Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that can affect multiple parts of the body, including joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart and lungs.
This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body, leading to inflammation and organ damage.
Although there is no known definitive cause, genetic, hormonal and environmental factors may play a role in the development of lupus.
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Learn about the symptoms and treatment options for lupus
When people talk about lupus, they are usually talking about systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most well-known. But there are four types of lupus:
Types of lupus
There are different forms of lupus, including:
- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) the most common and serious type;
- cutaneous lupuswhich mainly affects the skin;
- drug-induced lupus, which is triggered by the use of certain medications;
- Neonatal lupusa rare condition that affects babies of women with lupus.
Symptoms of lupus can vary significantly from person to person and can mimic those of other conditions, making diagnosis challenging.
Lupus symptoms
- extreme fatigue
- fever
- joint and muscle pain
- butterfly-shaped rashes on the face (malar erythema)
- sensitivity to sunlight
- mouth ulcers
- loss of hair
- kidney disorders
- cardiovascular problems
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Lupus is an autoimmune inflammatory disease
Additionally, lupus can cause serious complications, such as inflammation of the tissue around the heart (pericarditis), inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis), and damage to internal organs.
Anyone can develop lupus. But certain people are at greater risk of getting lupus.
Who is at risk of developing lupus?
- Women aged 15 to 44
- Certain racial or ethnic groups – including African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, or Pacific Islander people
- People who have a family member with lupus or another autoimmune disease
How is lupus treated?
Lupus treatment aims to control symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and reduce the risk of complications.
Commonly prescribed medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
Additionally, antimalarial medications help treat skin symptoms and protect against organ damage, and immunosuppressants control immune system activity.
In addition to medication, lupus patients may also benefit from lifestyle changes such as avoiding sun exposure, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
Likewise, they need to avoid smoking and manage stress.
Regular medical follow-up is essential to monitor disease progression and adjust treatment as necessary.
Although lupus is a chronic and debilitating disease, many people are able to lead full, productive lives with proper treatment and ongoing medical support.
Lupus awareness and access to quality medical care are critical to improving patients’ quality of life and reducing the impact of this complex condition.
