Do you have a rash on your face that look like the wings of a butterfly? Do you suffer from chronic fatigue or been having unexplained fevers?
If so, you may be wondering if those could be an early sign of lupus?
12 Early Signs Of Lupus
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose. One reason is that the disease can be very different in different people. Also, the signs and symptoms are often quite similar to other medical conditions.
That said, here are some common signs that could indicate someone has lupus…
- Frequent, low grade fevers
- Chronic, often debilitating, fatigue
- Skin rash, commonly butterfly-shaped across the cheeks and bridge of the nose
- Lesions (non-itchy)
- Swollen joints (often painfully so)
- Hair loss and hair that is brittle and breaks easily
- Breathing issues due to lung inflammation
- Nephritis (kidney inflammation)
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- GI issues including acid reflux and heartburn
- Thyroid problems
3 Causes of Lupus
Lupus seems to be caused by both genetics and your environment.
Some of the common environmental factors that can trigger the onset of lupus to those who are at risk are:
- Exposure to sunlight
- Medications including certain types of antibiotics, blood pressure meds and anti-seizure meds (if lupus is triggered by taking drugs, often the patient will get better once they stop taking the medication)
- Infections
Risk Factors For Lupus
The following risk factors could increase your likelihood of getting lupus…
- Gender – lupus is more common in women than men
- Age – while lupus can occur at any age, it’s more common in those between 15 and 45 years old
- Race – again, it can affect those of any race however lupus is more common in African-Americans, Asian-Americans and Hispanics
If you are experiencing any of the early signs of lupus above, it’s best to consult with a medical professional to get a proper medical diagnosis and treatment if appropriate.
