What is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue, leading to inflammation and pain throughout the body. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain.
The name “lupus” comes from the Latin word for “wolf,” referencing skin lesions that once resembled wolf bites.
Roughly 1 in 1,000 Canadians—and five million people worldwide—live with lupus. There is currently no cure.
Types of Lupus
There are four main types:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): the most common form
- Cutaneous lupus: affects only the skin
- Drug-induced lupus: caused by certain medications
- Neonatal lupus: a rare condition in newborns of mothers with lupus
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can develop lupus, but risk is higher for:
- Women (90% of cases), typically diagnosed between ages 15–45
- BIPOC individuals, who are 3–4 times more likely to develop lupus
- Those with a family history of lupus or autoimmune disease
- People with another autoimmune condition—25% of whom may develop multiple diseases
What Causes Lupus?
Lupus is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors:
- Genetics: Small variations in immune-related genes can disrupt normal immune function
- Environment: Triggers may include UV light, infections (like Epstein-Barr), certain medications, toxins, estrogen, and tobacco use
Lupus is not contagious.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary, but may include:
- Fatigue, fever, joint pain, chest pain, shortness of breath
- Skin issues: photosensitivity, “butterfly” facial rash, or scaly, red discoid lesions
- Joint inflammation (especially hands/wrists), often worse in the morning
- Pleurisy, pericarditis, and kidney involvement (protein or blood in urine)
- Less commonly: neurological, psychiatric, or digestive symptoms
Diagnosis
Because lupus mimics other diseases and symptoms may come and go, diagnosis can be difficult. A rheumatologist will review medical history, run lab tests, and assess immune function. There is no single test, but a combination of results helps confirm diagnosis.
Ask your doctor for a referral to a rheumatologist.
Treatment
Treatment is highly individualized and depends on symptoms and organ involvement. Regular monitoring and patient-doctor communication are key.
Common medications include:
- NSAIDs, acetaminophen
- Corticosteroids and antimalarials
- Immunosuppressants and anticoagulants
Ongoing care ensures proper management and improves quality of life.