Lupus facts: What is Lupus?

Lupus facts: What is Lupus?es)

Lupus seems to be a little new for most of us, due to the lack of knowledge or the required buzz when compared to other diseases like diabetes or cancer.

However, we cannot let lack of awareness about what is Lupus continue, especially since it can attack you suddenly and cause life-threatening problems. Hence, to avoid problems and fight this disease called Lupus, we provide some detailed information about what is lupus and how to detect it at the right time.

Lupus Facts: What is Lupus?

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs."

Dr. Keya says, "Lupus is dangerous because it is difficult to diagnose its symptoms at an early stage. It is tricky to diagnose lupus because the signs and symptoms of lupus often imitate the signs and symptoms of other ailments." She further adds, "Though there is no proper cure for lupus, but carious treatment and medicines can help to control lupus."

Quite often, some people are born with a tendency to develop lupus, which can be triggered by infections, certain drugs or even sunlight.

Lupus Facts: Types of Lupus

Several types of lupus have been identified, but the most common and simple types of lupus are as follows...

Discoid Lupus - Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a soft form of lupus that only affects the skin. It causes symptoms such as:

- red, circular, scaly marks on the skin that can thicken and scar

- hair loss

- permanent bald patches

This type of lupus generally affects the skin, but in rare cases it progresses to other parts of the body and tissue. The only way to control this problem successfully is by using proper medication and by avoiding exposure to direct sunlight.

Drug-Induced Lupus - This type of lupus is caused by consumption of certain medications hence it is called as drug-induced lupus. In all there are more than 100 medicines present in the world which can cause lupus-like side effects in some people.

Discontinuing that course of medicine is the only solution to control this problem, but make sure you consult your physician before discontinuing any prescribed medicine.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a type of lupus that can affect any body tissue and organ

The symptoms of SLE can range from mild to severe. Many people will experience few or no symptoms for a long time, before actually experiencing severe symptoms.

However, even mild cases of SLE can have a considerable impact on a person's quality of life because many of the symptoms, particularly pain and chronic fatigue, can be distressing and cause feelings of depression and anxiety.

Lupus Facts: Symptoms of Lupus

Symptoms of lupus vary, but some of the most common symptoms of lupus are:

- Pain or swelling in joints

- Muscle pain

- Fever with no known cause

- Red rashes, most often on the face

- Chest pain when taking a deep breath

- Hair loss

- Pale or purple fingers or toes

- Sensitivity to the sun

- Swelling in legs or around eyes

- Mouth ulcers

- Swollen glands

- Feeling very tired.

Symptoms of lupus may just come and go. The times when a person is having symptoms are described as flares, which can range from mild to severe. Fresh symptoms may emerge at any time.

Lupus Facts: Risk Factors

Lupus, mostly SLE, is an uncommon condition with 90% of cases occurring in women. Most cases of SLE first begin in women who are of childbearing age (between the ages of 15 and 50).

Factors that may increase your risk of lupus include:

- Your sex - Lupus is sex oriented. It is more common in women.

- Age - Although lupus affects people of all ages, it is most often diagnosed in women between the ages of 15 and 40.

- Race - The risk of lupus occurring among Asian, African and Hispanic women is twice as likely when compared to other race women.

Lupus Facts: Causes of Lupus

Lupus occurs when your immune system attacks healthy tissue in your body. The exact cause of lupus is still yet to be discovered. But, researchers believe that lupus is caused by a combination of genetics and environment. It appears that people with an inherited predisposition for lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with something in the environment that can trigger lupus. The cause for lupus in most cases, however, is unknown. Some potential triggers include:

- Extreme stress

- Exposure to ultraviolet light, usually from sunlight

- Smoking

- Some medications and antibiotics, especially those in the sulfa and penicillin groups

- Chemical exposure to compounds such as trichloroethylene in well water and dust

Lupus Facts: Treatment for Lupus

Lupus is a chronic illness which will never bid you farewell. So far, there is no proper cure available in the market to eradicate lupus completely. Lupus can be controlled, with continual medication, balanced lifestyle and proper diet.

With today's technology you can live a happy life and normal life span with lupus. However, having lupus means adjusting your lifestyle and diet too.