Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, pain, and other symptoms. It affects everyone differently, and the symptoms may vary from mild to severe. The symptoms may start to show from the teen years to adulthood. If you experience the symptoms of lupus in Tampa, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some of them include:
Dry Mouth and Eyes
Some of the earliest signs of lupus are dry eyes and dry mouth. This is because lupus may be accompanied with Sjogren’s disease. It is an autoimmune disease that affects your tear and salivary glands. It may cause vaginal and skin dryness as well.
Unexplained Fatigue
Most people with lupus have unexplained fatigue. It may not go away even when you rest or take a nap. In some cases, afternoon naps result in insomnia at night. It could make it difficult to go on with your daily activities or maintain energy levels.
Lesions or Skin Rash
The clearest sign of lupus is a rash that appears on your cheeks or bridge of your nose in the shape of a butterfly. More than half of people with lupus have a skin rash or lesions. It appears and reappears and may get worse when exposed to sunlight. The itchy lesions may cause hives, and you are likely to notice discoloration in your fingers and toes.
Swollen and Painful Joints
If your joints are painful, stiff, or swollen, you may have lupus. The swelling is most visible in the morning. It is mild at the start but may become more evident as the condition progresses. Joint problems come and go, and you can manage them with medication. Your doctor may help you determine whether your joint problems are a sign of lupus.
Fever
Unexplained fever may be a sign of lupus. The fever is usually so mild that you may not think of seeing a doctor. You may experience the fever on and off. The low-grade fever is caused by infection, inflammation, or a flare-up. If you have a fever, seek the help of a doctor.
Sudden Hair Loss
The most common sign of lupus is hair loss. You may lose hair following the inflammation of your scalp or skin. While some people may lose hair in clumps, others experience gradual thinning. Lupus makes your hair brittle and easy to break. After treatment, your hair may start growing normally.
Gastrointestinal Problems
For some people, lupus comes with acid reflux and heartburn. Even though you can treat the mild symptoms with over the counter medication, they don’t always work.
If you have gastrointestinal problems, reduce your food portions and limit your consumption of caffeine. If the symptoms persist, see your doctor to rule out lupus.
The symptoms of lupus often start out as mild and advance slowly. They include swollen and painful joints, sudden hair loss, and dry eyes. If you experience any of them, seek the help of a doctor as soon as possible. If you have lupus, they will prescribe the appropriate medication.
