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Lupus What is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the body's tissues. It is an autoimmune condition, which means that it is caused by a fault in the immune system. In people with lupus, the immune system attacks the body's healthy cells and tissue instead of protecting the body from illness and infection. Immune / Lymphatic System
The immune system is the body's defense against germs, viruses and other invaders. The thymus gland, spleen, tonsils, adenoids and lymph nodes, along with a variety of white blood cells, all protect the body. The lymphatic system is a network of capillaries, vessels, trunks and ducts and plays a crucial role in the body’s immune response.
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General symptoms include:
Arthritis
Fatigue
Fever
General discomfort, uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise)
Joint pain and swelling
Muscle aches
Nausea and vomiting
Pleural effusions ( fluid on the lungs)
Pleurisy (causes chest pain)
Psychosis
Seizures
Sensitivity to sunlight
Skin rash -- a "butterfly" rash over the cheeks and bridge of the nose affects about half of those with SLE. The rash gets worse when in sunlight. The rash may also be widespread.
Swollen glands
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Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Abdominal pain
Blood disorders, including blood clots
Blood in the urine
Coughing up blood
Fingers that change color upon pressure or in the cold
Hair loss
Mouth sores
Nosebleed
Numbness and tingling
Red spots on skin
Skin color is patchy
Swallowing difficulty
Visual disturbance