Effects of lupus on the body [Feb 2025 Update]
posted in Lupus Encyclopedia: The Book on November 15, 2023 by
Updated February 28, 2025
The effects of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on the body are diverse, impacting individuals in unexpected and varying ways. If I were to line up 100 SLE patients, they would have different problems, and none have the same issues. This high variability in problems makes SLE one of the most complex and challenging diseases for doctors to diagnose and treat accurately.
This article discusses some of the effects of lupus on the body.
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NOTE: Johns Hopkins University Press, publisher of The Lupus Encyclopedia, is a nonprofit publisher. If you purchase JHUP books, like The Lupus Encyclopedia, you support projects like Project MUSE.
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This blog on “Effects of Lupus on The Body” was edited and contributed to by Donald Thomas, MD; author of “The Lupus Encyclopedia.” Parts of this blog post come from “The Lupus Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Health Care Providers, edition 2“
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Although SLE commonly presents with symptoms such as the butterfly rash and joint pain, the truth is much more complicated. In this article, we delve into the effects of lupus on the body, exploring the wide-ranging impact of this condition, as discussed in “The Lupus Encyclopedia” in Chapter 5, titled “General Effects on the Body.”
The problems and symptoms of lupus vary significantly from person to person. Sometimes a newly diagnosed person will say, “I can’t have lupus. I don’t have the butterfly rash and joint pain.” But lupus affects everyone differently. For example, the butterfly rash is commonly shown in pictures to represent someone with SLE. However, the butterfly rash occurs in less than one-third of SLE patients. This rash is shown in photos because it is easy to recognize.
The Lupus Encyclopedia (2nd ed.), p. 103
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Common Effects of Lupus on the Body
While lupus can manifest differently in each individual, several frequently observed issues exist.:
- Skin Problems: Skin issues are prevalent in lupus. These can range from the classic butterfly rash to skin lesions, photosensitivity, and hair loss.
- Joint Pain and Inflammation: Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often referred to as arthritis, are common effects of lupus on the body. This can affect multiple joints and lead to stiffness and reduced mobility. Lupus can cause pain in multiple other ways, such as fibromyalgia and inflammation around tendons (tendonitis and tenosynovitis).
- Fatigue: Profound and persistent fatigue is a hallmark of lupus, often impacting daily life and productivity.
- Kidney Involvement: Lupus nephritis is a kidney condition that can also arise. It leads to protein in the urine (called proteinuria) and high blood pressure. Also, in severe cases, it can lead to kidney damage.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Lupus can also contribute to heart and blood vessel problems, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Lung Complications: Lung inflammation and conditions like pleurisy can cause chest pain and breathing difficulties.
- Cognitive Dysfunction: Also referred to as “lupus fog” and “brain fog,” lupus can affect memory, concentration, and cognitive function.
- Blood Disorders: The effects of lupus on the body can lead to various blood-related complications. These can include anemia, clotting disorders, low white blood cell counts, and low platelet counts.
- Gastrointestinal Problems: Gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting can occur.
- Mood Disorders: Depression and anxiety are more common in lupus patients, partly due to the emotional toll of managing a chronic illness.
- Immunological Dysfunction: Lupus disrupts the immune system, making individuals with lupus more susceptible to infections. Many immune system blood tests can be abnormal in SLE patients. Just a few examples include ANA, anti-SSA, anti-chromatin, and Coombs antibody.
The Unpredictable Nature of Lupus
People recognize the unpredictability of lupus. Medical professionals recognize the unpredictable nature of lupus as symptoms can unpredictably flare up or subside (called “waxing and waning”), significantly differing in intensity over time. Additionally, lupus can affect virtually any organ or system in the body, making it challenging to diagnose and manage.
A clear understanding of lupus’s effects on the body is vital for delivering better care for individuals living with SLE. It is crucial to recognize that lupus is a highly individualized condition. The excerpt above from “The Lupus Encyclopedia” reminds us that the condition’s manifestations are diverse and not limited to the stereotypical image of the butterfly rash. However, through timely diagnosis, appropriate medical care, and beneficial lifestyle changes (as listed in Dr. Thomas’ Lupus Secrets), individuals with lupus can live long, fulfilling lives and effectively manage their symptoms.
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For more in-depth information on effects of lupus on the body:
Read chapters 1, and 5 to 28 of The Lupus Encyclopedia, edition 2
Look up your symptoms, conditions, and medications in the Index of The Lupus Encyclopedia
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For more in-depth information on Effects of lupus on the body [Feb 2025 Update]:
Read more in The Lupus Encyclopedia, edition 2
Look up your symptoms, conditions, and medications in the Index of The Lupus Encyclopedia
If you enjoy the information from The Lupus Encyclopedia, please click the “SUPPORT” button at the top of the page to learn how you can help.
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