What’s the difference between lupus and rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia?

Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia are conditions that can cause pain and fatigue, but they are different in important ways.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. It can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, and organs. People with lupus often experience joint pain and fatigue.

Rheumatoid arthritis is another autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. It causes inflammation, which leads to pain and swelling. Over time, it can damage the joints.

Fibromyalgia is different because it is not an autoimmune disease. It mainly causes widespread muscle pain and fatigue. People with fibromyalgia often feel tired and may have trouble sleeping.

These conditions can have similar symptoms, like pain and tiredness, but they affect the body in different ways. It's important to talk to a doctor to understand these differences and get the right diagnosis.