Key Takeaways
- Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease, which means the immune system attacks healthy parts of the body.
- Early signs often include extreme tiredness, joint pain or swelling, fever and a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose.
- Lupus symptoms tend to come and go in 'flares,' which can make the disease hard to spot.
- You should talk with a doctor if you have ongoing symptoms that worry you, especially a rash, joint pain and fatigue together.
- Prima CARE's rheumatology specialists in Fall River care for patients from Somerset, Swansea and the surrounding area, and you can request an appointment online to get answers.
What Is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic (long-term) autoimmune disease. In an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks the body's own healthy tissue. According to the Mayo Clinic overview of lupus, the inflammation lupus causes can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
The most common form is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Mayo Clinic notes that lupus:
- Is more common in people assigned female at birth.
- Is most often diagnosed between ages 15 and 45.
- Is more common in people who are Black, Hispanic or Asian American.
The exact cause of lupus is not known. Experts believe genes and things in the environment likely work together. Sunlight, infections and certain medicines can trigger symptoms.
Early Signs of Lupus
Lupus is sometimes called 'the great imitator' because its symptoms look like many other conditions. The CDC page on lupus symptoms lists fatigue (extreme tiredness) as the most common symptom. Other common early signs include:
- Pain or swelling in the muscles and joints.
- A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose.
- Fever with no clear cause.
- Hair loss.
- Sores in the mouth or nose.
Less Common Lupus Symptoms
Some people also notice:
- Sensitivity to the sun or bright light.
- Chest pain when taking a deep breath.
- Fingers or toes that turn white or blue in the cold, called Raynaud's syndrome.
- Swelling in the hands, feet or around the eyes.
- Headaches, confusion or memory changes.
Because tiredness and low mood can overlap with other conditions, these signs are easy to miss. The Prima CARE blog on physical signs of depression that patients often overlook explains why talking about all your symptoms with your doctor matters.
Why Lupus Can Be Hard to Diagnose
The CDC explains that lupus flares, or periods of worse symptoms, usually come and go in waves, sometimes years apart. You may feel fine for a while and then feel very sick. There is also no single test that confirms lupus.
The American College of Rheumatology lupus guide notes that positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA), a type of blood test result, are present in nearly all people with lupus. A positive ANA alone does not mean you have lupus, so a specialist looks at your symptoms, exam and lab results together.
Lupus vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis
| Lupus | Rheumatoid Arthritis | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of disease | Autoimmune | Autoimmune |
| Main areas affected | Can affect any organ, most often skin and joints | Mainly the joints |
| Common signs | Fatigue, butterfly rash, joint pain, fever, mouth sores | Joint pain, swelling and stiffness |
| Who treats it | Rheumatologist | Rheumatologist |
When to See a Rheumatology Specialist
Mayo Clinic advises seeing a health care professional if you get a rash or other symptoms that worry you. You should ask your primary care provider or a rheumatologist about lupus if you have:
- Joint pain or swelling that does not go away.
- Extreme tiredness that does not improve with rest.
- A rash on your face, especially after being in the sun.
- Unexplained fevers.
- Changes in your urine or new swelling in your hands or feet, which can be signs of kidney problems.
The Lupus Foundation of America suggests keeping a log of your symptoms to share with your doctor. Write down when symptoms start, how long they last and anything that seems to trigger them.
How Prima CARE Supports Patients With Lupus
A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases of the joints, muscles and immune system. The rheumatology team at Prima CARE, including Mark Fisher, MD, MPH, treats lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and gout. Prima CARE's rheumatology care is located in Fall River, a short drive for patients in Somerset and Swansea.
If you already see a Prima CARE family or internal medicine provider, they can help review your symptoms and coordinate care with rheumatology.
Lupus treatment is different for everyone. The American College of Rheumatology notes that most people with lupus can live normal lives with the right care.
Find Lupus Care at Prima CARE in Fall River
Lupus can be hard to recognize, but early care can help protect your joints, skin and organs. Prima CARE's rheumatology specialists can help you understand your symptoms and build a treatment plan.
Request an appointment with Prima CARE to see a Prima CARE rheumatology specialist about lupus symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of lupus?
The first signs of lupus often include extreme tiredness, joint pain or swelling, fever and a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose.
Who is most likely to get lupus?
Lupus is more common in people assigned female at birth and is most often diagnosed between ages 15 and 45. It is also more common in people who are Black, Hispanic or Asian American.
Can lupus symptoms come and go?
Yes. Lupus symptoms often come in flares, when they get worse, followed by times when they improve or go away.
Where can I find a rheumatologist near me in Somerset or Swansea, MA?
Prima CARE offers rheumatology care in nearby Fall River, MA. Patients from Somerset and Swansea can request an appointment online.
Is there a test for lupus?
There is no single test for lupus. A rheumatologist uses your symptoms, a physical exam and blood tests, such as an ANA test, to make a diagnosis.
