Flare Triggers and Early Lupus Symptoms
Recognizing flare triggers makes it possible to predict changes in lupus disease activity before the symptoms begin.
Living with lupus can feel like a roller coaster. Over night, symptoms can show up or disappear and inflammation can rise and fall. Internal factors, like stress, and external factors, like air pollution, both contribute to disease fluctuations.This week, in the LupusCorner Q&A Forum, Lupus Warriors share the environmental and physical triggers for lupus flares. And, the first symptoms that they experience with a flare begins.
Diana G.
I can tell when a lupus flare is coming on before it starts
2/5 (disagree)
What are your lupus flare triggers? What symptoms do you experience first?
Not sure about triggers other than stress & too much sun. Symptoms are inability to think, remember, plan, or decide things; skin develops itchy, raised, red spots. Then weariness sets in.
SPM
I can tell when a lupus flare is coming on before it starts
4/5 (agree)
What are your lupus flare triggers? What symptoms do you experience first?
Worsening joint pain, possibly with swelling, that doesn’t go away. Increased need for sleep with increased fatigue.
Lisa B.
I can tell when a lupus flare is coming on before it starts
2/5 (disagree)
What are your lupus flare triggers? What symptoms do you experience first?
Stress is the biggest trigger. First symptoms are extreme fatigue and brain fog.
Katy G.
I can tell when a lupus flare is coming on before it starts
1/5 (strongly disagree)
What are your lupus flare triggers? What symptoms do you experience first?
Triggers are largely too little sleep, too much sugar, too much stress, and not enough exercise.
Insomnia, fatigue, joint pain, nausea are my early symptoms. Oral ulcers, vomiting, worsening joint pain and rash are late symptoms.
Janell E
I can tell when a lupus flare is coming on before it starts
5/5 (strongly agree)
What are your lupus flare triggers? What symptoms do you experience first?
Tired, but the biggest thing is my face feels like it has/had fiberglass insulation rubbed all over it.
Jasrene
What are your lupus flare triggers? What symptoms do you experience first?
Usually I will start to have bad joint pain that occurs every day that starts earlier and earlier in the day. Followed by feeling fatigue.
Sylvia F.
I can tell when a lupus flare is coming on before it starts
3/5 (neutral)
What are your lupus flare triggers? What symptoms do you experience first?
Pain in joints
Swelling
Rashes spread on face
Cathleen T.
I can tell when a lupus flare is coming on before it starts
5/5 (strongly agree)
What are your lupus flare triggers? What symptoms do you experience first?
I get very tired. Then, I start to swell and have pain
Susie
I can tell when a lupus flare is coming on before it starts
3/5 (neutral)
What are your lupus flare triggers? What symptoms do you experience first?
Malaise, chills, and headache
Light butterfly rash
Lose the Stress
I can tell when a lupus flare is coming on before it starts
5/5 (strongly agree)
What are your lupus flare triggers? What symptoms do you experience first?
Stress compounded with heat exposure
Gail L.G.
I can tell when a lupus flare is coming on before it starts
4/5 (agree)
What are your lupus flare triggers? What symptoms do you experience first?
Sores in my mouth and throat. Triggers are being in the sun or heat and getting ready for anything important in my life.
Rose
I can tell when a lupus flare is coming on before it starts
1/5 (strongly disagree)
What are your lupus flare triggers? What symptoms do you experience first?
Fatigue
Fever
Joint pain
Headaches
Mouth/nose ulcers
Photosensitivity
Rash
Mike W.
I can tell when a lupus flare is coming on before it starts
4/5 (agree)
What are your lupus flare triggers? What symptoms do you experience first?
Stress and sunshine