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LUPUS

Control Flares.
Protect Your Health.

Understanding Lupus

Lupus, most commonly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation throughout the body.

Because it can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart, lungs, and brain, lupus can look very different from one person to another. 

Symptoms may come and go through periods of flares and remission. Early diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan can help control inflammation, reduce flares, and protect your long-term health. 

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How Lupus Affects the Body

The one beginning Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces autoantibodies that mistakenly target the body’s own healthy tissue, triggering inflammation that can affect multiple organ systems at once. It is significantly more common in women, particularly during childbearing years, and tends to be more prevalent and severe in certain populations.

Common Signs &
Symptoms

  • Joint pain and swelling
  • A butterfly-shaped facial rash across the cheeks and nose
  • Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
  • Persistent fatigue and low-grade fever
  • Hair loss and mouth sores
  • Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers turning white or blue in response to cold or stress)
  • Chest pain with breathing, related to inflammation around the lungs
  • Kidney involvement, which may not cause noticeable symptoms in early stages

What Causes Lupus?

While there is no single known cause of lupus, several genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors may contribute to its development. 

  • Genetic predisposition and family history
  • Being a female, lupus is significantly more common in women
  • Hormonal factors
  • Environmental triggers, including UV light exposure, certain infections, and some medications

How Lupus Is Diagnosed

There is no single test for lupus, diagnosis is based on a combination of symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory testing, including:

  • Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing, typically the first screening test
  • Additional antibody testing, such as anti-dsDNA
  • Complement levels (C3/C4) to assess disease activity
  • Urinalysis to screen for kidney involvement
  • Additional imaging or biopsy when needed

Treating Lupus

Living Well With Lupus

  • Sun protection and avoiding known symptom triggers
  • Stress management and adequate rest
  • A balanced, anti-inflammatory approach to nutrition

Medications

  • Antimalarial medications, such as hydroxychloroquine, often a cornerstone of long-term lupus management
  • NSAIDs for joint pain and inflammation
  • Corticosteroids for flare management
  • Immunosuppressants or biologic therapies for more significant organ involvement

When to See a
Rheumatologist

  • Unexplained joint pain combined with a skin rash
  • Persistent fatigue along with multiple unexplained symptoms
  • Sensitivity to sunlight causing rash or symptom flares
  • A positive ANA test result
  • Symptoms that seem to involve more than one organ system

Related Autoimmune Conditions We Treat

Sjögren's Syndrome

An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the glands that produce moisture, most often causing dry eyes and dry mouth. It can occur on its own or alongside lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Vasculitis

A group of conditions involving inflammation of the blood vessels, which can affect virtually any organ depending on which vessels are involved. Symptoms and treatment vary widely based on the type and severity.

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