Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own cells and tissues. For reasons that are not fully understood, women are about 90 percent more likely to develop lupus than men. There is also a hereditary component to it that increases risk by between 5 and 15 percent if someone has a relative or relatives that have lupus. Although there is currently no cure, lupus can be managed with medication, and many people with are able to lead normal lives. Here are some signs and symptoms that can be an indication of lupus.
1. Joint Problems
Much of the time, the first symptom that shows up in lupus patients is a pain in the joints. Swelling, inflammation, and weakness may also be present. There are, of course, many potential causes for joint pain, so it is used in concert with other symptoms before a diagnosis of lupus is considered.