The unpredictable nature of lupus can often leave people feeling uneasy.
These flares can range from mild to severe.
These unpredictable attacks cause inflammation, leading to various symptoms and sometimes permanent damage.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
The exactcause of lupusis unknown.
Lupus is not contagious.
Several genes have been identified as associated with lupus.
People with these genes who are then exposed to certain environmental triggers may develop lupus.
When lupus attacks the organs,further complications can occur.
If you don’t treat lupus, these complications can be deadly.
People who have relatives with lupus have a 5% to 13% chance of developing lupus.
Some people even experience fever with lupus.
Early symptoms, such as fatigue and joint pain, can make everyday tasks more difficult.
People in a flare often experience a return of their early symptoms along with new symptoms.
New symptoms may include symptoms that indicate organ involvement, such as shortness of breath and memory problems.
Lupus symptoms experienced early on can continue to appear and disappear throughout life.
The most common initial symptoms of lupus are fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes.
It can take up to two years or more from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis.
It is not uncommon to see multiple providers before reaching a diagnosis.
Keeping track of your symptoms and presenting the full picture to your provider can help with diagnosis.
Give Yourself Permission to Grieve
Adjusting to life with a chronic illness is hard.
You may find yourself mourning the life you used to have, and thats OK.
Allow yourself to grieve.
Give yourself permission to be angry or sad.
Just because you get an official diagnosis does not mean you have to accept it right away.
It will take time to adjust to your new normal.
When that energy is gone, you may have nothing left to give.
In this case, self-care may look like altering simple tasks.
For example, put a chair in the shower if washing your hair worsens your fatigue.
Sit down to get dressed or put on makeup.
Buy cut vegetables or ask a friend to help prepare meals.
Learn to Say No
Not everyone will understand what youre going through or how lupus affects you.
Lupus is often an invisible disease.
No one can tell how fatigued you are or how much pain you are feeling.
The more you tell people what you are going through, the more easily they will understand your challenges.
Complementary Therapies
Other nondrug therapies can also help minimize symptoms and improve quality of life.
These include physical activities and exercises such as swimming, walking, biking, and strength training.
Drugs that target lupus specifically are being developed and tested.
Medication and procedures that reset the immune system hold some promise of a cure.
A flare often feels like youre getting sick again.
Taking steps to reduce flares can help you manage the disease.
If you must be in the sun, seek shade and wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.
If you smoke, stop.
Even if you are feeling better, stick to your treatment plan.
People who stop taking hydroxychloroquine are at a higher risk of flares.
Prognosis and Effect on Life Expectancy
Getting a diagnosis of lupus can throw you for a loop.
You may wonder: Can I live a long, normal life?
You may feel overwhelmed and think: How am I going to do this?
These thoughts are normal.
Support and Resources
You dont have to face lupus alone.
TheLupus Foundation of Americais a resource for educational programs to help you live well with the disease.
The unpredictable nature of lupus can cause people to feel uneasy and make life with the disease harder.
Women and Black Americans, especially Black women, are more likely to develop the disease than their peers.
Treatment options exist to minimize symptoms and reduce the number of flares.
Self-care and complementary therapies can help you live well with the disease.
Although there is no cure, research is ongoing to find treatment options and a possible cure.
The Lupus Foundation of America is a helpful resource for people with the disease.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.System lupus erythematosus (lupus) basics.
2022;14(10):e30330.
doi:10.7759/cureus.30330
Lupus Foundation of America.What causes lupus?
2021;13(10):e18858.
2021;30(2):204-210. doi:10.1177/0961203320973074
Lupus Foundation of America.Risk factors for developing lupus.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Lupus basics.
2023;10(1):e000856.
doi:10.1136/lupus-2022-000856
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus).
2019;96:1-13. doi:10.1016/j.jaut.2018.11.001
DailyMed.Benlysta - belimumab injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution.
2018;44(3):316-321. doi:10.12865/CHSJ.44.03.18
DailyMed.Methotrexate tablet.
Srivastava A.Belimumab in systemic lupus erythematosus.Indian J Dermatol.
doi:10.1177/1759720X221086719
Lupus Foundation of America.UV exposure: what it’s crucial that you know.
Adamichou C, Bertsias G.Flares in systemic lupus erythematosus: diagnosis, risk factors and preventive strategies.Mediterr J Rheumatol.
2017;28(1):4-12. doi:10.31138/mjr.28.1.4
Lupus Foundation of America.Prognosis and life expectancy.
