What is Lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that may affect various system of the body especially joints, skin, kidneys, brains or attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body. This disease leads to long term autoimmune disorder. It can affect men, women and children of all ages but most frequently in women between the age of fourteen and forty-five. Lupus is most common in women rather than some time lupus can cause serious and life threading problems. Lupus is a member of family of diseases which include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis juvenile diabetes and others.
Different types of lupus:
There are several different kinds of lupus but the type we refer is known as Systemic lupus erythematosus (S.L.E): SLE is chronic autoimmune disorders most common and serious type of lupus that can affect virtually any organ of the body. Include joints, heart, lungs, skin, muscles, kidneys and brain.
Other types of lupus are:
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and subacute cutaneous lupus (SCLE) are two types lupus mainly affects the skin where sun sensitivity and skin rashes are the main problems. DLE may cause red scaly rashes on the ears, arms, face and upper body.
Neonatal Lupus: It is uncommon form of lupus most often occurs in women or children with SCLE. In this problem skin rashes decrease some of the blood cells and affect the tissues that control the normal heartbeat. This problem may be diagnosis with a pacemaker.
Drug Induced Lupus is triggered by certain medications which has many of the symptoms of systemic lupus. Most important feature is that it goes away when person can stop taking the medication that triggered lupus.
Causes of lupus: In most cases the causes of lupus is unknown, some potential causes are:
Genetic Factor: Genetic is one of the factors for developing lupus, one of family member has lupus then other will also develop the disease. Lupus may develop with no family history.
Environment: Environment factor might include
• Smoking stress,
• Ultraviolet rays from the sun
• An infection
• Viral illness
• Being pregnant
• Exposure to sun
• Drug taken to treat an illness
A hormone plays an important role in causes of lupus. Both men and women cause produce estrogen. Women have symptoms before menstrual periods or during pregnancy.
Symptoms of Lupus: Lupus has wide range of symptoms:
• Redness, swelling, joint pains are comes and goes
• Fatigue and fever
• Weight Loss
• Chest Pain due to inflammation of the lungs and heart
• Hair loss
• Mouth or nose ulcers
• Sun or light sensitivity
Sometime the symptoms are often like a blood disorders, diabetes, fibromyalgia, thyroid problems, rheumatoid arthritis and bone diseases.
• Get plenty of rest and relaxation
• Maintain a balance diet
• Avoid Smoking
• Maintain Vitamin D level
• Receive regular dental and medical care
Treatment of Lupus: Treatment is depending on the sign and symptoms of lupus. Doctor will prescribe you some painkillers and medications which help to reduce inflammation and symptoms. It’s important that patient has discussed the benefits and risks carefully with doctor. Consult your doctor briefly.