Lupus and your body

How can I tell the difference between a lupus flare and just being tired?

It is normal to be tired at the end of the day, especially if you have been physically active. If you have lupus and your work or home life requires high levels of energy, it is normal to feel exhausted. However, not every bout of fatigue is a lupus flare. The Lupus Foundation of America has specific parameters for defining a “flare” that may help you better evaluate what is causing the fatigue. The best way to determine whether or not you are having a flare is to learn about the symptoms, track them carefully, and keep the lines of communication open between you and your doctor.

Medically reviewed on February 03, 2014