What is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the joints, kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, heart, brain, skin, eyes and immune system.
It is estimated that 1 million people in the United States have lupus. About 10% of those who have lupus develop kidney problems.
Lupus is not contagious. However, it can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy.
Lupus Symptoms
Symptoms of lupus include:- joint pain- rash- fever- fatigue- hair loss- mouth sores- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles and knees- bruising easily- shortness of breath- stomach pain- headache- depression
Lupus can affect anyone at any age. But it is more common among women than men.
People with lupus often experience extreme mood swings. They may feel happy one day and sad the next.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation throughout the body. It affects many organs and tissues including joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, brain, and nerves.
In this article, we’ll explore the basics of lupus and how to prevent it from affecting you and your loved ones. We’ll also talk about the symptoms, treatments, and complications associated with lupus.
Lupus is a serious condition that requires ongoing treatment and monitoring. But with proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients live long and productive lives.
There are three main types of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and subacute cutaneous lupus erytematous (SCLE).
Systemic lupus erythrematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus. SLE affects multiple organs and systems of the body. The symptoms of SLE vary depending on where the disease attacks.
Some of the most common symptoms of SLE include:- joint pain- fatigue- fever- skin rashes- hair loss- mouth ulcers- swollen glands- muscle aches- nausea- vomiting- weight gain- headaches- depression
Discoid lupus erthematosus (DLE) is another form of lupus. DLE is characterized by red bumps that appear on the face, scalp, arms, legs, chest, abdomen and back. These bumps may itch and burn.
Subacute cutaneous lupe erythematosu (SCLE) is a rarer form of lupus that affects the skin only. SCLE is also known as chronic cutaneous lupus. This type of lupus occurs over months or years.
Other less common forms of lupus include pernicious anaemia, which is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, and antiphospholipid syndrome, which is associated with high levels of anti-phospholipid antibodies.
In addition to the different types of lupus, there are two main categories of lupus: primary and secondary. Primary lupus refers to lupus that develops without any other medical conditions. Secondary lupus is triggered by another condition such as infection, pregnancy, cancer or medications.
Prevention of lupus involves avoiding triggers like stress, infections, sun exposure, smoking, alcohol, caffeine, certain foods and medicines.
Lupus Treatment
Treatment of lupus depends on the type of lupus and its severity. Treatment options include:- medication- surgery- physical therapy- psychological counseling- immunotherapy- stem cell transplantation- organ transplants
Lupus can cause serious complications including:- kidney failure- stroke- heart attack- seizures- blindness- dementia- nerve damage
Lupus can be treated with drugs, surgery, physical therapy, psychological counseling, immunotherapy, organ transplants and stem cell transplants.
When to see a doctor
A person who develops an unexplained rash, ongoing fevers, persistent aches or fatigue should see a doctor.
Lifestyle Change
Walking, swimming, biking, and exercising can help you keep muscle, lower your chances of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), and boost your mood. Getting enough rest can be helpful too. Pace yourself. Follow periods of exercise with periods of rest.
Eating well can also be helpful. A healthy, well-balanced, diet can help you avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause stomach or intestinal problems, such as ulcers. Smoking can harm your heart, lungs, stomach, and throat. Tobacco smoke can also harm your heart.
Play it safe in the sun! Limit your time in sunlight,especially between 10 am and 2 pm.Wear sunglasses,a hat,and sunscreen when you’re outdoors.
Treat fevers right away. A fever may be a sign of an infection or a luplift-up.Be a partner in your care! Work toward an honest and open relationship with your doctor. Be patient. It often takes time to find the medication and dosage that works best for you.
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, and internal organs. Symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, fever, swollen glands, and redness around the eyes. People with lupus may also experience headaches, short-term memory loss, depression, and weight gain. There is currently no cure for lupus. However, there are treatments available to manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
The most important thing about lupus is to know what it is. Lupus is a systemic inflammatory disease. This means that it attacks many parts of the body. Your immune system becomes overactive and produces antibodies against itself. These antibodies attack normal tissue and cause inflammation. This leads to damage of tissues throughout the body.
Get Treatment right away
The main goal of treatment is to control symptoms and prevent further damage. Treatment includes medications, lifestyle changes, and regular checkups. So If you feel that you are down with something please go and have yourself checked by a doctor to get the proper attention and treatment.
