What is Lupus?
What is Lupus?
Blog Article
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body's defense mechanism mistakenly attacks its own organs, causing inflammation, discomfort, and destruction. 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 precise cause of lupus is still not fully understood, but researchers believe it results from a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Individuals with a family history of lupus could be at increased risk of developing the disease.
Environmental triggers including sun exposure, infections, or certain medications 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 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 typical sign of lupus, but rashes can emerge in other parts of the skin.
Fever: Random fevers can happen without any obvious cause.
Hair loss: Thinning hair is common in lupus patients, and some may even suffer from patchy hair loss.
In more serious instances, lupus can cause problems with vital organs, impacting the kidneys, heart, and lungs.
How Lupus is Diagnosed
Identifying 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 diagnose the condition.
Some screenings used include:
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test: An abnormal ANA level may suggest an autoimmune disorder, although it’s not specific to lupus.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): This screening detects inflammation in the body and is often elevated in people with lupus.
Urinalysis: Looking for irregularities in urine can aid in finding kidney involvement in lupus.
Treatment for Lupus
Although lupus cannot be cured, medical options are available to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Care strategies vary depending on the severity of the disease but typically consist of:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications ease pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids: For severe inflammation, corticosteroids might be necessary to reduce inflammation.
Antimalarial drugs: Medications like hydroxychloroquine are effective in controlling lupus flare-ups.
Consistent medical evaluations and changing treatments as needed are important to managing lupus.