Systemic lupus erythematosus occurs when the human immune system goes haywire and starts attacking the body’s tissues and organs. Lupus causes inflammation which can lead to a wide variety of seemingly unrelated health problems. Doctors can have a hard time diagnosing and treating systemic lupus erythematosus because there is no clear cut set of lupus symptoms and can strike anybody, including people of both gender and of any age, race, class, or ethnic background. But don't worry; there IS information on lupus symptoms and treatment that you can learn about.

What Are Lupus Symptoms?

Many people with lupus are diagnosed with other ailments because of its various symptoms, so some sufferers do not realize they have it. Besides every case of lupus disease is different, which makes it even harder to be noted. But they do have something in common. But keep in mind is that not every lupus sufferer gets all of the following common lupus symptoms.

• Painful or swollen joints, often mistaken for arthritis
• Headaches
• Swelling of the feet, hands, legs and around the eyes, sometimes called edema
• Fatigue or extreme tiredness, often called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and the nose
• Photosensitivity that is sensitive to light and the sunlight
• Pleurisy or feeling chest pains when breathing deeply
• Anemia
• Ulcers in the mouth and on the nose
• Premature hair loss
• Raynaud’s phenomenon that fingers turn white or blue in the cold
• Abnormal blood clotting

When to See a Doctor

If you display more than one of the common symptoms of lupus, you might have the ailment. The first thing you need to do is to see a doctor; normal general practitioners often lack the experience to deal with lupus, so you may need to call a specialist.

Rheumatologists and immunologists are specialists that deal with immune system problems such as lupus. You can contact one directly or through your general practitioner, if you have any of the following common symptoms:

• Swelling of the feet or lower legs
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Sudden unexplained behavior changes
• A fever of over 100.3°Fahrenheit (38.1° Celsius) without cold or flu symptoms
• Blood in your urine
• A sudden drop in urination
• Shortness of breath

You should call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately if you have the following symptoms:

• Excessive sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Pain pressure or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, upper chest, shoulders, or arms
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Sudden weakness
• An irregular or fast heartbeat
• Sudden numbness or paralysis
• Sudden vision changes
• Seizure
• Sudden unexplained nausea or vomiting
• A sudden and intense headache
• Fainting

These could be symptoms of a serious, potentially life-threatening problem such as heart attack that requires immediate medical treatment.

Lupus Treatment

Lupus cannot be cured, but lupus symptoms can be managed through a combination of home remedies and medications.

1. Home Remedies for Lupus

Mild lupus symptoms can be cured with simple home remedies, here are some effective remedies:

• Regular Checkups: The most important thing a person with lupus can do is to have regular checkups, preferably with a rheumatologist or immunologist. In addition to scheduled checkups, the sufferer should see the doctor whenever a flare up or change occurs.
• Get Plenty of Sleep: One of the most common symptoms of lupus is excessive fatigue that doesn’t go away easily. Therefore it is important to get lots of sleep—9 to 10 hours a night. It is also a good idea to take naps during the day and limit physical activities.
• Be Careful with Sunlight: The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can trigger a lupus attack. Try to stay indoors in the middle of the day when the sun is brightest. If you must go out, wear a hat, a long sleeved shirt or jacket and long plants. Wearing sunscreens with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 55 degrees or higher is also a good idea.
• Get Plenty of Exercise: Regular exercise will help the body control lupus symptoms, especially mental health problems. It can also help prevent heart attacks.
• Quit Smoking: Tobacco smoke will make the effects of lupus worse and increase your potential for a heart attack.
• Stick to a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in meats, fats, salt, and sugar can help you avoid some lupus symptoms. Check with the doctor because there might be dietary restrictions.

2. Take Medications for Lupus

If your lupus symptoms persist and home remedies fail to do the trick, you should turn to medications for help. The following medication is recommended for enduring lupus symptoms.