Symptom 11: Hematological Abnormalities – Invisible but Impactful
Hematological abnormalities, or changes in blood components, are a common yet often overlooked aspect of lupus. These can affect the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, leading to anemia, leukopenia (low white blood cell count), and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), respectively.
Anemia can lead to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, while leukopenia and thrombocytopenia can increase the risk of infections and bleeding, respectively. However, these symptoms can often be subtle, leading to these conditions being overlooked or attributed to other causes.
Regular blood tests are crucial for detecting these abnormalities early, allowing for prompt treatment and monitoring. Treatment usually involves managing the underlying lupus activity and, in some cases, additional therapies like iron supplements for anemia or medications to boost the white blood cell or platelet counts.
Hematological abnormalities in lupus underscore the systemic nature of the disease, reminding us that lupus can affect any part of the body, even at a microscopic level. (11)
