Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of various parts of the body, most commonly the joints, blood, skin, and kidneys. In an autoimmune disorder like Lupus, an individual?s immune system loses the ability to differentiate between foreign substances (antigens) and its own tissues and cells.

The patient?s immune system then proceeds to make antibodies directed against its own cells and tissues. These antibodies then react with the "self" antigens to form immune complexes that build up in the tissues and cause injury and inflammation.

Common Symptoms of Lupus:

Persistent fatigue and weakness	Aching all over
Fever	Loss of appetite
Weight loss	Hair loss
Nose bleeds	Puffy eyelids
Sores on the roof of the mouth	Hives
Sores on the skin	Unexplained skin rashes
Stiffness of the joints	Abdominal pain
Painful and swollen joints	Shortness of breath
Chest pain which increases with breathing	Blood in the urine
Coughing up blood	Nausea or vomiting
Persistent unusual headache	Swelling of legs and feet

Lupus can be a recurring disease so be wary of a resurfacing of the symptoms that you experienced when your sickness started.