About Lupus
Lupus and the inflammation it causes can affect the functioning of many of the body’s internal organs. Some of those complications can involve a person’s:
Kidneys.Kidney problems are common in lupus. Signs of kidney problems include generalized itching, nausea, vomiting, leg swelling, and weight gain.
Neurological function.This can include headaches, dizziness, behavior changes, confusion, memory problems, and seizures.
Blood.Lupus can cause anemia and increased risk of bleeding or blood clotting.
Lungs.If the lining of the chest cavity becomes inflamed, it can make breathing painful; but most lung complications from lupus (such as a noninfectious form of pneumonia) can be monitored through pulmonary tests.
Heart.Lupus can cause inflammation of the heart muscle, heart membrane, and arteries, leading to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. However, the risk can be reduced by controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol, exercising regularly, and not smoking. Making these healthy lifestyle changes also can benefit a person’s overall lupus management.
How Is Lupus Diagnosed?
When a person’s immune system is working correctly, it protects the body by sending antibodies to attack invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. With lupus, these antibodies attack healthy tissue by mistake, causing inflammation in the joints and other parts of the body. Lupus can also act and look like a lot of different diseases, such as fibromyalgia, stress, or rheumatoid arthritis. So while some people may get diagnosed right away, for others it may take a while (sometimes months or even years). That can be frustrating. But getting the correct diagnosis is an important first step in knowing the best way to manage lupus symptoms.
Who diagnoses lupus?
A recent study showed that rheumatologists, doctors who specialize in disorders of the joints and related structures, such as tendons and muscles, are more likely to make an accurate lupus diagnosis than other types of doctors. A primary care physician can provide a referral to a rheumatologist who has experience with lupus.
The lupus “test”
There is no one single lab test that can show if someone has lupus. So how is lupus diagnosed? Rheumatologists and other doctors look at a combination of things to arrive at a lupus diagnosis:
Medical history.Lupus is not contagious, like a cold or flu. But sometimes lupus can appear more often in families. Along with a basic medical history, the doctor will want to know if other family members have been diagnosed with lupus.
Symptoms.Some doctors use the American College of Rheumatology’s SLE Classification as a guide to help make (or rule out) a lupus diagnosis. In general, if four or more of the above signs and symptoms are or have been present, there is a good chance that the person has lupus.
