Early signs of Lupus

Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, often presents a complex array of symptoms that can be challenging to pinpoint in its early stages. Understanding the subtle signs of lupus is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management. In this blog post, we will explore the early indicators of lupus, shedding light on the symptoms that may surface, and emphasizing the importance of seeking medical attention for a comprehensive evaluation.

I’ve wanted to write this blog post for a while now because when I first started experiencing Lupus symptoms I 1000% would have never thought what had been going on could have been lupus if it wasn’t for my mom; a nurse who had worked with Auto-comprised patients for almost a decade at that point. The first symptoms I experienced, in no particular order, were; butterfly rashes, fatigue, joint pain, Raynaud’s, neurological symptoms, etc. Although all of these symptoms slowly started making their way into my everyday life I had never been “sick” before so I assumed like everything else I had experienced thus far in my 16 years of life would go away itself……until I just kept getting sicker.

If I could go back I know exactly what I would do the moment I started noticing reoccurring symptoms; track EVERYTHING. All symptoms, diet, element exposure, stress level, water intake, and any other variable I could think of. My mom had me do this very soon after I started having symptoms but she had tried to get me to start even sooner than I did and I wish I would have listened to her.

We have free symptom trackers that include diet, symptom, stress level, activity level, element exposure, etc. In our Free Resource Library for daily symptom tracking needs, food sensitivity, or really anything you want to use them for. Make sure to grab yourself a full copy by clicking here! All you have to do is sign up for our email list and as many copies of our printables as you want are yours!

But when it comes to Autoimmune symptoms there are a handful of reasons why you should take symptom tracking seriously. Let’s look at a few reasons why:

• Early Detection of Flare-Ups: Tracking symptoms allows for early detection of flare-ups, enabling prompt intervention and management.
• Improved Communication with Healthcare Providers: Detailed symptom tracking provides healthcare providers with valuable insights, facilitating more effective communication during appointments.
• Tailored Treatment Plans: Accurate symptom documentation helps healthcare professionals tailor treatment plans to address specific patterns and triggers, leading to more personalized care.
• Identification of Triggers: Tracking symptoms over time helps identify potential triggers, such as stress, infections, or dietary factors, allowing for proactive lifestyle adjustments.
• Objective Measurement of Disease Activity: Objective data on symptom frequency and severity aids in assessing disease activity objectively, guiding treatment decisions and adjustments.
• Enhanced Medication Management: Regular symptom tracking assists in evaluating the efficacy of medications, ensuring that dosages and types of medications align with the individual’s needs.
• Empowerment and Self-Advocacy: Monitoring symptoms empowers individuals with lupus to actively participate in their healthcare, fostering a sense of self-advocacy and control over their well-being.
• Identification of Patterns and Trends: Long-term symptom tracking helps identify patterns and trends, shedding light on how environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and medications influence disease activity.
• Facilitation of Open Communication: Providing a comprehensive symptom history promotes open and transparent communication between individuals with lupus and their healthcare team, fostering a collaborative approach to care.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: By tracking symptoms and addressing potential triggers or patterns, individuals with lupus can work towards minimizing the impact of the disease on their daily lives, contributing to an improved quality of life.
• Prevention of Complications: Early identification and management of symptoms can help prevent the development of complications associated with lupus, such as organ damage or severe flares.
• Emotional Well-Being: Monitoring symptoms provides a sense of control and understanding, positively impacting emotional well-being and helping individuals navigate the emotional challenges often associated with chronic diseases.
• Documentation for Disability and Insurance Claims: Detailed symptom tracking can serve as documentation for disability or insurance claims, supporting individuals in securing necessary accommodations or benefits.
• Long-Term Health Maintenance: Consistent symptom tracking supports long-term health maintenance by facilitating proactive healthcare management and minimizing the risk of complications.
• Validation of Experience: Keeping a record of symptoms validates the individual’s experience, helping them articulate their journey more effectively to healthcare providers, friends, family, and support networks.

Early signs and symptoms of Lupus

Now that we have gone over the importance of symptoms tracking let’s get into early signs and symptoms that can potentially be an indication of Lupus. Keep in mind these are just symptoms that could potentially be signs of Lupus. If you believe you may have Lupus you need to talk with your doctor!

1. Fatigue: Persistent and unexplained fatigue is a common early sign of lupus. Individuals may feel overwhelmingly tired, even after a full night’s sleep, impacting daily activities and quality of life.
2. Joint Pain and Stiffness: Lupus often manifests with joint pain and stiffness, resembling symptoms of arthritis. This can affect multiple joints, and the pain may fluctuate in intensity.
3. Skin Rashes: Skin involvement is a hallmark of lupus. A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, known as a malar rash, is a characteristic early sign. Other skin issues include photosensitivity, where the skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight, leading to rashes.
4. Fever: Recurrent low-grade fevers without an apparent cause can be an early sign of lupus. These fevers may come and go, contributing to an overall feeling of unwellness.
5. Hair Loss: Lupus can lead to hair loss or thinning, affecting the scalp or other body areas. This can be gradual and may not always be immediately attributed to the disease.
6. Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Raynaud’s phenomenon involves the narrowing of blood vessels in response to cold or stress, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities. Fingers and toes may turn white or blue and feel cold and numb.
7. Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath: inflammation of the heart or lungs can cause chest pain and shortness of breath. These symptoms should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare professional.
8. Unexplained Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss may occur in individuals with lupus. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including inflammation and changes in appetite.
9. Kidney Involvement: Lupus nephritis, or inflammation of the kidneys, is a serious complication of lupus. Signs may include changes in urine color, frequency, or the presence of blood in the urine.
10. Neurological Symptoms: Some individuals may experience neurological symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, or cognitive difficulties, as lupus can affect the central nervous system.

Recognizing the early signs of lupus is pivotal for timely intervention and effective management of the disease. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Lupus is a highly variable condition, and early diagnosis allows for tailored treatment plans that can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life. Regular check-ups and open communication with healthcare professionals are key to navigating the complexities of lupus and promoting overall well-being.

Check out some of our other Lupus-related posts!

• “Lupus tips, tricks, and products”
• “Lupus and sun exposure”
• “How to show support to someone with Lupus”