Diagnosing lupus can take a long time because it has many of the same symptoms as other diseases. Identifying the correct diagnosis may require your doctor to look at your medical history, family history, and lab tests. You can help determine the type of lupus you may have by letting your doctor know if you have foamy or bloody urine, swelling in your lower limbs, lesions, a butterfly-shaped rash on your nose and cheeks, intense or prolonged fatigue, chest pain, hair loss, light sensitivity, or nose or mouth ulcers.