Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling (inflammation) and a variety of symptoms. Lupus affects everyone differently. Some people experience mild symptoms while others experience more severe symptoms.
Symptoms appear in early adulthood, from adolescence to early 30s. People with lupus generally experience periods of flare-ups followed by periods of remission. That is why it is easy to remove the first symptoms.
Early symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, so the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have lupus. Early symptoms may include:
tired
fever
Hair loss
rash
lung problems
kidney problems
swollen joints
gastrointestinal problems
thyroid problems
dry mouth and eyes
- Fatigue
Up to 90 percent of people with lupus have some degree of fatigue. Napping in the afternoon is beneficial for some people, but too much daytime napping can lead to insomnia at night. It can be difficult, but if you stay active and stick to your daily routine, you can keep your energy levels high.
If you’re living with fatigue that interferes with your daily life, talk to your doctor. Some causes of fatigue can be treated.
- Unexplained fever
One of the first symptoms of lupus is a low-grade fever for no apparent reason. It can range between 98.5˚F (36.9˚C) and 101˚F (38.3˚C), so you might not think to see a doctor. People with lupus may experience this type of fever frequently.
A low-grade fever can be a sign of inflammation, infection, or a soon-to-be-complicated illness. If you have frequent low-grade fevers, make an appointment with your doctor.