May is Lupus Awareness Month, an excellent time to spread information about the disease and its causes, symptoms, treatment, and management.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system becomes overactive and attacks healthy tissues. It can affect any body part, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys.

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) reports that at least 1.5 million Americans and about 5 million people globally have some form of lupus. There is no known cause, but it can be triggered by genetics, environment, and hormones. 

In people with lupus, the immune system mistakes healthy cells and tissues for foreign invaders and attacks them, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. Diagnosing lupus can be difficult, as symptoms can vary widely from person to person and can mimic other illnesses. Understanding the different types of lupus and associated symptoms is vital to getting an accurate diagnosis, proper treatment, and improving overall health.

Types of lupus 

Here are the four main types of lupus and how they differ:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

SLE is the most common form of lupus, accounting for 70% of cases. It’s a systemic disease that can affect multiple organs and systems, also making it the most severe form of lupus. SLE goes through cycles of flares and remissions, meaning symptoms can come and go. 

During flare-ups, the disease is active, and symptoms can be severe. During remissions, the disease is inactive, and symptoms may disappear. People with SLE might experience inflammation in the:

• Skin
• Kidneys
• Joints
• Heart
• Lungs

Inflammation can also occur in the brain and nervous system, resulting in cognitive issues, headaches, seizures, and stroke. SLE can affect multiple organs at once, causing a wide range of issues.

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)

DLE is a milder form of lupus that mainly affects the skin. It appears as a rash of reddish, coin-shaped lesions on the face, scalp, and inside of the ears that can become thick and scaly. The lesions don’t hurt or itch but can cause scarring and skin discoloration over time. Scars from discoid lesions on the scalp can lead to permanent hair loss.

DLE does not cause inflammation in internal organs, but about 10% of people with DLE can develop SLE later in life.

Drug-induced lupus (DIL)

DIL results from certain medications, such as hydralazine, procainamide, minocycline, and isoniazid. Symptoms appear after months or years of taking medication and can include the following:

• Muscle and joint pain
• Serositis (inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart and lungs)
• Flu-like symptoms

Research reveals that 5% of patients taking hydralazine to treat hypertension and 20% of patients taking procainamide to treat heart arrhythmia can develop DIL. The symptoms usually disappear six months after stopping the medication. 

Neonatal lupus (NL)

NL is a rare form of lupus that affects infants at birth. It occurs when the mother’s immune system passes autoantibodies to the baby through the placenta and attacks its organs. The baby might have a skin rash, low blood cell count, and liver issues at birth, but the symptoms disappear after six months with no lasting health effects. 

In severe cases, the child might develop congenital heart block, which causes an abnormally slow heartbeat. This is a permanent and life-threatening condition that requires a pacemaker to manage. Luckily, technological advancements have enabled physicians to identify NL in utero and provide treatments to prevent congenital heart block.

Your doctor can determine which type of lupus you may have based on your medical history, physical examination, and a series of lab tests. Knowing lupus symptoms is recommended to help you seek prompt medical attention and diagnosis.

Symptoms of lupus

The symptoms of lupus range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. They occur during flare-ups and can include:

• Red butterfly-shaped skin rashes on the face, across the nose, and cheeks
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Sensitivity to light and sun exposure
• Frequent headaches, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating
• Chest pain when breathing deeply
• Swelling in the feet and hands, and around the eyes
• Hair loss
• Mouth ulcers
• Arthritis

Book a doctor’s appointment if you experience any of the above symptoms. Diagnosis through lab tests and a physical exam can help rule out other illnesses and confirm lupus. The doctor may recommend a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications to help manage the symptoms.

Treatment of lupus

Lupus is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management and treatment to reduce inflammation, suppress the immune system, and prevent organ damage. Each person’s treatment plan will vary based on the disease’s type and the severity of symptoms. Common treatments include:

• Corticosteroids and immune suppressants: These medications can reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. They include methotrexate, prednisone, and mycophenolate and target a specific part of the immune system responsible for inflammation.
• Hydroxychloroquine: This antimalarial drug treats the rashes and arthritis symptoms associated with lupus and is often an initial choice for treatment.
• Belimumab: This FDA-approved biological agent helps reduce lupus symptoms in adults with active, autoantibody-positive SLE.

Your physician might recommend further lifestyle changes to help reduce symptoms and the risk of flare-ups. These include quitting smoking, managing stress, limiting UV exposure, eating a healthy diet, and getting adequate sleep. Low-impact exercises such as yoga, Pilates, walking, and swimming can also aid heart, bone, joint, and mental health.

Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and lifestyle modifications can help reduce the risk of severe symptoms and organ damage caused by lupus. Following your doctor’s advice, taking medication as prescribed, and staying active will help you lead a pain-free, longer life.

Don’t let high drug costs interfere with treatment

The high costs of lupus medications can be a financial burden, making it challenging to stick to your treatment plan. Skipping doses can increase your risk for flare-ups and organ damage, making it harder to manage symptoms. This is where ModRN Health can help.

Our free, easy-to-use platform helps you compare prices, find discounts, and save money on your prescriptions. After registering for a free account, you can fill your prescription, compare prices at local pharmacies, and save up to 90% on your medications. The platform also allows you to set reminders, learn more about your condition, and earn rewards for every referral. Get started today and join the millions of Americans who are saving an average of $500 annually on their prescriptions with ModRN Health.