Lupus Autoimmune Disease
Lupus autoimmune disease is a serious illness characterized by chronic inflammation and degeneration of tissues and organs. This disease has claimed many lives. The body's immune system begins to attack itself, causing skin and joint problems and impeding proper functioning of the kidneys, heart, lungs and blood cells. While lupus used to be a strictly terminal disease, treatment methods have improved in recent times. Many patients with lupus now have the potential for leading quality lives.
Symptoms
Each case of lupus is different, and symptoms are diverse and may be permanent or temporary. Flares are common for lupus patients; flares are sudden episodes of intense symptoms that gradually get better or cease after a short period. Symptoms depend on what part of the body is affected, but there are some standard signs to watch for. Fatigue, weight fluctuation, memory loss, chest pain, joint pain and fever are all symptoms. Malar rash is a key indicator as well. This is a butterfly-shaped rash that appears on the face. Other skin conditions such as lesions and mouth sores that develop after exposure to the sun are also symptoms. One other sign of lupus is when your fingers and toes turn white or blue in situations of high stress. Many of these symptoms apply to a host of other less serious conditions, so do not be alarmed until a proper diagnosis has been made.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
There are actually four different kinds of lupus. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form. When you hear lupus mentioned, this is generally the disease most people refer to. SLE affects all parts of the body. Skin and joint problems often occur. Internal damage usually affects the kidneys and bloodstream.
Other Types of Lupus
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is another form of the disease and refers strictly to skin problems. Patients with DLE often have a Malar rash on their faces and sores on their scalps. Drug-induced lupus erythematosus is a less common form of the disease that affects people who have taken certain medications. Symptoms generally desist after a person stops taking whatever medicine was causing the problem. The last form of the disease is neonatal lupus, which affects newborns. The infected infant may have a severe rash for the first few months after birth.
Possible Causes
Lupus is most common among women and blacks. Medical professionals have not yet established the cause of lupus, but speculations suggest that genetics and environment are the primary factors. Exposure to sunlight and certain pharmaceutical drugs may lead to the development of lupus, so pay close attention to these factors to minimize risk.
Preventing Flares if Infected
Flares with intense symptoms can occur from time to time. Medications for lupus usually help to manage flares, but certain factors can trigger an episode if you are not careful. Avoid sun exposure. Ultraviolet light often triggers flares. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing. Make sure to stick with your medication regimen as well. Disrupting your medication schedule can lead to episodes, so be careful to follow your treatment plan at all times.
Tags: form disease, lupus erythematosus, common form, intense symptoms, joint problems, Lupus Autoimmune Disease, Malar rash