Back to all symptoms and conditions
General health information

SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus)

SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus, is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in different organs. Its course alternates between quiet and active periods. New breathlessness, chest pain, loss of neurological function or little urine needs prompt assessment.

In this article
Choose which sections to read

SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus, is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in different organs. Its course alternates between quiet and active periods. New breathlessness, chest pain, loss of neurological function or little urine needs prompt assessment.

  • Tiredness, fever without an obvious infection, weight changes and feeling generally ill.
  • Pain, morning stiffness and swelling in several joints, often the hands and wrists.
  • Use broad-spectrum sun protection and protective clothing daily, and avoid strong midday sun.
  • Do not stop prescribed medicines yourself, even if symptoms have temporarily disappeared.
  • Get in touch the same day for fever while immunosuppressed, new breathlessness or chest pain.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

Your response

Two anonymous questions

Did you find what you were looking for?

Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?

Share article

Email

Do you need a healthcare provider after reading?

Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.