What Is a Flare?
Are you having a flare? How do you know, anyway? And why does it matter?
I’ve had a headache for a couple of days now. And all I can wonder is if it’s a lupus flare or ‘just’ a headache.
Lupus flares
A flare is when you have an increase in your lupus disease activity that can be measured. In other words, it’s when some of the symptoms you already had get worse or brand-new symptoms appear. It could be a light rash that spreads or mouth sores that suddenly show up. But some flares may happen without visible signs and can be measured by your doctor (such as kidney involvement).
When lupus is active
A flare of your symptoms means your lupus is active. That means when you feel or see something new, such as a swollen knee, there may be inflammation of one or more organs. Continued active lupus may cause long-term damage to your organs.
How flares affect you
Many lupus flare symptoms can be painful and debilitating. But a recent study showed that they can have a bigger effect on you than just the obvious physical discomfort. Based on a survey of 1,500 people living with lupus, those with more frequent flares may:
- Be hospitalized more often
- Visit ERs and urgent care more often
- Be less productive at work
- Be less able to perform activities of daily life

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