Lupus displays different symptoms in different patients and can change from day to day for any specific person suffering with the disease. This has made it hard to identify lupus as a specific disease/condition and also has made it hard for patients to be positively diagnosed. A lupus patient may be feeling pretty rough but be much improved by the time an appointment evaluation rolls around.
Still there are some signs that suggest lupus and also some medical tests that can help confirm a diagnosis.
Malar Face Rash
One of the most unique symptoms of lupus is the malar rash. This rash looks like a bright sunburn and covers the checks and sometimes the bridge of the nose in a butterfly shape. The rash is often mistaken as rosacea which is a skin condition most notably associated with W.C. Fields and with Princess Diana. Most general practitioners can detect the difference in the two types of skin conditions, but a visit to a dermatologist is often recommended.
Joints Problems
The most common complaints for those ultimately diagnosed as suffering from lupus include joint pain and/or joint swelling. This pain comes and goes unlike most cases of arthritis which may ease some but still provides a constant reminder that arthritis is a fulltime joint issue. Constant swelling and joint deformations are rarely seen in lupus patients. One day may involve joint swelling and pain. The next may be pretty pain free when it comes to joints. It’s easy to pass the off the “on and off” symptoms as simple, minor joint strains.
Many lupus patients are incorrectly diagnosed as having arthritis, and most end up with referrals to rheumatologists who specialize in joint problems. As things stand now, rheumatologists are usually part of the lupus treatment team after a firm diagnosis is made. Though joint problems are part of the syndrome, lupus goes much deeper than the joints in many cases.
Fatigue
Extreme fatigue is a common complaint of those suffering from lupus. This is not a feeling of just being tired and needing a little rest. It’s like having a truck parked on top of you, and it can be a strain just to put one foot in front of the other. Often doctors will initially chalk up this extreme feeling of fatigue to depression or even to a condition called chronic fatigue syndrome.
Low Grade Fever
Another interesting side affect of lupus found in some patients is a low grade fever. The person may feel fine but rather chronically run high on temperature. In some cases, the fever does signal infections which are very common in those suffering from lupus. When the immune system is not working correctly, various problems like sinus infections may become chronic side conditions.