Recognize lupus early: Signs that you may have this painful disease

According to estimates that 1.5 million Americans suffer from autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. So it is important to know if you really have the condition.

Lupus comes and goes so it is known as disease of flare-ups that affects people their entire lives. With lupus, the immune system which is supposed to fight off viruses and other invaders, instead that attacks the healthy tissues and cells, that eventually lead to inflammation, pain or damage.

Most commonly people suffering from lupus experience fatigue, headaches, swollen joints or extremities, fever, chest pain, hair loss, light sensitivity, low red blood cell count, ulcers in the mouth and nose and butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose. 

Additionally confusion, memory loss, dry eyes and a condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon in which fingers and toes turn white or blue when they are cold are associated with this autoimmune disease. The symptoms lupus can be vague sometimes making the diagnosis of the condition difficult.

Most visible sign of lupus is its effect on the skin, hitting about two thirds of those with the condition. Rashes or lesions appear in butterfly share may show-up on body’s most sun-exposed areas like the face, ears and neck.

For those wondering if they have the disease, the age of onset is between 15 and 44; and women of color is more likely to have it than whites. Most common form of the lupus called systemic lupus erythematosus, is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics and environment. Among certain individuals the condition may stem from a person’s overreaction to certain medications that will disappear when the meds are stopped. These include anti-seizure medications, blood pressure medications or even antibiotics.

Lupus can be difficult to deal with, but if you have disease you are not alone. Famous people with lupus include singers Selena Gomez and Seal, 3rd Rock from the Sun actress Kristen Johnston and actor Nick Cannon. Some believe composer Ludwig von Beethoven also had the chronic condition, although it has not been proven.