10 Lesser-Known Facts About Lupus You Need to Know
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Lupus is a complex and often misunderstood autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. While many are aware that lupus can cause fatigue and joint pain, there are several lesser-known facts that even those living with the condition may not fully realize. Here are 10 important things you need to know about lupus.
1. Lupus Is NOT Contagious
Some people mistakenly believe lupus can be passed from person to person, but that is not true. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues. It is not caused by a virus or bacteria and cannot be spread through physical contact, sharing food, or any other form of transmission.
2. Lupus Symptoms Can Change Daily
One of the biggest challenges of living with lupus is its unpredictability. A person may feel fine one day and struggle with severe pain, fatigue, or brain fog the next. These sudden shifts can make it difficult to plan activities or maintain a consistent routine.
3. It’s Not Just a “Women’s Disease”
While lupus is more common in women (90% of lupus patients are female), men and even children can develop the disease. When men have lupus, they often experience more severe symptoms, including kidney and heart complications.
4. The Sun Can Trigger Lupus Flares
Many people with lupus are photosensitive, meaning exposure to the sun can trigger symptoms such as skin rashes, joint pain, or extreme fatigue. Even indoor fluorescent lighting or certain computer screens can cause flare-ups. That’s why sun protection—hats, sunscreen, and protective clothing—is essential for many lupus warriors.
5. There’s No Single Lupus Test
Diagnosing lupus isn’t easy because it mimics many other diseases. Doctors rely on a combination of symptoms, blood tests (such as the ANA test), and medical history to make a diagnosis. It often takes months or even years for some people to receive a definitive diagnosis.
6. Lupus Can Affect the Brain and Nervous System
While most people associate lupus with joint pain, it can also impact the brain. Some individuals experience cognitive issues like memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and confusion—commonly referred to as "lupus brain fog." Lupus can also cause headaches, dizziness, and, in rare cases, seizures or strokes.
7. Many People with Lupus Have Overlapping Conditions
Lupus rarely travels alone. Many lupus warriors are also diagnosed with other autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disorders. These overlapping conditions can complicate treatment and management strategies.
8. It Can Affect Internal Organs
Lupus doesn’t just attack the joints and skin—it can also affect major organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. Lupus nephritis, a form of kidney disease, is one of the most serious complications and can lead to kidney failure if left untreated.
9. Stress Can Make Symptoms Worse
Stress is a common trigger for lupus flares. Emotional and physical stress can cause the immune system to go into overdrive, leading to increased pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. That’s why managing stress through mindfulness, meditation, gentle exercise, or therapy is crucial for those with lupus.
10. Lupus Is an Expensive Disease to Manage
From doctor visits and medications to hospital stays and lifestyle adjustments, the cost of living with lupus can be overwhelming. Many patients struggle with medical bills, insurance limitations, and the inability to work full-time due to their symptoms. Advocacy for better healthcare support and lupus research funding is essential to improving the lives of those affected.
Join the Movement & Support Lupus Awareness!
Lupus awareness starts with YOU! By educating yourself and others, you help create a world that understands and supports those living with this disease.
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