Facts About Lupus

Lupus%20is%20an%20autoimmune%20disease%20where%20the%20body%26%238217%3Bs%20immune%20system%20becomes%20hyperactive%20and%20attacks%20otherwise%20normal%2C%20healthy%20tissue.%20As%20a%20result%2C%20people%20affected%20can%20suffer%20symptoms%20such%20as%20inflammation%2C%20swelling%2C%20and%20damage%20to%20joints%2C%20skin%2C%20kidneys%2C%20blood%2C%20lungs%20and%20the%20heart.%20%28credit%3A%20Getty%20Images%29

There%20is%20no%20one%20test%20to%20diagnose%20lupus.%20In%20fact%2C%20it%20may%20take%20months%20or%20years%20to%20make%20the%20diagnosis.%20%28credit%3A%20Getty%20Images%29%20

During%20the%20onset%20of%20lupus%2C%20it%20can%20appear%20as%20rheumatoid%20arthritis%2C%20which%20causes%20joint%20pain%20and%20swelling%2C%20or%20fibromyalgia%2C%20which%20causes%20fatigue%20and%20pain.%0D%0A%28credit%3A%20Getty%20Images%29

Joint%20and%20muscle%20pain%20are%20often%20the%20first%20signs%20of%20lupus.%20%28credit%3A%20Getty%20Images%29

Many%20people%20with%20lupus%20are%20unusually%20sensitive%20to%20the%20sun%20and%20other%20forms%20of%20ultraviolet%20light.%20In%20fact%2C%20a%20day%20of%20sun%20can%20sometimes%20trigger%20a%20skin%20rash%20in%20areas%20of%20the%20skin%20for%20sufferers.%20%28credit%3A%20Getty%20Images%29

As%20lupus%20progresses%2C%20it%20can%20interfere%20with%20the%20body%26%238217%3Bs%20organs%20Many%20can%20develop%20kidney%20problems%20and%20issues%20with%20their%20lungs.%20%28credit%3A%20Getty%20Images%29

Chest%20pain%20is%20one%20symptom%20of%20lupus.%20%28credit%3A%20Getty%20Images%29

There%20is%20no%20one%20test%20to%20diagnose%20lupus.%20In%20fact%2C%20it%20may%20take%20months%20or%20years%20to%20make%20the%20diagnosis.%20%28credit%3A%20Getty%20Images%29

A%20diet%20rich%20in%20fruits%20and%20vegetables%20can%20help%20with%20sufferers%20of%20lupus.%20%20%28credit%3A%20Getty%20Images%29