Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus, is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes your body’s immune system to attack healthy tissues and organs instead of viruses or bacteria that may harm your body.
There are several forms of lupus, meaning it can affect just about any organ in the body. Most patients see the disease manifest itself in kidney or skin problems, such as the telltale sign of a butterfly-shaped rash across the bridge of the nose. However, symptoms often mimic less serious illnesses and can be hard to diagnose. Here are 10 silent symptoms of lupus you should watch out for.
Lupus is characterized by flares and remissions, meaning the disease can come and go unpredictably. A recurring, low-grade fever that stays below 101 degrees can signal an oncoming lupus flare-up or further inflammation or infection.
Commonly referred to as “lupus fog,” memory loss can occur when there has been inflammation of the brain during a lupus flare. Memory loss and other cognitive dysfunction, such as forgetting names, can happen even after the lupus flare has passed.
Loss of balance
Some of us are just clumsy by nature. However, if you find yourself falling down often or struggling to maintain your equilibrium, you may be experiencing an uncommon symptom of lupus.
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing while exercising, or even performing regular activities, could be cause for concern—especially when coupled with chest pains. This could be a sign of pleurisy, an infection that occurs when the lining of the lungs becomes inflamed.
Many people are already aware of the rosy, butterfly-shaped rash that appears on one’s face as a symptom of lupus. However, rashes can also occur on other areas of skin that are exposed to the sun and may signal an oncoming lupus flare.
Canker sores are usually the result of a food sensitivity. But if you experience recurring mouth ulcers, or oral aphthae, without a cause, they could be a sign of lupus.
Referred to as “lupus headache,” these severe headaches are often caused by inflammation of the brain and don’t respond to suitable doses of analgesic narcotics. The headaches are only present during active lupus flares.
Poor blood circulation
Poor circulation can be a result of the autonomic nervous system disruption caused by lupus. Those with lupus may also have Raynaud’s disease, which causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to contract, leaving them cold and white or blue. When circulation is restored, the extremities can become red and painful. It is possible to have Raynaud’s disease without lupus, and those who experience the phenomenon should check with their doctor to determine the presence of lupus.
Anemia can usually be traced back to low iron counts or heavy menstrual periods. However, anemia can also be a sign of lupus, which can diminish red and white blood cell counts.
On its own, fainting is not considered a symptom of lupus. But when paired with an epileptic seizure, it is possible that one could carry the disease. Patients with lupus experience absence seizures, or petit mal seizures, which may cause them to faint or sit and stare without realizing what is going on around them.
Lupus manifests itself in a variety of ways. Each of these silent symptoms on their own could be related to a number of minor illnesses. However, if you experience any of these symptoms persistently, or more than one at a time, don’t ignore them. Check with your doctor about whether or not you may have lupus.