Lupus, also called 'systemic lupus erythematosus', is a long-term medical condition characterized by inflammation. This inflammation can affect the joints, skin, and other organs. There are a variety of symptoms to the condition and, unfortunately, a cure has not yet been found. However, beginning treatment early on in the disease's development can significantly improve the presentation of symptoms. Unfortunately, lupus can be difficult to diagnose, as it presents in a way that is similar to many other conditions. Eating a healthy diet, staying active, getting adequate rest, and protecting the skin with sunscreen are some easy ways to improve your prognosis with lupus. Those who are diagnosed should also not be afraid to ask family and friends for help when needed, as the condition can cause a variety of mildly debilitating effects.
What is Lupus?
Simply put, lupus is an autoimmune disease. The body mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, causing weakness and general feelings of being unwell. While the causes remain unknown, lupus is known to not be contagious. Several theories of causation include viral infections, regular use of strong medication, intense and prolonged exposure to sunlight, childbirth, and menopause. All of these have been linked to triggering the condition in a variety of patients, but still plenty of people experience these regularly without developing the disease. Lupus affects over a million people in the U.S. alone. While it can occur in both men and women, the latter are much more likely to be diagnosed with the condition. Likewise, people of Asian, Native American, and African descent are also more likely to develop the disease. Lupus is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 14 and 45.
Symptoms of Lupus
The symptoms vary largely from person to person, making it difficult to become aware of and diagnose. Some experience a few symptoms, while others recognize many. Furthermore, lupus can affect different parts of the body more severely, which also contributes to differing presentation of symptoms. However, there are several common signs of the disease's manifestation. These include:
- Fever
- Swollen and achy joints
- Extreme and/or prolonged fatigue
- Swelling in the ankles
- A rash on the skin
- Pain when breathing
- The development of sores on the mouth or nose
- Paleness/purpleness in the fingers and/or toes
- Feeling tired and ill
- Weight loss
The most common areas affected by lupus are the skin, joints, kidneys, and blood. Any abnormalities associated with these parts of the body can be a sign of lupus, though inspection by a doctor is crucial for correct diagnosis.
Treatment of Lupus
In order to make a correct diagnosis of lupus, a doctor will typically collect and analyze blood samples. If high levels of a certain type of antibody are detected, in combination with any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is deemed likely that lupus has developed. After being diagnosed, a doctor will typically recommend that the patient undergoes X-rays as well as scans of the vital organs, such as the kidneys and heart. Patients will be advised to regularly attend check-ups in order to undergo testing. For example, regular blood tests are necessary to monitor anaemia, while urine tests can check for problems with the kidneys. Although the disease is incurable, patients with lupus may be treated with medications to combat fatigue and joint and skin issues. Some medications reduce kidney inflammation as well as the outbreak of rashes. There are also two newer medicines on the market which are now being used to treat the more severe cases of lupus by strengthening the immune system and reducing the number of antibodies present in the bloodstream.