Symptom 8: Serousitis – The Hidden Inflammation
Serousitis is a less common but significant symptom of lupus, affecting approximately 40% of patients at some point in their disease course. It refers to inflammation of the serous tissues, the thin, smooth tissues lining the body’s cavities and covering internal organs.
The most common forms of serousitis in lupus are pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart) and pleuritis (inflammation of the lining around the lungs). These conditions can cause sharp chest pain, often worsening with deep breathing or lying down, and sometimes a dry cough or shortness of breath.
Early diagnosis and treatment of serousitis are crucial to prevent complications, such as fluid accumulation around the heart or lungs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and occasionally, immunosuppressive drugs, are used to manage serousitis in lupus.
Serousitis underscores the systemic nature of lupus, reinforcing the need for comprehensive care and regular monitoring of disease activity. (8)
