Lupus is a chronic disease that affects a number of areas of the body. Swollen lymph nodes are one possible symptom of lupus.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means it occurs when a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation. The condition can affect many different areas of the body,
The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that about 1.5 million people in the United States have some form of lupus.
This article discusses lupus and lymph nodes. It also explores other causes of swollen lymph nodes, other possible symptoms of lupus, and when to see a doctor.

The lymph nodes, or glands, are small bean-shaped masses of tissue that
Lupus
Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease
Swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms of lupus
Symptoms of KFD include:
- swollen lymph nodes
- malaise
- weight loss
- fever
- skin rashes
- joint pain
There are a number of other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes, which doctors may refer to as lymphadenopathy.
Lymph nodes
Possible causes of swollen lymph nodes include:
- certain medications
- infections, such as chicken pox and strep throat
- autoimmune disorders
- cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia
A person should speak with a healthcare professional about swollen lymph nodes to identify the underlying cause.
Lupus
Medical professionals refer to a period when symptoms are present as a flare. If a person is experiencing a period with no symptoms, they are in remission.
Symptoms of lupus
- fatigue
- joint and muscle pain
- fever
- chest pain
- rashes, such as malar rash, which is a butterfly-shaped rash that may appear across the nose and cheeks
- sensitivity to light or sun
- mouth sores
- anemia
- blood clotting, which may raise a person’s risk of stroke and heart attack
- hair loss
- lupus nephritis, which is a kidney disease. Lupus nephritis
may cause symptoms such as:- weight gain
- swollen ankles, legs, or feet
- high blood pressure
- foamy urine
- decreased kidney function
- memory problems, such as forgetfulness and confusion
- eye problems, which may include:
- eyelid rashes
- dry eyes
- eye inflammation
A person should speak with a healthcare professional if they develop any lupus symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.
If a person has swollen lymph nodes, they should speak with a doctor. This is because swollen lymph nodes may develop due to a number of causes, some of which can be more serious.
The Lupus Foundation of America suggests that a person with lupus should contact a doctor and discuss any new symptoms they are experiencing. These symptoms may arise as part of a flare, a side effect of medication, or a new complication.
People should also contact a doctor if their symptoms become worse over time or if medications a doctor has prescribed are not having any effect.
Additionally, a person should contact a doctor immediately if they experience severe lupus symptoms, which may include:
- a fever that is much higher than usual or new onset of a fever
- severe abdominal pain
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- confusion
- seizures
- excess bruising or bleeding
- mood changes
- a combination of symptoms, such as a severe headache with fever and neck stiffness
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect a number of areas of the body, including a person’s lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes may be a sign that a person has lupus.
There are a number of other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes. These include infections, cancers, other autoimmune disorders, and injuries.
A person should visit their doctor if they have swollen lymph nodes to find out the underlying cause. Similarly, a person with lupus should speak with a healthcare professional if their symptoms worsen or if they experience new or severe symptoms.