About Lupus

Another name for lupus is also called: SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years.

There is a bout 200,000 to 3 million US cases per year. so you are not alone.The good thing is that lupus is Medically manageableYou and your doctors can find medical treatments that can help or ease your symptoms.
In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs (“foreign invaders,” like the flu). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues (“auto” means “self”) and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

Lupus is also a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better).

These are some additional facts about lupus that you should know:

Lupus is not contagious, not even through sexual contact. You cannot “catch” lupus from someone or “give” lupus to someone.

Lupus is not like or related to cancer. Cancer is a condition of malignant, abnormal tissues that grow rapidly and spread into surrounding tissues. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, as described above.

Lupus is not like or related to HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In HIV or AIDS the immune system is underactive; in lupus, the immune system is overactive.

Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening and should always be treated by a doctor. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life.

Some research estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus. The actual number may be higher; however, there have been no large-scale studies to show the actual number of people in the U.S. living with lupus.  More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported annually across the country.MIt is believed that 5 million people throughout the world have a form of lupus.

Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too.. Most people will develop lupus between the ages of 15-44.

Women of color are two to three times more likely to develop lupus than Caucasians. People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus.

When you are diagnosed with lupus you will most likely have to change your Lifestyle. Such as if you are big on spending a lot of time outside in the middle of the day. You may need to make some changes. Such as going out more in the early morning and evening.

Sunscreen Will now be your new best friend. And your must have. You should apply sunscreen do any part of your body that will be exposed to the sun every day. Most people would only apply sunscreen in the summer. But those with lupus must wear Sunscreen year round. Because you skin is more sensitive  to the sun.. 

If you’re planning to go out during the middle of the day you should consider wearing  Sun protective clothing,  such as a large hat. To shaved your face.

Lupus can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.

Symptoms vary but can include fatigue, joint pain, rash, and fever. These can periodically get worse (flare up) and then improve.

Treatment includes a variety of medications such as steroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

People may experience: Pain: in the muscles, can be sharp in the chest, can occur while breathing. Whole body: anemia, fatigue, fever, or malaise. Hair: hair loss or loss of scalp hair. Psychological: anxiety or major depression.  Skin: red rashes or scaly rashes. Mouth: dryness or ulcers.

Also common: acute episodes, blood in urine, face rash, headache, joint stiffness, raynaud’s syndrome, sensitivity to light, swelling, water retention, or weight loss

Ages affected 0-13 Very rare  – 14-18 Rare  19-40 Common 41-60 Common. Genders affected  Males Rare Females Common

Prescriptions : Antimalarial: Chloroquine Steroids: Methylprednisolone by injection (Solu-Medrol) or by mouth (Medrol), Prednisolone (Orapred) Other treatments: Cyclosporine, Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), Methotrexate (Trexall), Belimumab by injection, Azathioprine (Imuran), Cyclophosphamide by injection or by mouth, Prednisone (Deltasone)

Specialists; Rheumatologist: Specializes in arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Cardiologist: Specializes in heart disorders. Pulmonologist: Treats respiratory tract diseases. Nephrologist: Focuses on kidney disorders.