Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus?

Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. High fever
• C. Joint pain
• D. Nausea

Answer: (C)

Joint pain is a common symptom associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as the condition often affects the joints and can lead to inflammation, swelling, and pain. Many patients with lupus experience arthritis, which can manifest as stiffness and discomfort, particularly in the morning. This symptom results from the autoimmune nature of the disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues, including joints. While shortness of breath can occur in patients with SLE due to pleuritis or pulmonary involvement, it is not as frequently reported as joint pain. High fever may indicate an underlying infection or flare in autoimmune activity, but it's less characteristic compared to joint manifestations. Nausea can occur, often due to medication side effects or gastrointestinal involvement, but it isn’t a hallmark symptom of lupus. Joint pain stands out as a key feature of SLE that aligns with the disease's typical presentation and is one of the criteria used in diagnosing lupus.

Joint pain is a common symptom associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as the condition often affects the joints and can lead to inflammation, swelling, and pain. Many patients with lupus experience arthritis, which can manifest as stiffness and discomfort, particularly in the morning. This symptom results from the autoimmune nature of the disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues, including joints.

While shortness of breath can occur in patients with SLE due to pleuritis or pulmonary involvement, it is not as frequently reported as joint pain. High fever may indicate an underlying infection or flare in autoimmune activity, but it's less characteristic compared to joint manifestations. Nausea can occur, often due to medication side effects or gastrointestinal involvement, but it isn’t a hallmark symptom of lupus.

Joint pain stands out as a key feature of SLE that aligns with the disease's typical presentation and is one of the criteria used in diagnosing lupus.