15 Early Warning Signs of Lupus

Kidney problems show up as excess cellular material in the urine. Nephritis is kidney inflammation that occurs with lupus. Inflammation makes it difficult for the kidneys to flush out toxins and waste from your blood.

The Lupus Foundation of American warns that nephritis may begin within five years after the start of lupus. You may experience swelling in the lower legs and feet, high blood pressure, darker urine or blood in your urine, needing to urinate frequently at night and pain in your side. These early symptoms go unnoticed, but after a diagnosis, you need to have your kidney functions monitored. Untreated lupus nephritis may lead to renal disease.