Lupus is a type of self-allergy, a disease of many manifestations and each patients profile or list of symptoms may be different. The specialist may need to investigate any of:
- Rashes, facial or elsewhere
- Teenage growing pains
- Dry Shirmers test (eyes)
- Allergies eg to Septrin or sulphonamide
The list is not exhaustive and, whilst the GP or specialist should be mindful of the above possibilities, he or she will be guided by the diagnostic criteria.
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In arriving at a firm diagnosis the physician will normally expect at least four of a list of 11 internationally accepted conditions to be present (either currently or at any time since the onset of the illness). These conditions include one or more blood tests, and the patients/family medical history will also be taken into account.
Diagnosis is usually achieved through a rheumatologist but other specialists may also be involved, eg dermatologists, kidney specialists, cardiologists, obstetricians.
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - hard to say, harder to live with.