What are the symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus?

Nov 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Tiesheng

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus is generally a chronic autoimmune disease that causes multi-system damage. Common symptoms may include hair loss, rashes, conjunctivitis, lymphadenopathy, muscle pain, and others. If a patient experiences any one or more of these symptoms persistently or worsening over time, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation and diagnosis at a hospital as early as possible, so that effective treatment can be initiated promptly.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is typically a chronic autoimmune disease that causes multi-system damage. Common symptoms may include hair loss, rashes, conjunctivitis, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, among others. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Hair Loss

In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, hair follicles may be attacked by the immune system, leading to impaired nutrient supply to the follicles, which affects hair growth and results in hair loss.

2. Rashes

The majority of SLE patients develop skin rashes during the course of the disease, including malar butterfly rash, discoid rash, palmoplantar rash, and periungual erythema. These rashes are usually not accompanied by significant itching.

3. Conjunctivitis

In lupus patients, abnormal activation of the immune system can cause inflammation of ocular tissues. When the eyes are affected, conjunctivitis may occur, manifesting as eye redness, pain, and other symptoms.

4. Swollen Lymph Nodes

In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, the abnormally active immune system leads to proliferation of immune cells and subsequent lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes).

5. Muscle Pain

In systemic lupus erythematosus, the immune system mistakenly identifies the body's own tissues as foreign invaders and attacks them. During the disease process, immune inflammatory responses can damage muscle tissue and trigger inflammation. The release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines leads to muscle fibrosis, necrosis of myofibrils, and altered metabolism in muscle cells, ultimately causing muscle pain.

If a patient experiences any one or more of the above symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time, early evaluation and diagnosis at a hospital are recommended to ensure timely and effective treatment.

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