When you have lupus, your immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs, causing inflammation and, in some cases, organ damage. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million people in the U.S. are living with some form of lupus. Referred to as an “invisible” autoimmune disease because symptoms aren’t always outwardly obvious, lupus can cause extreme fatigue, joint pain, and internal organ inflammation.
In observance of Lupus Awareness Month, we spoke with Kristine Uramoto, M.D., a board‑certified rheumatologist and internist and president of the Hawaii Rheumatology Society, to learn more about lupus, including who’s most at risk, common symptoms, and how the disease is managed.
What lupus looks like and why it’s hard to diagnose
Having a chronic autoimmune disease means the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, requiring ongoing medical attention. It can also limit daily activities. There are several types of lupus, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which can affect multiple organs; cutaneous lupus, which primarily affects the skin; and drug‑induced lupus, which can occur as a reaction to certain medications.
“Lupus can be especially difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often intermittent and non‑specific,” Dr. Uramoto says. ”Common issues such as joint pain and fatigue may come and go, and they don’t always appear at the same time. In some cases, a patient may experience joint pain that later resolves, only to develop a rash or other symptoms years afterward.”
Some symptoms that should prompt medical evaluation include a malar rash (a butterfly‑shaped rash across the cheeks and nose), persistent joint pain, and pleuritic pain (sharp chest pain when taking deep breaths). Since lupus can affect vital organs, early evaluation is important.
Lupus symptoms
Who’s at risk and how lupus is treated
Lupus can affect anyone, but certain factors increase a person’s risk of developing the disease. “Lupus is more common in females, particularly those of child‑bearing age, when estrogen levels are higher,” says Dr. Uramoto. “Pregnancy can also increase risk, as can exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.”
While lupus is a serious and chronic condition, Dr. Uramoto emphasizes that symptoms can often be managed successfully. “Treatment typically involves medications prescribed by a rheumatologist to control inflammation and suppress an overactive immune response,” she says. “Over the past few decades, treatment options for lupus have expanded significantly, offering patients more ways to manage their disease than ever before. Lifestyle choices can also play an important role in managing symptoms.”
Dr. Uramoto encourages patients to focus on managing stress, getting enough sleep and exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet as part of their overall care plan. “With proper treatment and ongoing medical care, many people with lupus are able to manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.”
Prioritizing rest, staying active, and eating a nutritious diet can help manage lupus symptoms.
Why Lupus Awareness Month matters
Despite affecting millions of people nationwide, lupus remains widely misunderstood. “Awareness is critical because many people aren’t familiar with the disease, its symptoms, or its potential seriousness,” says Dr. Uramoto. “Without recognition and early diagnosis, lupus can go untreated, increasing the risk of serious complications, including kidney failure. Raising awareness also helps validate the experiences of people living with lupus, particularly because symptoms aren’t always visible.”
Nationally, the Lupus Foundation of America works to increase awareness, support research, and provide education and resources for people living with lupus and their caregivers. “Lupus Awareness Month is a reminder to everyone impacted by lupus of the incredible power our collective voices can have on so many around us,” said Louise Vetter, president and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America. “Just by taking the Know Lupus Quiz and sharing it with others, you can make someone with lupus feel more understood or raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of lupus so they can have an informed conversation with their doctor, conversations that are key in reducing time to diagnosis.”
It also brings attention to the realities of invisible illnesses and the role awareness plays in improving care. Education, research, and earlier diagnosis can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those living with lupus. “The Lupus Foundation of America invites everyone to Make Lupus Visible this May. Each voice adds power to our fight to reduce time to diagnosis, accelerate research for better treatments and make a world without lupus a reality,” says Vetter.
Find support
If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain, fatigue, rashes, or other symptoms, talk to your primary care provider (PCP). Other resources include:
Hawaii-based
Hawaii Rheumatology Society
The Hawaii Rheumatology Society is a professional organization of rheumatologists dedicated to advancing care for patients with autoimmune and rheumatic diseases, including lupus.
Website: hawaiirheumatologysociety.org
National
American College of Rheumatology
The American College of Rheumatology features patient‑friendly information on lupus, treatment options, and how to find a rheumatologist.
Website: rheumatology.org
Lupus Foundation of America
The Lupus Foundation of America provides education, support, advocacy, and research funding for people living with lupus and their families.
Website: lupus.org
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Part of the National Institutes of Health, NIAMS provides trusted, research‑based information about lupus and other autoimmune conditions.
Website: niams.nih.gov
Stay informed all year long
Learning about your health doesn’t have to start with a special date on the calendar. These articles offer helpful information to support you year-round:
- anxiety awareness month
- celiac disease awareness month
- childhood obesity month part I and part II
- irritable bowel syndrome awareness month
- menopause awareness month
- national suicide prevention month part I and part II
- post-traumatic stress disorder awareness month
- preeclampsia awareness month
- sarcoma awareness month
- thyroid awareness month
