Lupus Foundation - Massachusetts Chapter 40 Speen Street Framingham, Ma. Although it knows no gender or age boundaries, it develops more commonly in women between the ages of 15 and 45. The immune system normally protects the body from viruses and bacteria. Lupus compromises the immune system, so that it is unable to distinguish the body's own cells and tissues from foreign invaders. As a result, the immune system attacks different parts of the body, causing inflammation, injury and pain.
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because it mimics so many other diseases.
Often, symptoms develop so slowly that no pattern emerges, or they come and go. As well, lupus never affects two people in the same way. And it is never predictable. Seizures Mouth or nose ulcers. Lupus is unpredictable, highly individualized, hard to live with and at times fatal.