What is Lupus?
What is Lupus?
Blog Article
Lupus is a long-term immune system condition where the body's defense mechanism erroneously targets its own healthy cells, leading to inflammation, discomfort, and destruction. This condition can impact various areas of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and brain.
Details
There are several categories of lupus, with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) being the most recognized form. In addition, there are discoid lupus, which primarily affects the skin, and drug-induced lupus, induced by certain medications.
Lupus Causes
The exact cause of lupus is unknown, 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 set off lupus in people who are genetically susceptible. Hormones also are involved, which is why lupus is more common in females, especially between the ages of 15 and 44.
Lupus Symptoms
Lupus presents with a wide range of signs, which can vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Fatigue: Extreme tiredness 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 butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose is a typical sign of lupus, but rashes can emerge in other parts of the skin.
Fever: Persistent fevers often develop without any apparent cause.
Hair loss: Hair shedding is frequent in people with lupus, 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
Identifying lupus can be difficult because its symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions. Healthcare professionals use a combination of diagnostic tests, imaging studies, and medical assessments to confirm a diagnosis.
Some exams used include:
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test: An abnormal ANA level can indicate an autoimmune disorder, although it’s not definitive for lupus.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): This screening detects inflammation in the body and is often elevated in people with lupus.
Urinalysis: Testing for abnormalities in urine can help detect kidney involvement in lupus.
Lupus Treatments
Although lupus cannot be cured, treatments are available to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Care strategies vary depending on the severity of the disease but may include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications help alleviate pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids: For severe inflammation, corticosteroids might be necessary to suppress the immune system.
Antimalarial drugs: Medications like hydroxychloroquine are used to preventing disease flares.
Regular monitoring and changing treatments as needed are important to living well with lupus.