05 October 2023 , 07:00
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If you’ve been feeling under the weather lately there can be many reasons, from infections and sleep deprivation to issues with the immune system. And one condition that can cause exhaustion is lupus, which can be life threatening if left undiagnosed. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder, where the body’s immune system turns on itself and starts to attack and destroy healthy cells in the body. If it progresses without treatment there may be damage to the heart, kidneys, lungs or brain.
According to Dr Miriam Stoppard, lupus is six times more common in women than men, typically developing between the age of 20 and 50. "Lupus symptoms vary hugely between sufferers because different organs can be affected in different people, ranging from mild and intermittent to severe and life-threatening," Dr Stoppard explains. "Currently there’s no cure but it can be controlled with medication and most people lead active, normal lives. Treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids and immunosuppressants.”
Lupus can affect anyone but is more common in women (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Karen Quinn, a writer from Washington, Tyne and Wear, has Lupus and often experiences extreme pain and tiredness said: "I honestly didn't think I had long left to live at one point and was blue-lighted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary stroke unit. "I couldn’t grip anything properly due to swelling in my hands, or even move out of bed without assistance."
Lupus and pregnancy
Women with Lupus have a higher risk of pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia, thrombosis, infections, miscarriage, stillbirth, small babies and your baby being born with a form of lupus. However, if you wait to get pregnant until your symptoms are under control, you have an excellent chance of having a healthy pregnancy. While it’s important to state that Lupus is rare, some famous people who have Lupus include:
Celebrities who suffer from it
Pop singer Selena Gomez disclosed she had been diagnosed with Lupus in an Instagram post after finding out she needed a kidney transplant due to the disease. Selena has had to cancel tours, go on chemotherapy and take time off her gruelling schedule to rest and get back to full health.
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Lady Gaga has been dianosed with lupus (Getty Images for Park MGM Las Ve)
Selena Gomez had to have a kidney transplant due to lupus (Getty Images)Lady Gaga tested borderline positive for Lupus in 2010 but has never had any symptoms. The singer and actress got tested after her aunt died of the disease. Lupus can lie dormant for years so the diagnosis means she has to take good care of herself. Toni Braxton is best known for her hit Breathe Again and has openly struggled with Lupus since 2011 and says some days are really tough. She has had to spend time in hospital and continues to have her condition monitored.
British singer, songwriter and record producer Seal doesn’t talk about his condition but he first showed signs of a specific type of lupus called discoid lupus erythematosus at age 23 when he began to develop facial scarring. And Austin Powers actress Kristen was diagnosed with lupus myelitis, a rare form of lupus affecting the spinal cord, when she was 46. The actress was struggling to climb a flight of stairs and after months of doctors’ appointments and tests, she was diagnosed with the condition and was treated with chemotherapy and steroids. She went into remission six months later. Lupus can be hard to diagnose because it has symptoms that could be mistaken for other diseases.
Loose Women's Kelle Bryan has also opened up about her battle with Lupus which left her unable to talk and walk. Kelle has cerebral lupus and had a swelling on her brain, which once caused her to have a seizure in front of her children. The former Eternal singer said: "It has been really difficult journey, but it's not just me going through it, there's so many people struggling with lupus."
Seal developed facial scarring because of lupus (Getty Images North America)13 signs you could have Lupus:
Muscle and joint pain affects most people with lupus. You may experience pain and swelling in the neck, thighs, shoulders and upper arms.
A fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit affects many people with lupus which is often caused by inflammation or infection.
Rashes can appear on any part of your body exposed to the sun, such as your face, arms, and hands. A common sign of lupus is a red, butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks.
Lupus can trigger inflammation in the lining of the lungs which causes chest pain when breathing deeply.
Some people experience hair loss and bald spots are common.
Most people with lupus are sensitive to light which can cause rashes, fever, fatigue, or joint pain.
Half of people with lupus have kidney problems and suffer weight gain, swollen ankles and high blood pressure.
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Ulcers usually appear on the roof of the mouth, gums, cheeks or lips.
People with lupus may feel tired or exhausted even when they have slept well.
Fatigue could be a sign of anaemia, a condition that happens when your body does not have red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body.
Some people with lupus report problems with forgetfulness or confusion.
You may have a higher risk of blood clotting.
Sufferers may get dry eyes, eye inflammation and eyelid rashes.