Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. It causes inflammation that can affect many different parts of the body, including the joints, skin, and internal organs. Lupus is much more common in women than men, and doctors don’t know exactly what causes it. There’s no cure for lupus, but treatments and lifestyle changes can help you manage symptoms and lower the risk of complications.
How Lupus Is DiagnosedMedically Reviewed by Samir Dalvi, MD | August 12, 2022
FAQ
What are the early signs of lupus?
Early signs of lupus vary from person to person. Symptoms may come on suddenly or develop gradually, and they may come and go. The most common signs of lupus are fatigue, joint pain, and a butterfly-shaped rash on the face.
Is lupus an inherited disease?
Lupus isn’t directly inherited, but it does run in some families. Experts think something in your genes makes you more likely to develop it, in response to a trigger in your environment.
What organs can lupus affect?
Lupus can affect many of your organs, including your skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain.
How is lupus diagnosed?
Lupus can be hard to diagnose because many other conditions can cause similar symptoms, and there’s no single test that shows you have it. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, as well as conduct blood tests and other lab tests.
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Sian Yik Lim, MD, is a board-certified rheumatologist at Hawaii Pacific Health. He is a clinical certified densitometrist, certified by the International Society of Clinical Densit...
Beth Biggee, MD, is owner and practitioner of Lifestyle and Integrative Rheumatology, a holistic direct specialty care practice in North Andover, Massachusetts. She offers whole-pe...
Alexa Meara, MD, is an assistant professor of immunology and rheumatology at The Ohio State University. She maintains a multidisciplinary vasculitis clinic and supervises a longitu...
Samir Dalvi, MD, is a board-certified rheumatologist. He has over 14 years of experience in caring for patients with rheumatologic diseases, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid ar...
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