Lupus: symptoms, causes, to treatment

Definition

What is lupus?

Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of the body. This disease is autoimmune, which means that your immune system (antibodies), the body's system that normally fights infection, attacks healthy tissue.

As a result, this chronic inflammatory disease can affect many different body systems, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks, and often last for years.

Lupus is a non-communicable disease, it is not even transmitted through sexual contact. Some people are born with a tendency to develop lupus, which may be triggered by infections, certain medications, and even sunlight.

How common is lupus?

The condition of lupus is common. Lupus generally affects women (aged 14-45 years) more than men. Lupus can occur in patients of any age. This can be controlled by reducing your risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of lupus?

No two types of lupus are identical. Signs and symptoms may appear suddenly or develop slowly, they may be mild or severe, temporary, or permanent.

Most people with lupus have a mild disease characterized by episodes - called flares - when signs and symptoms worsen for a while, then get better or even go away completely for a while.

The signs and symptoms of lupus that you experience will depend on which body system is being attacked. But in general, the signs and symptoms of lupus are:

• The joints are sore and swollen
• Muscle ache
• Fever for no reason
• Extreme fatigue over a long period of time
• Rash skin
• Chest pain when breathing deeply
• Pale or purple fingers or toes from colds or stress
• Sensitivity to the sun
• Swelling in the legs or around the eyes
• Ringworm
• Swollen glands
• Chest pain when inhaling deeply
• Hair loss.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should call your doctor if you have unexplained rash, lingering fever, aches or pains or stubborn fatigue.

Cause

What causes lupus?

The cause of lupus is unknown. It is possible that lupus results from a combination of genetics and environment. People with inherited genes can get lupus because of several triggers in the environment such as sun, infection, use of anti-seizure drugs, blood pressure medications and antibiotics.

There are several types of lupus:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type. SLE can be mild or severe, and it affects many parts of the body.
• Discoid lupus causes a red rash that doesn't go away.
• Sub-acute cutaneous lupus causes freckles or scabs after being in the sun.
• Drug-induced lupus is caused by certain drugs. This lupus usually goes away after you stop using the drug.
• Neonatal lupus, which is rare, affects newborns. Lupus is probably caused by certain antibodies from the mother.

It seems that people with an inherited predisposition to lupus can develop the disease when they come into contact with something in the environment that triggers lupus. The cause of lupus in most cases, however, is unknown. Some of the potential triggers for lupus are:

• Sunlight

Sun exposure may cause lupus skin lesions or trigger an internal response in susceptible people.

• Infection

Having an infection can initialize lupus or cause a relapse in some people.

• Drugs

Lupus can be triggered by several types of blood pressure medications, anti-seizure drugs, and antibiotics. People with drug-induced lupus usually get better when they stop taking the drug.

But sometimes, symptoms can persist even after the drug has stopped being consumed.

Is lupus contagious?

Lupus is not a contagious disease. Contagious means that the disease can spread from one person to another. An example of an infectious disease is the flu.

The exact causes of lupus are complex. Instead of "catching" a disease from a person, it is believed that the disease is triggered by a variety of factors, including:

• Environment
• Hormone
• Genetic

So, although sometimes people with a family history of lupus have a higher risk of getting the disease, they don't “catch” it from other people. In fact, you may have family members with lupus, but never get it or get it.

What increases the risk of lupus?

There are many factors that increase a person's risk of developing lupus, such as:

• Gender. Lupus is more common in women.
• Age. Although lupus affects people of all ages, it is most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40.
• Race. Lupus is more common in African, Hispanic, and Asian races.

Diagnosis

How is lupus diagnosed?

It is difficult to diagnose lupus because the signs and symptoms of lupus can vary over time and overlap with many other disorders. Lupus signs and symptoms are also similar to many other conditions, so it can take time to make a diagnosis.

When you are diagnosed with lupus, you may be advised to have routine checks, such as blood tests for anemia or urine tests for kidney problems, which may be caused by lupus. The tests for diagnosing lupus are;

Blood and urine tests

This disease requires a combination of signs and symptoms and other tests to confirm the diagnosis. Blood and urine tests to diagnose lupus are:

Complete blood count

This test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets as well as the amount of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells.

The results of these tests may indicate that you have anemia, which commonly occurs with lupus. A low white blood cell or platelet count can occur in lupus as well.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

This blood test determines the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of the tube in one hour. A rate that is faster than normal may indicate a systemic disease, such as lupus.

The sedimentation rate is not disease specific. This may increase if you have lupus, an infection, other inflammatory conditions, or cancer.

Assessment of the kidneys and liver

Blood tests can assess how your kidneys and liver are functioning. Lupus can affect these organs.

Urinalysis

Examination of your urine sample may show increased levels of protein or red blood cells in the urine, which can occur if lupus attacks your kidneys.

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test

A positive test for the presence of these antibodies indicates a stimulated immune system. While most people with lupus have a positive ANA test, most people who test positive for ANA do not have lupus.

If your ANA test is positive, your doctor may recommend that you do a more specific antibody test.

Imaging test

If your doctor suspects that lupus is attacking the lungs, he or she will suggest that you do:

• Chest X-ray

An image of your chest may show abnormal shadows that show fluid or inflammation in your lungs.

• Echocardiagram

This test uses a surge wave to produce a real-time image of your heartbeat. This can check for problems with valves or other parts of your heart.

Biopsy

Lupus can hurt your kidneys in different ways and treatments can vary depending on the type of damage that has occurred. In certain cases, it is important to examine a small sample of the heart to determine which treatment is most appropriate.

A skin biopsy is sometimes performed to confirm a diagnosis of lupus affecting the skin.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

What are the treatments for lupus?

Lupus cannot be cured, but medications and lifestyle changes can control the disease.

People with lupus often need to see several different doctors. You will have a primary doctor and a muscle specialist doctor. Several other doctors may also be involved in the treatment, depending on what part of the body is affected by lupus.

Your primary doctor should coordinate with other doctors to make sure treatment is right for you. You and your doctor should also review it frequently for the success of your treatment plan.

You must report any new symptoms to your doctor so that a treatment plan can be tailored accordingly. Quoted from Medline Plus, the goals of lupus treatment are:

• Prevent flares (relapse)
• Take care of flares when it appears
• Reduces organ damage and other problems.

Treatments may include medications to:

• Reduce swelling and pain
• Prevent and reduce flares
• Help the immune system
• Reduce or prevent damage to joints
• Balances hormones.

In addition to taking lupus medications, you may need medication to treat problems associated with lupus, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or an infection.

Alternative medicine is a treatment beyond the standard. At this time, there is no research that shows alternative medicine can treat lupus.

Some alternative approaches may be able to help you cope with or reduce some of the stress associated with the lives of patients with chronic illnesses. You need to talk to your doctor before trying any alternative treatments.

Lupus treatment is only done to treat the symptoms. The drugs most often used to control lupus are:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), can be used to treat lupus-related pain, swelling and fever. Stronger NSAIDs are always available by prescription.

Anti malarial drugs

Medicines commonly used to treat malaria, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), can also help control lupus. Side effects can include stomach upset and, very rarely, damage to the retina of the eye.

Corticosteroids

Prednisone and other types of corticosteroids can fight inflammation of lupus but often produce severe long-term side effects. the risk of side effects increases with higher doses and with longer therapy.

Immunosuppressants

Medicines that suppress the immune system can be helpful in serious cases of lupus. Examples include azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), mycophenolate (CellCept), leflunomide (Arava) and methotrexate (Trexall), belimumab (Benlysta).

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be made to treat lupus?

The following lifestyle changes and home remedies can help you deal with lupus:

• Visit the doctor regularly

It's important to get regular checkups rather than just visiting a doctor when your symptoms worsen.

This can help your doctor prevent severe inflammation, and can be useful in treating routine health problems such as stress, diet and exercise.

• Live a healthy lifestyle

Live a healthy life, such as exercising, resting, eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid alcohol and smoking.

• Protect yourself from the sun

This is because you can run the risk of getting a rash or inflammation when exposed to the sun.

• Get enough rest

Get enough sleep at night and take a nap or rest during the day as needed.

• Get help

Consider joining a support community. Talking with other people who have been in the same situation can often help.

What is the life expectancy of people with lupus?

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, lupus pragnosis is now better than before. With good care, 80% -90% of people with lupus can expect to live a normal life.

Health science has not yet developed a method of treating lupus, and several people have died from the disease. However, for the vast majority of people living with the disease today, it is not fatal.

Lupus varies in intensity and degree. Some people have mild cases, while others have moderate and severe cases. For people with flare-ups severe, they have a greater likelihood of life-threatening lupus.

People with lupus can look forward to living a normal life as long as:

• Follow the doctor's instructions
• Taking medication prescribed by your doctor
• Know when to seek help for the unexpected side effects of their illness.

Although some people with lupus have severe recurrent attacks and require hospitalization, most people do not need hospitalization. Especially those who maintain a healthy life.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.