However, in either case, these periods can pass without requiring special treatment. Other symptoms - People with lupus can also have a variety of other symptoms including high temperature, blood disorders, miscarriage, headaches, weight loss, chest pain and abdominal pain. However, it is important to remember that the symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. SLE is not easy to diagnose. It often resembles other forms of rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Diagnosis can take many months or even a few years.
Generally people are referred by their GP to a rheumatologist or kidney specialist who will make the eventual diagnosis. However, although this test is positive in over 90 per cent of people with SLE, it can also be present in other rheumatic conditions and sometimes in healthy individuals. Before a definite diagnosis is made, the individual's whole health picture and symptoms should be taken into consideration. Other blood tests, X-rays or perhaps a skin or kidney biopsy may be taken to help diagnosis. Eighty per cent of people with SLE have it in a mild form that may not require treatment.