Can Lupus progress if untreated?

28M here. Not bothering with a throwaway because whatever.

At 18 I was seen for what could have been a massive flare up including dry eyes, lips, and random sharp chest pains. Was effectively told I have arthritis, asthma, and MCTD with a positive ANA. I effectively escaped the diagnosis and discontinued treatment since it would interfere with my career.

Since then I’ve developed IBS and Barrett’s Esophagus, and my brain fog, fatigue, joint pain, what I call sharp random phantom muscle pains, anxiety, depression, hearing loss, and breathing have all gotten worse. Lots of vertigo and dizziness at otherwise random times. I’ve developed a fairly noticeable face and chest rash that sometimes goes up to my shoulders, and sometimes when I get a lot of sun I develop these little bumps everywhere that eventually go away. My liver and kidney test have both bounced all over the place from good to not great. Also my hair is falling out at a very rapid rate which has been weird.

Anyway my question is - does lupus progress if untreated? If so, is there a way to treat it with over the counter medicine? Or does treatment just make symptoms more bearable. In which case, treatment doesn’t affect the progression of the disease.

Thanks in advanced everyone. You can probably tell I’m trying to avoid a diagnosis, but obviously am coming to realize that may not be an option any longer. I’m very unknowledgeable on this topic so I apologize if this is a stupid question.

Edit: Thank you everyone for your comments, advice, and for sharing your own experiences. I’ll admit I remain partially skeptical as to whether I have this disease or not, but I do believe it’s in my best interest to go speak with my doctors and bring the issue to light. If I do get a diagnosis, I’ll be sure to come back and update this post.