Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease which can affect both men and women and also children of all ages. Most frequently it develops in women between the ages of 15 and 45. In this age range, Lupus is 8 times more common in women than in men. For individuals younger than 15 or older than 45, Lupus seems to affect either sex equally.
In Lupus, the immune system that protects the body from germs, viruses and bacteria begins to malfunction and fails to distinguish between the body’s own tissues and these foreign invaders. As a result, the immune system attacks different parts of the body itself, causing inflammation in those tissues. This inflammation gives rise to the symptoms that characterize Lupus.
(Image from The National Institute of Health)
Lupus is one of several diseases known as “the great imitators” because its symptoms vary so widely it often mimics or is mistaken for other illnesses, and because the symptoms come and go unpredictably. Early Lupus symptoms will differ slightly with each person and can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common early symptoms include…
- Painful or swollen joints.
- Unexplained fever.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Chest pain upon deep breathing.
- A characteristic red skin rash the so-called butterfly rash may appear across the nose and cheeks. Rashes may also occur on the face and ears, upper arms, shoulders, chest, and hands. Because many people with lupus are sensitive to sunlight (called photo-sensitivity), skin rashes often first develop or worsen after sun exposure.
- Unexplained hair loss.
- Anemia (a decrease in red blood cells).
- Mouth ulcers.
- Purple fingers and toes from cold or stress (Raynaud’s Syndrome).
- Swollen glands.
New symptoms may continue to appear years after the initial diagnosis, and different symptoms can occur at different times. In some people with Lupus, only one system of the body, such as the skin or joints, is affected. Other people experience symptoms in many parts of their body. Just how seriously a body system is affected varies from person to person.
Types of Lupus
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) and Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (SCLE) are two types of Lupus where the skin rashes and sun sensitivity are the primary symptoms. DLE may cause a red scaly rash to appear on the face, scalp, ears, arms, and/or chest, while in SCLE, rashes typically occur on the arms and upper body. With these types of Lupus, the
internal organs are spared and general health is not affected.
The most common and serious type of Lupus is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The autoimmune reaction in SLE may target any tissue of the body, including the heart, the lungs, the kidneys, the central nervous system, the blood and the blood vessels.
The actual systemic effects of early Lupus symptoms on these body systems are listed below…
The Heart: In some people with Lupus, inflammation can occur in the heart itself (myocarditis or endocarditis) or the membrane that surrounds it (pericarditis), causing chest pains or other symptoms. Lupus can also increase the risk of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
The Lungs: Some people with Lupus develop pleuritis, an inflammation of the lining of the chest cavity that causes chest pain, particularly with breathing. Patients with Lupus also may get pneumonia.
The Kidneys: Inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis) can impair their ability to get rid of waste products and other toxins from the body effectively. There is usually no pain associated with kidney involvement, although some patients may notice swelling in their ankles. Most often, the only indication of kidney disease is an abnormal urine or blood test. Because the kidneys are so important to overall health, lupus affecting the kidneys generally requires intensive drug treatment to prevent permanent damage.
The Central Nervous System: In some patients, Lupus affects the brain or central nervous system. This can cause headaches, dizziness, memory disturbances, vision problems, seizures, stroke, or changes in behavior.
The Blood: People with Lupus may develop anemia, leukopenia (a decreased number of white blood cells), or thrombocytopenia (a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood, which assist in clotting). Some people with Lupus may have an increased risk for blood clots.
The Blood Vessels: Blood vessels may become inflamed (vasculitis), affecting the way blood circulates through the body. The inflammation may be mild and may not require treatment or may be severe and require immediate attention.
In conclusion, Lupus isn’t a simple disease with an easy answer. Everyone reacts differently. One person with Lupus may have swollen knees and fever. Another person may be tired all the time or have kidney trouble. If you suspect that you may have some of the early Lupus symptoms, go see a doctor, they will talk to you and take a history of your health problems.
It is important that you explain your symptoms. Your history, along with a physical examination and the results of laboratory tests, helps the doctor decide whether you have Lupus or something else. You may want to keep track of your symptoms and other problems.
You should note:
- When you experience them?
- When you first noticed them?
- Also, how often they occur?
No single test can show that you have lupus. Your doctor may have to run several tests and study your medical history. It may take time for the doctor to diagnose Lupus.
Lupus/SLE
Wonder what causes lupus? Lupus, an autoimmune disease, happens when the immune system attacks its tissues, causing inflammation, swelling, pain, and damage.
The Prognosis for Lupus Patients
These findings allowed for early detection of lupus. In the 1950’s steroids became available to treat many lupus-related conditions, as did chemotherapy.
Diet for Lupus
This article is intended for the people that are trying to find some information on diets for Lupus. By the end of this article, you’ll learn about a few common sense facts about the lupus dieting plan (plus a few tips).
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