Because these diseases cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone, a rheumatologist will probably order blood tests to check for various autoantibodies, which are markers in your blood that your immune system makes when it is attacking itself.
Blood and urine tests.
The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test can show if your immune system is more likely to make the autoantibodies of lupus.
Most of the time it's a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in treating joint and muscle diseases, who will make a diagnosis of lupus.
As a result, people with lupus are frequently misdiagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, skin disorders, psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression or receive no answers at all.
98% of all people with systemic lupus have a positive ANA test, making it the most sensitive diagnostic test for confirming diagnosis of the disease. The test for anti-nuclear antibodies is called the immunofluorescent antinuclear antibody test. In this test, a blood sample is drawn and sent to a laboratory.
Antibody blood tests
The test you will hear about most is called the antinuclear antibodies test (the ANA test). 97% of people with lupus will test positive for ANA.
An examination of a sample of your urine may show an increased protein level or red blood cells in the urine, which may occur if lupus has affected your kidneys. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test. A positive test for the presence of these antibodies — produced by your immune system — indicates a stimulated immune system.
Sjogren's syndrome is a relatively common disease, although often under-diagnosed. Sjogren's syndrome can occur alone or in association with other autoimmune diseases, most commonly lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The most useful tests identify certain autoantibodies that are often present in the blood of lupus patients. A biopsy of the skin or kidneys may also be ordered if those organs are affected. The doctor will look at the entire picture — medical history, symptoms and test results — to determine if you have lupus.
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because it has many symptoms that come and go and can mimic symptoms of other disorders or diseases. When speaking to your doctor about your symptoms, be sure to include symptoms that may no longer be present.
With lupus, you may need to see your rheumatologist every 1-3 months as well as other specialty appointments. If you have missed your last few appointments, it may be time to reconnect with your rheumatologist regarding your condition.
“There are more patients being diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, and lupus is still an under-diagnosed disease. It can take 18 months or more for a patient with lupus to be properly diagnosed. And, because lupus can have many different presentations, diagnosis can be difficulty and lengthy.
Your Rheumatologist will want to do the basics like collect a urine sample and draw blood. Then they may also have you take X-Rays, get CT and MRI scans, and other imaging tests.
A doctor may use the phrase "borderline lupus" when symptoms or blood test results suggest lupus, but there is not enough information for a definite diagnosis.
Lupus is known as "the great imitator" because its symptoms mimic many other illnesses. Lupus symptoms can also be unclear, can come and go, and can change. On average, it takes nearly six years for people with lupus to be diagnosed, from the time they first notice their lupus symptoms.
A tell-tale sign of lupus is a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. Other common skin problems include sensitivity to the sun with flaky, red spots or a scaly, purple rash on various parts of the body, including the face, neck, and arms. Some people also develop mouth sores.
Kidneys About one half of people with lupus experience kidney involvement, and the kidney has become the most extensively studied organ affected by lupus. Lungs About 50% of people with SLE will experience lung involvement during the course of their disease.
Unfortunately, because the warning signs and symptoms of lupus are not disease-specific, misdiagnosis is not uncommon. Many symptoms could be attributed to other diseases such as Lyme disease or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Viruses that have been linked to lupus include: Cytomegalovirus. Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis. Varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles.
Sjogren's Syndrome
According to Dr. Cram, the signature white spots of thrush may appear. Or, your tongue may become red and smooth if the little hairs disappear. Some people with Sjögren's syndrome also have a burning sensation and cracking of the tongue.
Most people with lupus will have a positive ANA test result. It is very rare, but it is possible to have a negative ANA test and still have lupus. In these instances, other antibodies are present.
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. The most distinctive sign of lupus — a facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks — occurs in many but not all cases of lupus.
Joint pain is common in lupus, especially in the small joints of the hands and feet. The pain often moves from joint to joint. Joint pain, swelling and stiffness can be the main symptoms for some people with lupus. In most cases, lupus is unlikely to cause permanent damage or change the shape of joints.