Understanding Lupus | Pacific Northwest
Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with, and a challenge to treat. Lupus has a range of symptoms, and strikes without warning. Start here for resources to better understand lupus.
Lupus is a complicated disease that affects different people in different ways. For some, lupus can be mild — for others, it can be life threatening.
Right now, there’s no cure for lupus. The good news is that with the support of your doctors and loved ones, you can learn to manage it.
Start by learning as much as you can about lupus.
What is lupus?
Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause pain and inflammation in any part of the body.
Around 1.5 million people in the United States are living with lupus.
What are the symptoms of lupus?
Lupus can cause a lot of different symptoms that come and go over time. Common symptoms include a butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose, pain or swelling in the joints, and fatigue (feeling tired often).
Learn more about symptoms of lupus
How do doctors diagnose lupus?
There’s no single test for lupus. If your doctor thinks you might have lupus, they’ll ask you questions about your symptoms and do a few different lab tests to find a diagnosis .
Learn more about diagnosing lupus
What are the treatments for lupus?
Most people with lupus take several different medicines to manage their symptoms. If you have lupus, you and your doctors can work together to find the right treatment plan for you.
Learn more about treating lupus
How can I manage daily life with lupus?
Living with lupus can be hard, but there’s a lot you can do to manage your symptoms and make your daily life easier.
How can I help find a cure?
At the Lupus Foundation of America, we support researchers who are working to cure lupus and find better treatments for lupus symptoms.
Maurissa Tancharoen Whedon has been living with lupus since age 15. Watch this video to hear her story and learn why it’s so important to support lupus research.
Stay in touch
Sign up for email updates from the Lupus Foundation of America, including:
- News about lupus research
- Links to helpful resources for people with lupus and their loved ones
- Opportunities to get involved and help raise awareness about lupus
Our health educators are available to answer your questions and give you the help you need.