Most Difficult Diseases To Diagnose

Lupus

Lupus is a chronic disease, which results when the patient’s immune system begins to attack healthy organs and tissues, including the brain. Since lupus develops slowly, the symptoms come and go. These 'flares' may result in several different symptoms, including headaches, painful breathing, hair loss, swollen joints, and more. Unfortunately, lupus is not yet curable, but it's important to be diagnosed as early as possible. Although symptoms of lupus are often confused with other conditions, it's important for patients to request an antinuclear antibody test if they're concerned. Also, it's worth noting this disease is ten to fifteen times more common in women, and two to three times more common among the Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and African American population.