Lupus is considered a chronic inflammatory disease that materializes when the body’s immune system initiates an attack on its organs. Inflammation that is prompted by lupus may likely affect several systems within the body, most notably the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart, and lungs. Lupus is demonstrated more typically in women than men. It is estimated that 9 in 10 people with the disease are women. A credible explanation for this occurrence has not yet been found. There are four known categories of lupus and they are designated as either: systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus and neonatal lupus. Of the four categories mentioned, systemic lupus erythematosus is the most widespread form of the disease. Most individuals with lupus lead fulfilling and productive lives once the disease is identified and treated.

The true reason for lupus development has not been deduced. There are certain factors that noticeably increase a person’s risk for eventually developing the disease. Some of these factors are listed below

• Environmental factors which may include sunlight, stress, certain medications, and viruses have been known to influence symptoms in people who are seemingly more at risk of developing the disease.
• Hormonal factors: it is undoubtedly evident that lupus will develop primarily in women during the reproductive years that is anywhere between the ages of 15 and 45.
• Immune system factors: the disease is associated with an unexplained impairment to the immune system.

Typical Symptoms of Lupus

The signs and symptoms of lupus will materialize in a variety of ways among sufferers of the disease. Some individuals may only demonstrate a few temporary symptoms while others may have more extreme and lasting symptoms. The symptoms are not always noticeable which may contribute to the challenge experienced during diagnosis of the disease. Additionally, the disease has periods of flares where the symptoms are exacerbated and remissions where the symptoms abate for a period and no signs of the disease are apparent.

The Common Signs and Symptoms of lupus are as follows

• An inability to think clearly, memory problems and disorientation.
• Hair loss, alopecia.
• Sunlight or light sensitivity also known as photosensitivity
• Anaemia, low red blood cell count.
• Joint pain and stiffness which may be associated with oedema or swelling.
• Muscular aches and pains.
• Some chest pain may be experienced upon deep inhalation.
• Butterfly-shaped rash that is observable across the face and nose.
• Fever with no discernible cause.
• Extreme fatigue or tiredness.
• Kidney dysfunction that is not fathomable.
• Skin rashes which are generally induced by sun exposure.

Other symptoms that are less commonly seen may include

• Migraines or severe headaches.
• Having a stroke or strokes.
• Sores in the mouth or nose which are normally painless.
• Hallucination: seeing and hearing things that are not really there.
• Blood clots
• Dizzy spells
• Depression or feelings of sadness.
• Discoloured purple or pale fingers or toes from exposure to cold or stress.
• Seizures

Flares Exacerbated Symptom(s)

Flares are obvious when the symptoms of the disease are exacerbated. These flares are normally transient, lasting only a relatively short period of time. A person may develop unbearable muscular aches and pain at one point, perhaps during a week or two and then suddenly and quite unexpectedly cease experiencing the symptom. Although an individual may be on an adequate course of treatment, there are still some things that will influence flares. For instance, a person may recognize that he or she develops many rashes all over the body once progressive exposure to sunlight occurs. A few triggers that may promote flares may include

• Infections
• Specific medications
• Being generously exposed to sunlight and some other forms of artificial lighting.
• Working excessively and not getting satisfactory sleep.
• Not using the medications prescribed for treatment.
• Stress
• Injury