What is Lupus?
What is Lupus?
Blog Article
Lupus is a long-term immune system condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation, discomfort, and destruction. This disease can impact various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and brain.
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There are various forms of lupus, with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) being the most recognized form. Other types include discoid lupus, which mainly targets the skin, and drug-induced lupus, induced by certain medications.
What Causes Lupus?
The precise cause of lupus remains unclear, but experts believe it is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. People who have a family background of lupus may have a higher risk of developing the disease.
Environmental triggers like ultraviolet light, infections, or particular treatments can set off lupus in patients who are genetically susceptible. Hormones also play a role, which is why lupus is more common in females, especially between the ages of 15 and 44.
Lupus Symptoms
Lupus presents with a broad spectrum of signs, which may differ from individual to individual. The most frequent symptoms are:
Fatigue: Severe exhaustion is a very common symptoms in lupus patients.
Joint pain and swelling: Many people suffer from pain, stiffness, and swelling in their joints, particularly after waking up.
Skin rashes: A malar rash across the cheeks and nose is a classic sign of lupus, but rashes can show up in other areas of the body.
Fever: Unexplained fevers may occur without any apparent cause.
Hair loss: Hair loss is frequent in lupus sufferers, and some may even lose clumps of hair.
In severe cases, lupus can result in issues affecting vital organs, including the kidneys, heart, and lungs.
How Lupus is Diagnosed
Recognizing lupus can be difficult because its symptoms mimic those of a variety of disorders. Physicians use a combination of lab work, imaging studies, and medical assessments to make an accurate diagnosis.
Some tests used consist of:
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test: An elevated ANA result can indicate an autoimmune disorder, although it’s not definitive for lupus.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): This measurement measures inflammation in the body and is often elevated in individuals suffering from lupus.
Urinalysis: Testing for abnormalities in urine can indicate kidney involvement in lupus.
Treatment for Lupus
Although lupus cannot be cured, treatments are available to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Care strategies vary depending on the severity of the disease but often involve:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids: In more serious cases, corticosteroids might be necessary to suppress the immune system.
Antimalarial drugs: Medications like hydroxychloroquine are used to managing lupus symptoms.
Ongoing check-ups and adjusting medications as needed are essential to living well with lupus.