The organs most commonly affected by systemic lupus are the kidneys, lungs, esophagus, stomach, and intestines; less common are the heart, eyes, and other major organs.

1. "Lupus Nephritis" -- involvment of the kidneys -- has no symptoms, but is detectable through laboratory tests, revealing excessive protien and traces of blood in the urine. This is one of the most life-threatening complications of SLE when undiagnosed, as kidney failure can occur. However, with proper treatment, the out-look is good.

2. "Pleuritis" -- inflammation of the tissue surrounding the lungs -- causes severe chest pain when inhaling; this is not infectious.

3. "Asthma" -- which is also an autoimmune disease, often appears as a secondary condition in SLE.

4. "Gastritis" -- inflammation of the stomach lining and intestinal walls -- caused by excessive production of digestive acids, results in many gastrointestinal problems:
   • severe bloating
     
   • excessive gas and retention of gas
     
   • nausea with and without vomiting
     
   • spastic stomach: uncontrollable vomiting/dry heaves/inablity to "hold anything down"
     
   • irritable bowel: usually goes in cycles between constipation and diarrhea; however, this is not always the case. A person can experience constant diarrhea without ever having constipation.
     PLEASE NOTE! Anytime you experience diarrhea for more than 2 weeks it is indicative of a potentially serious condition! Please seek medical advise without delay!
     
   • "C.R.E.S.T." sydrome -- this is a combination of several secondary conditions common in lupus which can affect the stomach and bowels, causing the sensation of being "full" even after only eating a small amount and after many hours have passed since your last meal. It can also cause constant constipation, excessive gas and bloating, swelling, and other symptoms.
     
   • Esophegial spasms, heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux are very common problems in SLE. Though non-damaging, these conditions are very uncomfortable and can be extememly frightening and painful. Most especially "esophegial spasms", as these can cause excruciating pain in the chest and side, usually making the patient believe they are experiencing a heart attack. There are many prescription medications available for these conditions, so be sure to ask your doctor for help if you suffer from any of these problems.
     
   • "Peritonitis" -- inflammation of the peritoneum, which is part of the intestines.
     
   • Hiatal Hernias -- fluid going back into the esophegus from the stomach -- can cause heartburn, oral ulcers, raw tongue, and tooth decay.
     
   • "Synovitis" -- inflammation of the vocal chords, causing unexplained hoarsness and/or "raspy" voice.

5. "Pericarditis" -- inflammation of the sac lining around the heart.
   
6. ~ The Eyes ~
   
   • "Sjogern's Syndrome" is a seperate autoimmune disease, but is also a common secondary condition in SLE; it causes severe dryness of the mucus membranes, including the eyes.
     
   • "Iritis" -- inflammation of the Iris, and "Optic Neuritis" -- inflammation of the optic nerve -- occur in a small percentage of lupus patients, but are more commonly seen in Multiple Sclerosis.
     
   • "Retinal Vasculitis" can cause sudden, partial blindess due to a blood clot behind the retina; this happens as a result of the Lupus Anticoagulant Syndrome. It is treatable and sight returns.

DEFINITIONS:

• "itis": any word ending with this suffix indicates inflammation.
  
• Disease: a particular, destructive process.
  
• Disorder: an upset of normal functions.
  
• Condition: an illness of any type.
  
• Syndrome: a group of physical changes due to a variety of potential causes.
  
• Sign: abnormal laboratory findings.
  
• Symptoms: the patient's complaints -- what "ails" you.

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