Understanding Lupus: A Rheumatologist’s Perspective
- Dr. Isabelle Amigues
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (lupus), you may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or even a little lost. You’re not alone—lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that can look very different from one person to the next. But here’s the good news: with the right care, many people with lupus are living full, vibrant lives.
What Exactly Is Lupus?
Lupus is what we call an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system—which usually protects us—becomes overactive and mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can lead to inflammation throughout the body, sometimes affecting the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood, or even the nervous system.
We still don’t know the precise cause, but genetics, hormones, and environmental triggers all play a role. Lupus often comes in waves—periods of flares and remissions—and its severity can range from mild to, in rare cases, life-threatening.
Why Is Lupus Called “The Great Imitator”?
Because lupus can mimic so many other illnesses! Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:
Skin changes: The classic butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, sun sensitivity, mouth or nose ulcers, patchy hair loss, and sometimes discoid lesions or rashes on the ears.
Joint and tendon pain: Inflammatory arthritis that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness—often without causing permanent joint damage.
Raynaud’s phenomenon: Fingers or toes turning white or blue in the cold or during stress.
Organ involvement: Lupus can affect the kidneys (lupus nephritis), heart (pericarditis), lungs (pleuritis), blood (causing anemia or low platelets), and even the brain (leading to headaches, mood changes, or cognitive symptoms).
Other clues: Enlarged lymph nodes, unexplained fevers, abdominal pain, and more.
How Is Lupus Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is a bit like detective work. We look at your symptoms, physical exam findings, and a range of lab tests. The Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test is often positive in lupus, but it isn’t exclusive to lupus—many healthy people can have a positive ANA, too. That’s why we use a combination of clinical features and lab results to make the diagnosis, ruling out other possible causes along the way.
A Message of Hope
Lupus can be unpredictable and, at times, scary. But the outlook is so much brighter today than it was a few decades ago. With early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and a supportive care team, many people with lupus achieve long periods of remission and lead active, fulfilling lives.
If you’re navigating a new diagnosis or just need a little more support, remember you don’t have to do this alone. Our team at UnabridgedMD is here to help you every step of the way!
Want to learn more? Check out my latest video on lupus and autoimmune health: HERE
If you’re interested in free lifetime access to our educational courses on lupus and positive ANA test results, check out our free resource: And if you have questions, please reach out—I’m always here to listen! Have you received a Positive ANA result?
or call 303-731-4006
Are you in need of a compassionate rheumatologist who will listen and work with you toward disease remission? If you're searching for the best direct-care rheumatologist in Denver, UnabridgedMD is here for you. Click here to get in touch https://www.unabridgedmd.com or call 303-731-4006
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