Do I Have Lupus (SLE)?

Are you an African-American, Hispanic or Asian-American woman between 15 and 45?

Do you feel constant fatigue and malaise no matter how much you sleep?

Do you have pain, stiffness, and visible swelling in your joints, particularly in the morning?

Do you have swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes?

Do you have headaches or any problems with memory or concentration?

Do you have a low-grade fever for no apparent reason (between 98.5˚F (36.9˚C) and 101˚F (38.3˚C))?

Do you have butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose?

Does sun exposure cause you to develop skin rashes or do your skin lesions become worse when exposed to the sun (photosensitivity)?

Do you have an ongoing chest pain (when taking a deep breath) and shortness of breath?

Do your fingers become pale (turning blue or white), numb or uncomfortable in the cold or during stressful periods (Raynaud's phenomenon)?

Do you have a thin, brittle hair that looks a bit ragged or your hair is falling out?

Have you ever had sores in your mouth that lasted for more than two weeks?

Have you lost weight without any apparent reason?

Do you have dry mouth or dry eyes (your eyes may feel gritty)?

Do your symptoms interfere with your daily activities at school, at work, or in personal relationships?

Do you have a family history of lupus?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have lupus. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect almost every part of your body. This condition can appear in many forms with a variety of symptoms. We can’t find two exactly the same cases of lupus. A huge number of heath conditions can have similar symptoms to lupus and a differential diagnosis can be challenging. You should definitely see a doctor if you have an unexplained rash, fever, fatigue, or some other type of persistent health problem.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have lupus. Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease that affects many parts of your body including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys and brain. For that reason the list of potential lupus symptoms can be very long, but not everyone will get every symptom. They will depend on which body system is affected by lupus and can range from mild to severe. Many people with lupus have episodes with symptoms worsen for a while (flares) and after that the symptoms improve or temporary disappears. Early diagnosis of lupus is the key to preventing serious complications.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have lupus. Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in almost any part of your body. Lupus causes a variety of symptoms, but these symptoms can vary considerably from person to person so diagnosing lupus can often be challenging. There is no cure for lupus but the right treatment can manage your symptoms and minimize potential damage to your organs. It is important to work with your rheumatologist or your health care team to find the best treatment plan for you.