Patient Education: Lupus

What It Is

Lupus is a disease where the body’s immune system attacks healthy parts of the body by mistake. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.

Causes and Risk Factors

• The exact cause is unknown, but lupus happens when the immune system malfunctions.
  
  

• Risk factors include being female, age between 15–45, family history of lupus, and certain infections or medications.
  
  

• Sunlight and stress can trigger flare-ups.
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

Early warning signs:

• Fatigue (feeling very tired)
  
  

• Joint pain and swelling
  
  

• Skin rash, often a butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose
  
  

Other symptoms:

• Fever without infection
  
  

• Hair loss
  
  

• Mouth sores
  
  

• Chest pain when breathing deeply
  
  

• Kidney problems
  
  

• Sensitivity to sunlight
  
  

Complications if Untreated or Noncompliant

• Damage to kidneys (lupus nephritis)
  
  

• Heart and lung problems
  
  

• Increased risk of infection
  
  

• Joint damage and pain
  
  

• Fatigue and weakness
  
  

• Nervous system problems like headaches or seizures
  
  

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

• No cure, but treatment helps control symptoms and prevent damage.
  
  

• Take medicines as prescribed.
  
  

• Avoid sunlight or wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
  
  

• Rest during flare-ups and stay active when possible.
  
  

• Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
  
  

Common Medications, Purpose, and Side Effects

• NSAIDs (like ibuprofen): Reduce pain and swelling. Side effects: stomach upset.
  
  

• Corticosteroids (like prednisone): Reduce inflammation. Side effects: weight gain, mood changes, high blood pressure.
  
  

• Antimalarial drugs (like hydroxychloroquine): Help control symptoms. Side effects: vision changes (rare).
  
  

• Immunosuppressants: Suppress the immune system. Side effects: increased infection risk.
  
  

Dietary Needs

• Balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  
  

• Limit salt if taking corticosteroids
  
  

• Stay hydrated
  
  

• Avoid foods that trigger symptoms (discuss with your doctor)
  
  

Lifestyle Changes

• Avoid smoking
  
  

• Protect skin from sunlight
  
  

• Manage stress through relaxation or counseling
  
  

• Regular exercise as tolerated
  
  

• Follow treatment plan closely
  
  

Safety Considerations

• Watch for signs of infection
  
  

• Take medicines exactly as prescribed
  
  

• Avoid injuries and infections
  
  

• Keep follow-up appointments for lab tests and monitoring
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Use sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors
  
  

• Report new symptoms to your healthcare provider early
  
  

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
  
  

• Get regular lab tests to monitor disease activity
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call Home Health Nurse or Doctor if:

• New or worsening joint pain or swelling
  
  

• Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) without other cause
  
  

• Chest pain or trouble breathing
  
  

• Signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth)
  
  

• Severe fatigue or weakness
  
  

• Vision changes
  
  

Call 911 or Go to Emergency Room if:

• Severe chest pain or trouble breathing
  
  

• Seizures or loss of consciousness
  
  

• Sudden weakness or numbness
  
  

• High fever not responding to medication
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

Lupus — True/False Quiz

Instructions: Write True or False for each statement. If false, please correct it to make it true.

1. ___ Lupus is a disease where the immune system attacks healthy parts of the body.
   
   

2. ___ Only men can get lupus.
   
   

3. ___ Fatigue is a common early symptom of lupus.
   
   

4. ___ A butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose is a sign of lupus.
   
   

5. ___ Lupus can cause kidney problems.
   
   

6. ___ Sunlight exposure can trigger lupus flare-ups.
   
   

7. ___ There is a cure for lupus.
   
   

8. ___ Taking medicines as prescribed helps control lupus symptoms.
   
   

9. ___ NSAIDs can help reduce lupus-related pain and swelling.
   
   

10. ___ Corticosteroids have no side effects.
    
    

11. ___ Avoiding sunlight and using sunscreen helps manage lupus.
    
    

12. ___ Lupus does not affect the joints.
    
    

13. ___ Stress can make lupus symptoms worse.
    
    

14. ___ Immunosuppressants help by boosting the immune system.
    
    

15. ___ A balanced diet is important for people with lupus.
    
    

16. ___ Smoking is safe for people with lupus.
    
    

17. ___ Fever without infection can be a symptom of lupus.
    
    

18. ___ Vision changes should be reported to your doctor.
    
    

19. ___ You should report new symptoms early to your healthcare provider.
    
    

20. ___ Severe chest pain or trouble breathing requires emergency care.
    
    

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualizing Learning

1. What symptoms of lupus have you experienced recently?
   
   

2. Are you currently taking any medications for lupus? Have you noticed any side effects?
   
   

3. How do you protect your skin from sunlight?
   
   

4. Do you have a support system to help manage your disease?
   
   

5. Have you noticed any changes in your energy levels or fatigue?
   
   

6. Do you keep track of your symptoms and flare-ups?
   
   

7. Have you had recent lab tests to check your kidney function?
   
   

8. How well do you understand your medication schedule?
   
   

9. Do you have any questions about your diet or foods to avoid?
   
   

10. Have you experienced any new symptoms like chest pain or vision changes?
    
    

11. Are you able to manage stress effectively?
    
    

12. Do you have access to regular medical care and follow-ups?
    
    

13. Have you been educated on when to seek emergency care?
    
    

14. Are you aware of infection prevention measures?
    
    

15. Do you have difficulty with daily activities because of lupus symptoms?