What is Lupus?
What is Lupus?
Blog Article
Lupus is a long-term immune system condition where the body's immune system erroneously targets its own tissues, causing inflammation, swelling, and damage. This disorder can affect various areas of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and brain.
what is lupus
There are several categories of lupus, with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) being the most common form. Other variations of lupus include discoid lupus, which primarily affects the skin, and drug-induced lupus, caused by certain medications.
Lupus Causes
The true cause of lupus is unknown, but scientists believe it stems from a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Those 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 activate lupus in individuals who are genetically predisposed. Hormones also contribute, which is why lupus is seen more often in women of childbearing age, especially between the ages of 15 and 44.
Symptoms of Lupus
Lupus manifests with a wide range of symptoms, which can vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Fatigue: Extreme tiredness is a very common symptoms in lupus patients.
Joint pain and swelling: Many patients experience pain, stiffness, and swelling in their joints, especially in the morning.
Skin rashes: A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose is a hallmark sign of lupus, but rashes can also appear in other locations.
Fever: Persistent fevers often develop without any clear cause.
Hair loss: Hair loss is prevalent in people with lupus, and some may even lose clumps of hair.
When the condition is more advanced, lupus can cause issues affecting vital organs, such as the kidneys, lungs, and heart.
How Lupus is Diagnosed
Recognizing lupus can be tricky because its symptoms resemble those of other diseases. Healthcare professionals use a combination of lab work, scans, and clinical evaluations to confirm a diagnosis.
Some tests used consist of:
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test: An abnormal ANA level may suggest an autoimmune disorder, although it’s not exclusive to lupus.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): This test measures inflammation in the body and is often elevated in individuals suffering from lupus.
Urinalysis: Looking for irregularities in urine can aid in finding kidney involvement in lupus.
Treatment for Lupus
Although lupus cannot be cured, treatments are available to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Care strategies differ based on the progression of the condition but typically consist of:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): This category of drugs help alleviate pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids: For severe inflammation, corticosteroids might be necessary to reduce inflammation.
Antimalarial drugs: Medications like hydroxychloroquine are used to controlling lupus flare-ups.
Consistent medical evaluations and changing treatments as needed are essential to living well with lupus.