Do You Have Lupus? Symptom Checker

Lupus Self-Test: Could Your Symptoms Be a Sign?

Lupus can be hard to spot, it often shows up as everyday issues like fatigue, joint pain, or skin rashes. But if you’ve been feeling “off” for a while, it might be time to take a closer look.

This short quiz is designed to help you reflect on symptoms that could be linked to lupus. It’s not a diagnosis, but it can help you figure out whether it’s worth speaking to a doctor.

Ask yourself:

• Have I been unusually tired, even after resting?
• Do I often have joint or muscle pain without injury?
• Have I noticed skin rashes, especially on my face?
• Do I get headaches, chest pain, or swelling for no clear reason?
• Have I had fevers or hair loss that come and go?

If you answered “yes” to more than one, you may want to explore further.

Note: This quiz is a helpful starting point, but it’s not a diagnosis. For medical advice, always consult a healthcare professional.

Want a clearer picture of what’s going on? Take the full Symptom Checker now and get personalized insights in just a few minutes.

What Is Lupus?

Lupus is a long-term condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body. It can affect your joints, skin, kidneys, and other organs. Because lupus can show up in different ways, it’s often hard to recognize at first.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Lupus

Some symptoms of lupus can seem mild at first, but they may come and go or slowly get worse. Watch for signs like:

• Fatigue that doesn’t go away
• Joint or muscle pain
• Skin rashes (especially butterfly-shaped across the cheeks and nose)
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Hair loss
• Fever
• Swelling (especially in the hands, feet, or around the eyes)

These symptoms can vary from person to person and can easily be mistaken for something else.

What Causes Lupus?

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes lupus, but they believe it’s a mix of factors that trigger the immune system to go off track.

Some things that may play a role include:

• Genetics: Lupus can run in families, though not everyone with a gene for it will get it.
• Hormones: It’s more common in women, especially during childbearing years, which suggests hormones may influence it.
• Infections or viruses: In some people, certain infections may trigger lupus or cause flare-ups.
• Environmental factors: Sunlight, stress, smoking, or certain chemicals might act as triggers in people who are already at risk.

The truth is, lupus is complex, and what causes it in one person may be different from someone else. That’s why paying attention to your body and how you feel over time is so important.

Why It’s So Hard to Recognize Lupus Early

Lupus doesn’t always follow a clear pattern. You might feel fine one day and completely drained the next. Many of its symptoms, like tiredness, joint pain, or rashes, can look like other health issues, such as the flu, arthritis, or even stress.

Because of this, lupus is often called “the great imitator.” It can take time for patterns to appear and for doctors to rule out other conditions. That’s why tools like a symptom checker can be helpful. They won’t give you a diagnosis, but they can highlight what’s worth paying attention to and help you prepare for a doctor’s visit.

How Is Lupus Diagnosed?

There’s no single test to confirm lupus. Doctors usually look at your overall health and run several checks to spot patterns over time.

Diagnosis may include:

• A full review of your symptoms and a physical exam
• Blood tests (like ANA or other autoantibody tests)
• Urine tests to check kidney function
• Imaging or a biopsy if specific organs are affected

It’s a step-by-step process. Doctors combine test results with what you’re feeling to get the full picture. If lupus is suspected, early attention can make a big difference in how it’s managed.

How To Treat Lupus?

While there’s no cure for lupus, it can be managed, and many people live well with the right care. Treatment depends on your symptoms and how serious they are.

In most cases, doctors focus on:

• Lifestyle changes like getting enough rest, protecting your skin from the sun, and managing stress
• Regular check-ups to catch any flare-ups early
• Medications that help reduce inflammation or support the affected organs

The key is catching it early. With the right plan, symptoms can be controlled, and long-term damage can often be avoided.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re not feeling like yourself and your symptoms keep coming back, it’s time to reach out for help. Talk to a doctor if:

• Your symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks
• Daily life is getting harder because of tiredness, pain, or rashes
• You’ve noticed new or worsening flare-ups

Even if you’re unsure, taking the Lupus Symptom Checker is a simple way to better understand what you’re feeling and whether it’s time to see a healthcare professional.

Remember: This quiz is not a diagnosis. It’s a helpful tool, but it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice