The Many Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus is a disease that is still somewhat of a mystery to the scientific world. It is easy to misdiagnose due to the varied symptoms, and many people are often treated for other problems and diseases, simply because of the changing symptoms they experience. There are some clues as to how to track the symptoms for a correct diagnosis, and knowing these will help you and your major medical provider with treatment.

Many people with lupus experience joint pain as one of the initial symptoms. Additional weakness in the muscles can also be accompanied by muscular inflammation and pain. These symptoms may be misdiagnosed as a number of joint and muscle disorders.

Lupus can cause other organ inflammations which can lead to problems that are more severe. Chest pain may be a symptom of inflammation around the heart, lungs or the membrane around the heart. One of the key alerts that lupus may be affecting the lungs is pneumonia.

Lupus can have a devastating effect on the kidneys, limiting their ability to rid the body of waste and toxins. Symptoms to look for include urinating frequently, especially during the night; blood in the urine; unexplained swelling of legs, feet, arms and fingers. You primary physician should have you checked with blood and urine tests that will confirm the condition of your kidneys.

Rashes, including butterfly rashes that occur on the face, as well as other types of rashes that appear on the body are often symptoms of lupus. They may be raised and scaly but may not itch. They may get worse when exposed to the sun, and people suffering from lupus often have a hypersensitivity to sun exposure.

Some lupus sufferers will develop the phenomenon known as Raynaud’s, which causes a narrowing of the blood vessels in the fingers, keeping blood from the fingers. They then have a tendency to turn white or blue, with a lack of sensitivity, tingling or throbbing.

Source: http://inhealth.cnn.com/lupus-health-center/12-symptoms-of-lupus?did=t1_rss1

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.