lupus
definition of lupus
1. a long-lasting autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own healthy cells and tissues, causing inflammation (swelling, redness, pain, and warmth), and tissue damage. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and/or brain, and affects each person differently. Symptoms may include sore or swollen joints, persistent high fever, extreme fatigue, skin rashes, pain in the chest, anemia, sensitivity to sunlight, hair loss, seizures, and mouth or nose sores.1