Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Symptom Chart

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is a multi-system, multi-organ autoimmune disease that cannot be cured but can only be controlled with medication to slow the progression of the disease and prevent complications. Clinical manifestations are diverse, with most early symptoms typically being atypical, and sometimes not presenting any discomfort at all. Some individuals may experience acute onset, which can include high fever, progressive decline in platelets, and even progressive anemia, all characteristic of the acute phase. Other common symptoms include fever, skin erythema, and even ischemia of the extremities. Some people may experience joint pain, mainly in the finger joints and knee joints, as well as swelling of the lower limbs, chest tightness, and decreased exercise tolerance, which are more typical manifestations.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms

The symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus mainly include fever, oral ulcers, facial erythema, including discoid and malar rash, photosensitivity, joint pain, polyserositis, including pleural effusion and pericardial effusion, as well as kidney involvement. The main manifestations are positive urinary protein, hematuria, and casts in the urine. Severe cases may have neurological involvement, presenting as epilepsy, mental disorders, or altered consciousness. Blood tests in these patients can further reveal positive ANA, anti-double-stranded DNA, and anti-Sm antibodies, as well as low complement levels. These are the related symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Systemic lupus erythematosus is not contagious.

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease with an unclear cause. It can affect multiple organs including the heart, lungs, and kidneys. It is classified as an autoimmune disease and not a contagious one, so there is no need to worry about it spreading. However, this condition does have a certain genetic predisposition. For instance, if parents have systemic lupus erythematosus, then their offspring have a relatively higher chance of developing the condition compared to families without a history of the disease. Being an autoimmune disease, it cannot be cured but can only be managed with medications such as corticosteroids to control the progression of the disease. Therefore, during the course of steroid treatment, it is vital to prevent infections. Finally, it is important to emphasize once again that systemic lupus erythematosus is not contagious and does not pose a risk of transmission, so everyone can be reassured.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
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Typical skin manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus

The most typical skin rashes of systemic lupus erythematosus are called butterfly rash and discoid rash. The so-called butterfly rash is a rash on both sides of the nostrils, resembling the wings of a butterfly, and the so-called discoid rash is a circular, disc-shaped rash on the facial area. At the same time, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus may also experience reticular purpura or vasculitic rashes like those of end-finger vasculitis, all of which are typical manifestations of skin rashes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
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What causes systemic lupus erythematosus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus mainly has four major causes: The first is related to the environment. Long-term exposure to sunlight, or living in a humid environment, may trigger the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus. Secondly, there is a certain genetic predisposition to systemic lupus erythematosus. If the parents have systemic lupus erythematosus, the probability of their offspring developing the disease is higher. Thirdly, systemic lupus erythematosus is also related to estrogen, which is why, clinically, lupus is more commonly seen in women of childbearing age and less often in men. Systemic lupus erythematosus is also associated with some specific infections, such as bacterial or viral infections, which may trigger a lupus flare-up.

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Written by Li Jing
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Can people with systemic lupus erythematosus drink alcohol?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that cannot be cured. It can only be managed with medication to control the progression of the disease, reduce recurrence, delay complications, and decrease mortality and self-harm rates. These are the main treatment objectives. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus should avoid sun exposure and, for women, the use of oral contraceptives. It is also important to avoid overwork and staying up late. Patients are generally advised to quit smoking and drinking alcohol. Therefore, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus should not consume alcohol, especially during treatment, to avoid adverse reactions with medications.