Systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on January 30, 2025
00:00
00:00

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disease that affects the entire body system, so there are generally systemic symptoms. The most common symptoms are bone and joint pain, and muscle pain. Some patients may show symptoms related to the skin and mucous membranes, mainly presenting as butterfly-shaped erythema, discoid erythema, and oral mucosal ulcers. In severe cases, patients may experience problems with the visceral system, mainly affecting the kidneys, primarily presenting as significant proteinuria in routine urine tests. Additionally, severe cases may even present with neurological and psychiatric issues, mainly exhibiting restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, and various forms of cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and other conditions.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
1min 4sec home-news-image

What should be noted for systemic lupus erythematosus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease and a chronic disease that damages multiple systems. It cannot be cured, only controlled by medication to manage symptoms, delay complications, and reduce mortality; these are the primary treatment goals. Therefore, during treatment, several aspects must be carefully considered: First, avoid prolonged sun exposure, chemical irritants, being overly cold or fatigued, as these can trigger the condition. Women should also avoid taking oral contraceptives. Second, do not be misled by advertisements and promotions; always seek treatment in reputable hospitals to prevent complications. Third, during treatment, always keep in contact with your attending physician. Do not adjust or reduce your medication on your own, as this can exacerbate the disease and greatly increase the risk of relapse.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
41sec home-news-image

Is systemic lupus erythematosus serious?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can vary in severity. The main criterion for determining whether it is mild or severe is to check whether SLE has involved important visceral organs, such as the lungs, the heart, and most commonly, the kidneys, as well as the most severe form, neuropsychiatric lupus. If a patient shows involvement of the aforementioned visceral systems, then lupus is considered to be relatively severe, and may sometimes even threaten the patient’s life. However, if lupus does not involve the visceral systems, it is considered to be mild.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
47sec home-news-image

What causes systemic lupus erythematosus?

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus belongs to autoimmune diseases and is a multisystemic autoimmune disorder. It is a chronic disease that cannot be cured. It can only be managed through medication to control the progression of the disease, prevent relapses, delay damage to other organs, and prevent complications. This is the overall principle of treatment. Its cause is currently unclear. It is only related to factors such as environmental pollution, viral infections, genetics, and hormones, according to expert research. However, there is no specific definitive cause identified.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
54sec home-news-image

What should be done if systemic lupus erythematosus causes a fever?

If patients with systemic lupus erythematosus develop a fever, it is first necessary to determine whether the fever is caused by poor control of systemic lupus erythematosus, leading to an immune-related fever, or if it is due to the patient's long-term use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, resulting in decreased resistance and an acute infection, thus causing the fever. If the fever is immune-related, it will be necessary to strengthen treatment with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. If the fever is due to an infection, regular anti-infection treatment will be required, which sometimes includes antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral therapies. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
59sec home-news-image

What medication is used for systemic lupus erythematosus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a global autoimmune disease that can involve multiple systems and organs. The cause of the disease is unclear, and it cannot be completely cured; it can only be managed through medication. However, once the condition stabilizes, the medication dosage can be gradually reduced and maintained at a low dose. The preferred treatment is corticosteroids, but if there is damage to other organs, such as pulmonary interstitial fibrosis or renal damage and proteinuria, it is necessary to combine immunosuppressants. This is done to prevent recurrence of the disease and to manage complications that may arise during the reduction of steroids. Additionally, it is crucial to be cautious about sun protection, avoid oral contraceptives, and prevent exposure to cold and overexertion. (Please take medication under the guidance of a doctor.)