What is Lupus?
What is Lupus?
Blog Article
Lupus is a long-term immune system condition where the body's immune system incorrectly fights against its own tissues, resulting in inflammation, pain, and harm. This condition can impact various areas 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 genetic predisposition to lupus may be more likely of developing the disease.
Environmental triggers like the sun's rays, infections, or certain medications can set off lupus in patients who are genetically susceptible. Hormones also play a role, which is why lupus occurs more frequently in females, especially between the ages of 15 and 44.
Lupus Symptoms
Lupus presents with a variety of symptoms, which may differ from person to person. The most typical 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 frequent in lupus sufferers, and some may even experience bald patches.
In severe cases, lupus can lead to issues affecting vital organs, including the kidneys, heart, and lungs.
Diagnosing Lupus
Diagnosing lupus can be difficult because its symptoms resemble those of many other conditions. Physicians use a combination of lab work, scans, and clinical evaluations 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
While there is no cure for lupus, therapies are available to manage symptoms and maintain a good lifestyle. Medical plans are tailored to the individual’s symptoms but may include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs help alleviate pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids: In advanced instances, corticosteroids may be prescribed to control immune responses.
Antimalarial drugs: Medications like hydroxychloroquine can help preventing disease flares.
Regular monitoring and changing treatments as needed are critical to keeping lupus under control.