At least 1.5 million people in the United States are living with lupus, a chronic and often misunderstood autoimmune disease. What are the most common myths about lupus – and who does it really affect? We spoke with Karen Costenbader, MD, MPH, director of the Lupus Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, about early symptoms to watch for, potential environmental triggers, widespread misconceptions, and what patients can expect from their healthcare team when seeking diagnosis and care.

<p>At least 1.5 million people in the United States are living with <a href="https://www.webmd.com/lupus/arthritis-lupus">lupus</a>, a chronic and often misunderstood autoimmune disease. What are the most common myths about lupus &ndash; and who does it really affect? We spoke with <a href="https://physiciandirectory.brighamandwomens.org/details/1829/karen-costenbader-rheumatology-boston">Karen Costenbader, MD, MPH</a>, director of the Lupus Program at Brigham and Women&rsquo;s Hospital in Boston, about early symptoms to watch for, potential environmental triggers, widespread misconceptions, and what patients can expect from their healthcare team when seeking diagnosis and care.</p>

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.

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