{"id":5976,"date":"2023-05-10T11:06:01","date_gmt":"2023-05-10T05:36:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/?p=5976"},"modified":"2023-10-12T10:40:05","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T05:10:05","slug":"lupus-causes-symptoms-diagnosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/lupus-causes-symptoms-diagnosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is Lupus?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and tissues in the body. In autoimmune diseases like lupus, the body&#8217;s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and damage. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5978\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/world-lupus-day.jpg\" alt=\"world-lupus-day\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" \/><\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What causes Lupus?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While the exact cause of lupus disease is not completely known, it is believed to result from a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. Here are some factors that may contribute to the development of lupus:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Genetics: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There appears to be a genetic component to lupus, as it often runs in families. Certain genes have been linked to an increased risk of developing lupus.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hormones:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Lupus disease is more common in women than men, and it often develops or flares up during times of hormonal change, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Environmental triggers: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Certain environmental factors, such as exposure to sunlight, infections, and certain medications, may trigger or worsen lupus symptoms.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Immune system dysfunction: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lupus is classified as an autoimmune disease because the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body. Researchers believe that abnormalities in the immune system may play a role in the development of lupus.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are the Symptoms of Lupus?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can cause a wide range of symptoms that can vary widely from person to person. Some of the most common lupus symptoms include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fatigue:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Many people with lupus experience chronic fatigue, which can be severe and debilitating.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Joint pain and stiffness:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Lupus disease can cause inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Skin rashes: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A butterfly-shaped rash on the face (called a malar rash) is a classic symptom of lupus. Other types of skin rashes or lesions may also occur.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sensitivity to sunlight:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Many people with lupus experience increased sensitivity to sunlight, which can trigger or worsen symptoms.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fever:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Lupus can cause a low-grade fever that comes and goes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kidney problems:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Lupus can cause inflammation in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage or failure if left untreated.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Raynaud&#8217;s phenomenon:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> This is a condition in which the fingers and toes become cold and numb in response to cold or stress.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mouth sores: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lupus can cause sores or ulcers in the mouth or nose.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chest pain: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lupus can cause inflammation in the lining of the heart or lungs, leading to chest pain or discomfort.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cognitive problems:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Some people with lupus experience cognitive problems, such as difficulty concentrating or memory loss.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How is Lupus Diagnosed?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can be challenging to diagnose because it can cause a wide range of symptoms that can mimic other conditions. There is no single test that can definitively diagnose lupus, so healthcare professionals often use a combination of tests and evaluations to make a diagnosis. Here are some of the tests and evaluations that may be used to diagnose lupus:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"11\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Physical exam:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> A healthcare provider will perform a thorough physical exam, including looking for characteristic skin rashes and examining joints for signs of inflammation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"11\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Blood tests:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Blood tests can detect certain antibodies and proteins that are commonly present in people with lupus, such as <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/pathology-test\/sle-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-panel?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog&amp;utm_content=antinuclear_antibodies\">antinuclear antibodies (ANA)<\/a><\/span>, anti-double-stranded DNA (<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/pathology-test\/anti-ds-dna-antibody-crithidiaifa-in-dilutions?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=blog&amp;utm_content=anti-dsDNA\">anti-dsDNA<\/a><\/span>) antibodies, and anti-Smith (anti-Sm) antibodies.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"11\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Urine tests:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Urine tests can detect signs of kidney inflammation or damage, which can be a complication of lupus.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"11\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Imaging studies:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Imaging studies, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, may be used to examine internal organs for signs of inflammation or damage.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"11\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Biopsy:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from an affected organ, such as the skin or kidney, to examine it for signs of inflammation or damage.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How is Lupus Treated?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic condition that currently has no cure. However, there are treatments available to help manage symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and minimize the risk of complications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 1. What is the main cause of Lupus?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lupus is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors that lead to dysfunction of the immune system, resulting in inflammation and damage to healthy tissues and organs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a02. What are the symptoms of Lupus?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The symptoms of lupus can vary widely, but may include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, fever, and organ damage.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a03. What is Lupus Nephritis?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In Lupus nephritis, the immune system attacks the kidneys, causing inflammation and damage to the tissues and structures within the kidneys. This can result in symptoms such as blood or protein in the urine, high blood pressure, swelling in the legs or ankles, and reduced kidney function.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a04. Can lupus be prevented?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There is no known way to prevent lupus, but taking steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoiding triggers that can worsen symptoms may help reduce the risk of flare-ups.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Disclaimer:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or as a substitute for consulting a physician. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a healthcare professional.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is Lupus?\u00a0 Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and tissues in the body. In autoimmune diseases like lupus, the body&#8217;s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and damage. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":9384,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1055],"tags":[1555,1556],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5976"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5976"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5976\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9026,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5976\/revisions\/9026"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9384"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5976"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5976"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5976"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}