Disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, are conditions where the immune system produces autoantibodies which attack its cells and organs instead of producing antibodies which attack the antigens. Although scientists haven’t been able to find out what triggers these diseases, they do attribute them to genetics, hormones, and environment. The conditions of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have very similar symptoms; there are ways to tell them apart.
Usually, when there is an indicative symptom similar to rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, it would be advisable to get tested and diagnosed for both since diagnostic tests for both also vary and if left untreated lupus can be life threatening.