What is Lupus?
What is Lupus?
Blog Article
Lupus is a long-term immune system condition where the body's defense mechanism mistakenly attacks its own organs, causing inflammation, discomfort, and damage. This disease can influence 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. In addition, there are discoid lupus, which mostly impacts the skin, and drug-induced lupus, triggered by certain medications.
Lupus Causes
The exact cause of lupus remains unclear, but scientists believe it is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Those with a family background of lupus could be at increased risk of developing the disease.
Environmental triggers such as sun exposure, infections, or specific drugs can trigger lupus in individuals who are already vulnerable. Hormones also contribute, which is why lupus is more common in women, especially between the ages of 15 and 44.
Symptoms of Lupus
Lupus manifests 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 prevalent in lupus sufferers, and some may even experience bald patches.
When the condition is more advanced, lupus can lead to complications in vital organs, such as the kidneys, lungs, and heart.
Diagnosing Lupus
Diagnosing lupus can be tricky because its symptoms resemble those of other diseases. Doctors use a combination of diagnostic tests, scans, and clinical evaluations to confirm a diagnosis.
Some exams used are:
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test: A positive ANA test often signals an autoimmune disorder, although it’s not exclusive to lupus.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): This test monitors the level of inflammation in the body and is often elevated in lupus patients.
Urinalysis: Checking for protein or blood in urine can indicate kidney involvement in lupus.
Lupus Treatments
Although lupus cannot be cured, medical options are available to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Medical plans vary depending on the individual’s symptoms but often involve:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids: In more serious cases, corticosteroids might be necessary to suppress the immune system.
Antimalarial drugs: Medications like hydroxychloroquine are effective in managing lupus symptoms.
Consistent medical evaluations and adjusting medications as needed are essential to managing lupus.