Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.1,2 Because lupus can manifest in many different ways and its symptoms often mimic those of other conditions, it can be challenging to diagnose. Here are some lupus symptoms that doctors might sometimes miss:
1. Unexplained Fatigue
While everyone gets tired, lupus-related fatigue is often severe and persistent, not relieved by rest, and disproportionate to the activity level. It’s more than just feeling sleepy; it’s a profound exhaustion that interferes with daily life.
2. Cognitive Dysfunction or "Lupus Fog"
Many individuals with lupus experience cognitive problems, often referred to as “lupus fog.” This can include difficulties with memory, concentration, word-finding, and processing information. 5 These symptoms can be subtle and attributed to stress or other factors.5
3. Chest Pain with Deep Breathing
4. Hair Loss
5. Raynaud's Phenomenon
6. Thyroid Problems
7. Mouth Sores
8. Anemia
Anemia, a condition characterized by a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells, is common in lupus.11 It can be caused by the chronic inflammation associated with lupus or by the effects of the disease on the bone marrow.11 Symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath due to anemia can be nonspecific and overlooked.11
It’s crucial for individuals experiencing these symptoms, especially in combination, to discuss their concerns thoroughly with their doctor and advocate for appropriate testing and evaluation. Early diagnosis and management of lupus are essential for preventing complications and improving long-term outcomes.
References
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Lupus. Retrieved from [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/symptoms-causes/syc-20365789]
- American College of Rheumatology. (n.d.). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Retrieved from [https://rheumatology.org/patients/lupus]
- Seet, D., Allameen, N. A., Tay, S. H., Cho, J., & Mak, A. (2021). Cognitive Dysfunction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Immunopathology, Clinical Manifestations, Neuroimaging and Management. Rheumatology and therapy, 8(2), 651–679. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40744-021-00312-0
- Fishback, N., & Koss, M. N. (1995). Pulmonary involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus. Current opinion in pulmonary medicine, 1(5), 368–375. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9363098/
- Wysenbeek, A. J., Leibovici, L., Amit, M., & Weinberger, A. (1991). Alopecia in systemic lupus erythematosus. Relation to disease manifestations. The Journal of rheumatology, 18(8), 1185–1186. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1941821/
- Antonelli, A., Fallahi, P., Mosca, M., Ferrari, S. M., Ruffilli, I., Corti, A., Panicucci, E., Neri, R., & Bombardieri, S. (2010). Prevalence of thyroid dysfunctions in systemic lupus erythematosus. Metabolism: clinical and experimental, 59(6), 896–900. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2009.10.010
- García-Ríos, P., Pecci-Lloret, M. P., & Oñate-Sánchez, R. E. (2022). Oral Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(19), 11910. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191911910
- Budman, D. R., & Steinberg, A. D. (1977). Hematologic aspects of systemic lupus erythematosus. Current concepts. Annals of internal medicine, 86(2), 220–229. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-86-2-220
- Lupus Foundation of America. (2023, April 13). What you need to know about anemia. Retrieved from Lupus Foundation of America: https://www.lupus.org/resources/what-you-need-to-know-about-anemia
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