What is Lupus?
What is Lupus?
Blog Article
Lupus is a long-term immune system condition where the body's natural defense system erroneously targets its own healthy cells, leading to inflammation, swelling, and damage. This disease can influence various areas 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. In addition, there are discoid lupus, which mostly impacts the skin, and drug-induced lupus, induced by certain medications.
What Causes Lupus?
The exact cause of lupus remains unclear, but experts believe it is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. People who have a genetic predisposition to 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 patient to patient. The most typical symptoms consist of:
Fatigue: Overwhelming fatigue is a highly reported symptoms in those with lupus.
Joint pain and swelling: Many individuals report pain, stiffness, and swelling in their joints, usually when they wake up.
Skin rashes: A characteristic rash across the cheeks and nose is a classic sign of lupus, but rashes can show up in other parts of the skin.
Fever: Random fevers may occur without any obvious cause.
Hair loss: Thinning hair is prevalent in lupus patients, and some may even experience bald patches.
When the condition is more advanced, lupus can cause complications in vital organs, such as the kidneys, lungs, and heart.
Lupus Diagnosis
Diagnosing lupus can be challenging because its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Doctors use a combination of diagnostic tests, X-rays, and physical exams to confirm a diagnosis.
Some exams used are:
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 help detect kidney involvement in lupus.
Managing Lupus
Since lupus is incurable, treatments are available to reduce symptoms and enhance daily living. Care strategies differ based on the severity of the disease but typically consist of:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications ease pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids: In advanced instances, corticosteroids may be prescribed to control immune responses.
Antimalarial drugs: Medications like hydroxychloroquine can help preventing disease flares.
Regular monitoring and altering therapy as needed are critical to keeping lupus under control.