Lupus is a long-term autoimmune and chronic condition also called systemic lupus erythematosus.

It is known for being hugely misdiagnosed due to its symptoms that correspond to other illnesses. There is no cure for lupus – however, it is not fatal and symptoms can improve if the condition is treated early.

People with lupus can experience inflammation of key parts of the body such as the lungs, kidneys, heart, liver and joints.

For lupus to be diagnosed, doctors will usually run blood tests and see if there are high levels of certain antibodies alongside typical symptoms of the disorder which will determine whether lupus is likely.

What are the symptoms of lupus?

Symptoms of lupus include:

• Muscle and joint pain (stiffness and swelling)
• Extreme fatigue, that does not go away no matter how much you rest, says the NHS
• Rashes

You may also experience:

• fever
• headaches
• mouth sores
• hair loss
• sensitivity to light
• skin lesions that appear or worsen from sun exposure

The rashes that come from lupus are usually described as a “butterfly rash” because it is commonly found on the face across both cheeks and over the bridge of your nose. They can also appear anywhere else around your body.

Rash symptoms can include eczema and thrush on the tongue. Comedian Katherine Ryan was diagnosed with lupus in 2008 after she broke out in open sores on her face that were “undeniable”. She has recently opened up about concerns that her baby son, born in 2021, may have the condition too.

She said: “He’s got little bit of eczema now, tiny bit of thrush on his tongue…my instinct is telling me we’re putting out the smoke not the fire.”

Singer and former Disney star Selena Gomez also brought lupus to the forefront in mainstream media when she opened up about her diagnosis and kidney transplant story. She had suffered swelling in the lower legs and feet as well as blood in urine, darker urine and a high blood pressure.

How does lupus make you feel?

When lupus is active, along with the signs and symptoms, simple tasks can become very difficult.

Invisible symptoms like joint stiffness, pain, fatigue and confusion can even cause depression that will make menial tasks seem impossible, says the Lupus website.

Such invisible symptoms usually makes the condition hard to understand for those without it – this can create a feeling on loneliness or misunderstanding in sufferers of lupus. Lupus is not contagious and is not related to cancer, HIV or AIDS.

As lupus is a chronic disease, those that have it will live with it for the rest of their lives so have to learn how to manage it. It is also important to note that the condition can affect each person differently.

What foods trigger lupus flare ups?

Dairy foods such as milk, cheese and butter can trigger lupus flare ups.

Katherine Ryan has also shared how she mostly eats gluten-free and nearly dairy-free now.

Any food that is a source of saturated fats should be avoided. Creamed soups and sauces, fried foods, red meat, animal fat, processed meat products, high-fat dairy foods like ice cream, and commercial baked goods can trigger a flare-up.

There are different levels to active lupus ranging from mild to severe. Triggering a mild flare up may look like joint and skin problems, including tiredness. A moderate flare up will see inflammation of parts of the skin and body parts including organs. Meanwhile a severe stage of lupus will include inflammation that causes severe damage to the heart, lungs, brain or kidneys which can be life threatening. If the disorder is treated early on, any symptoms can be eased.