Strategies include sun protection, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and adhering to prescribed medications and treatments.
Where can I find support and resources for lupus?
There are many organizations and support groups dedicated to providing information, support, and resources for individuals with lupus and their families. Gift Lupus Foundation, The Lupus Foundation of America, Lupus Research Alliance, and Lupus UK are examples of organizations that offer valuable resources, educational materials, support groups, and advocacy efforts for people affected by lupus. Additionally, healthcare providers and local community organizations may offer support services and programs for individuals with lupus.
What is the Gift Lupus Foundation?
The Gift Lupus Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by lupus, raising awareness about the disease, and funding research to improve diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately find a cure for lupus.
What does the Gift Lupus Foundation do?
The Gift Lupus Foundation provides various services and support for individuals with lupus and their families, including educational resources, support groups, advocacy efforts, and financial assistance programs. The foundation also funds research initiatives aimed at advancing our understanding of lupus and developing better treatments.
How can I get involved with the Gift Lupus Foundation?
There are several ways to get involved with the Gift Lupus Foundation, including making donations, volunteering your time and skills, participating in fundraising events, spreading awareness about lupus, and advocating for lupus research and support initiatives. You can visit the foundation's website or contact them directly to learn more about how you can contribute.
Does the Gift Lupus Foundation provide financial assistance?
Yes, the Gift Lupus Foundation may provide financial assistance to individuals with lupus who are experiencing financial hardship due to medical expenses, treatment costs, or other related expenses. Eligibility criteria and application processes may vary, so it's best to contact the foundation directly for more information.
How can I access educational resources about lupus through the Gift Lupus Foundation?
The Gift Lupus Foundation offers a range of educational resources about lupus, including informational materials, fact sheets, online webinars, and educational events. These resources cover various aspects of lupus, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, coping strategies, and lifestyle management tips. You can access these resources through the foundation's website or by contacting them directly.
Is the Gift Lupus Foundation affiliated with any other organizations?
The Gift Lupus Foundation may collaborate with other organizations, healthcare providers, research institutions, and advocacy groups to further its mission and goals. These collaborations may involve joint initiatives, partnerships, or participation in shared events and activities aimed at raising awareness about lupus and supporting individuals affected by the disease.
How can I stay updated on the Gift Lupus Foundation's activities and initiatives?
You can stay updated on the Gift Lupus Foundation's activities, events, and initiatives by visiting their website, subscribing to their newsletter or mailing list, following them on social media platforms, and participating in their events and campaigns. These channels often provide regular updates, news, and announcements about the foundation's work and impact.