The Kidneys:
Lupus Nephritis -- involvment of the kidneys -- has no symptoms, but is detectable through laboratory tests, revealing excessive protien and traces of blood in the urine. This is one of the most life-threatening complications of SLE when undiagnosed, as kidney failure can occur. However, with proper treatment, the out-look is good.
The Lungs:
inflammation of the tissue surrounding the lungs -- causes severe chest pain when inhaling. Pleuritis is inflammation while Pleurisy is infectious. Both conditions often occur in SLE.
- Asthma --
which is also an autoimmune disease, often appears as a secondary condition in SLE.
- Chronic Bronchitis and/or Pneumonia --
either of these conditions can occur as infectious or as allergic reactions to environmental factors such as chemical fumes (perfumes, hair sprays, air fresheners, etc.) or natural antigens (wood dust and smoke, pollen, mold, etc.). Bronchitis causes a deep, dry cough which may or may not produce spectulum. A cough may or may not accompany pneumonia, but it does cause severe pain with breathing. When resulting from inflammation rather than infection, bronchial spasms may also occur, leading to severe bouts of uncontrollable coughing.
NOTE: Some types of trees including Walnut and other nut-bearing trees, and Mahogany are in the same family as poision oak, ivy, and sumac. Lupus patients who are allergic to these poisoinous plants or who have respitory problems should avoid contact with these types of wood, especially the dust or smoke from these lumbers.
- Pulmonary Embolism --
is a result of the Anticoagulant Syndrome in which small blood clots form somewhere in the body, break loose, and travel to the lungs. About 5 - 10% of lupus patients will sustain a pulmonary embolus at some time in their lives. Symptoms include acute shortness of breath and moderate to severe chest pains. The condition is treated with blood-thinners.
The Gastrointestinal System:
is the largest system in the human body, and therefore can understandably be affected to a great extent in lupus patients.
Gastritis -- inflammation of the stomach lining and intestinal walls -- caused by excessive production of digestive acids, results in many gastrointestinal problems:
- severe bloating
- excessive gas and retention of gas
- nausea with and without vomiting
- spastic stomach: uncontrollable vomiting/dry heaves/inablity to "hold anything down"
- irritable bowel: usually goes in cycles between constipation and diahrrea; however, this is not always the case. A person can experience constant diarrhea without ever having constipation. On-going constipation may either be due some of your medications, or in some cases, can be a result of intestinal neuropathy.
PLEASE NOTE! Anytime you experience diahrrea for more than 2 weeks it is indicative of a potentially serious condition. Please seek medical advise without delay!
- Infectious gastritis -- bacterial or fungal infections can occur in the stomach, esophegus, and mouth, resulting in severe gastritis, heartburn, and raw tongue. This is a common side-effect of long-term Prednisone use. Also, drugs which prohibit the production of stomach acid (used to treat gastritis) can also lead to baterial infections of the stomach.
- Ascites -- when the lining around the abdominal cavity, called the "peritoneum", becomes inflammed, it can secrete fluids which fill the abdomen. This is usually associated with inflammation of the heart, lungs, kidneys, or pancreas, or due to infection, as noted previously.
- C.R.E.S.T. Syndrome -- is a combination of several secondary conditions common in lupus which can affect the stomach and bowels, causing the sensation of being "full" even after only eating a small amount and after many hours have passed since your last meal. It can also cause constant constipation, excessive gas and bloating, swelling, and other symptoms. (Read more about CREST Syndrome.)
- Esophegial spasms, heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux are very common problems in SLE. Though non-damaging, these conditions are very uncomfortable and can be extememly frightening and painful. Most especially "esophegial spasms", as these can cause excruciating pain in the chest and side, usually making the patient believe they are experiencing a heart attack. There are many prescription medications available for these conditions, so be sure to ask your doctor for help if you suffer from any of these problems.
- Peritonitis -- inflammation of the peritoneum, which is part of the intestines.
- Hiatal Hernia -- fluid from the stomach going back into the esophegus -- can cause heartburn, oral ulcers, raw tongue, tooth decay, and gum disease.
- Synovitis -- inflammation of the vocal chords, causing unexplained hoarsness and/or "raspy" voice. (can be caused by Sjogren's)
* The symptoms of Gastritis are more commonly associated with Fibromyalgia.
The Heart:
inflammation of the sac lining around the heart. Symptoms include chest pressure, low-grade fever, rapid pulse associated with shortness of breath, and chest pain which diminishes in intensity when leaning forward. Paricarditis does not imply an organ-threatening disorder because the heart tissue is not involved. Provided that infection is not present, the condition is treated with NSAIDs and a short course of moderate-dose corticosteroids.
- Tachycardia --
is a persistently rapid heartbeat, and a feature of active lupus resulting from inflammation or fevers. A sudden onset of rapid heartbeat accompanied by a pounding sensation, dizziness, and/or nausea can also be a symptom of a TIA. (precursor to stroke) Tachycardia is usually treated with anti-inflammatory medications and occassionally beta-blockers.
The Eyes:
- Sjogern's Syndrome is a seperate autoimmune disease, but is also a common secondary condition in SLE; it causes severe dryness of the mucus membranes, including the eyes.
- Iritis -- inflammation of the Iris, and Optic Neuritis -- inflammation of the optic nerve -- occur in a small percentage of lupus patients, but are more commonly seen in Multiple Sclerosis.
- Retinal Vasculitis can cause sudden, partial blindess due to a blood clot behind the retina; this happens in SLE as a result of the Lupus Anticoagulant Syndrome. It is treatable and sight returns.
Further information on eye conditions can be found in Conditions of the Eye.