Non-specific Symptons
The word non-specific is used by doctors to describe symptoms that can occur in many illnesses other than Lupus. They include fatigue, weight changes, fever, and swollen glands. Because these symptoms can arise from other illnesses, they can be connected to Lupus only after some of the specific symptoms begin to develop.
Fatigue: is the most frequent symptom that affects patients with Lupus. The degree of tiredness is far greater than the activities of the patient would indicate. Lupus fatigue leaves the person feeling extremely drained and without energy. With experience, most patients can learn the difference between normal tiredness and Lupus fatigue which is very helpful to their doctor in determining how active their Lupus has become.
Unexplained and continuing Weigh loss:of more than 5 pounds can be caused by SLE. Weight loss may occur slowly (20 pounds over a one year period) or very quickly (20 pounds in 2 months). Weight gain that occurs, even though the diet remains the same, may be caused by swelling, particularly in the feet and legs. This swelling may be related to Kidney, heart, blood vesselr or other organ involvement in Lupus. If the swelling continues, it requires prompt medical attention.
Fever:is another non-specific symptom that may occur in many illnesses such as the common cold or the flu. However, low-grade fever that lasts a long time or sudden, high fevers may indicate the SLE is becoming active or that a serious infection may be present. Fever is therefore always taken seriously by physicians who treat Lupus patients.
Swollen glands: If many swollen glands suddenly appear this may be a sign of SLE, particularly if they occur along with
Symptoms Specific to Lupus
Specific symptoms are caused by involvement of one or several organs of the body. SLE can affect the organs in any combination imaginable and a complete list of all SLE symptoms would fill many booklets. To help distinguish SLE from other diseases, doctors of the American Rheumatism Association have established a list of 11 abnormalities which, when combined point to SLE. These abnormalities include symptoms (What you can feel, such as pain), signs (what your physician can see during an examination) and changes in laboratory tests.
To make a diagnosis of SLE, the patient must have had at least 4 of these 11 abnormalities at any time since the beginning of the disease. Some of the items on the list have as many as 4 possible abnormalities but only 1 of them needs to be present for a particular condition to be met.
To make a diagnosis of Lupus at least 4 of these 11 criteria must be present:
1.The butterfly rash: is a red rash that occurs over the cheeks and often over the bridge of the nose. This rash eventually happens to 50% of all SLE patients. It may be flat or raised and should not be confused with simple blushing or the redness that comes with fever. Some people notice a feeling of warmth in the area of the rash while others do not. The rash can be so faint that only the physician will notice it or it can be obvious to the point of being commented on by relatives or friends.
2. Photosensitivity: an excessive skin reaction to sunlight (causing rash) that occurs in at least 50% of patients. Usually, only the exposed skin is involved while skin that is covered by clothing is spared. Your physician will decide that photosensitivity is present only if there is a sudden change in your usual reation to sunlight . Some Lupus patients experience photosensitivity indoors, especially when exposed to fluorescent lights.
Stay tuned for the other symptoms
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