Anemia
Anemia happens when the body is deprived of oxygen. Most of the cells in the body cannot work without oxygen, which will result in fatigue and poor energy levels, constant headaches, lightheadedness and dizziness, frequent muscle pain during exercise and reduced stamina, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
One of the reasons why anemia adds a level of danger to Lupus is that it will mask other symptoms and cause a misdiagnosis. For example, anemia caused by damage to the kidneys can inhibit blood filtration. Sometimes, Lupus patients have another kind of anemia known as hemolytic anemia that involves easily damaged, less resilient red blood cells.
Anemia from Lupus is often treated with methotrexate, a cancer chemotherapy drug.
