Lupus is a long-term (chronic) disease. It causes inflammation in the body. It mainly affects the joints, skin, and muscles. Lupus can affect almost any part of the body, and other common sites affected by lupus include the kidneys, blood cells, lungs, brain, nerves, intestines, eyes, mouth, and heart. Lupus is an autoimmune disease. This means that immune cells in the body attack normal body cells. The cause of this is not known.
Common symptoms include:
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A butterfly-shaped rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks or a disk-shaped rash on the face, neck, or chest
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Sun sensitivity (a short time in the sun may lead to severe sunburn or rash)
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Stiff, painful, or swollen joints (arthritis) and muscle pain
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Extreme tiredness (fatigue) or depression
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Fever
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Chest pain when breathing deeply
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Mouth sores
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Anemia
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Hair loss
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines, such as oral steroids, or medicines to suppress the immune system. Some people benefit from other medicines, such as antimalarials. People with lupus are more likely to have heart disease. So it's vital to manage other risk factors for heart disease. These include high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and unhealthy cholesterol.
There's no cure for lupus. But with correct treatment and management, most people with the condition may lead normal, active lives.
Home care
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If you were prescribed a medicine, take it as directed.
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Unless another pain medicine was prescribed, take an over-the-counter pain medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain as advised. Don't take ibuprofen or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) unless your healthcare provider has advised you to.
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Stay away from sun exposure. Cover up with clothing. Wear sunglasses. Use sunscreen (at least SPF 15).
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Get enough rest and reduce stress to help your immune system.
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Get some physical activity every day. This will help you feel your best.
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If you have high blood pressure, think about buying an automatic blood pressure machine (available at most pharmacies). Use this to monitor your blood pressure and report the readings to your provider.
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Limit alcohol intake. Eat a healthy, balanced diet low in fat and cholesterol.
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If you smoke, quit. Smoking increases the risk of lupus-related complications.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. For more information contact the Lupus Foundation of America at www.lupus.org or 1-202-349-1155.
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away for any of these:
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Increasing weakness, fainting
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Chest pain
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Shortness of breath or pain with breathing
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Severe headache with fever
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Seizures
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Leg swelling, redness or soreness (sign of blood clot)
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Abnormal bruising or bleeding anywhere on your body
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Blood in your stool (black or red color)
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Belly (abdominal) pain, repeated vomiting
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Blood or lots of bubbles in the urine
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Swelling in the legs and arms
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Development of ulcers in the mouth
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New rash
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Rashes, discoloration, or ulcerations on the fingertips or toes
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You become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
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Any other symptoms that concern you
