Lupus is a condition people are still not familiar with, but it is managed by specialists called rheumatologists.
Lupus is an auto-immune disease. It is this condition in which the normal defence system has been programmed to recognise self-cells and structures, but in a strange situation as in lupus, these systems turn their ammunition on the body, to attack it.
Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often imitate those of other ailments. The most distinctive sign of lupus — a facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks — occurs in many but not all cases of lupus.
Lupus affects mostly females of all age groups, but most especially women of childbearing age. It affects males too, but it is more common in women than men.
There is no known cause of the condition yet, but various theories say it may be a mix of genetic and environmental, such as sunlight, infections, drugs; or an abnormal immune system.
Lupus is just one of several many structures auto-immune diseases known. Others are rheumatoid arthritis, Scleroderma, Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Vasculitis, Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis, and many others. But autoimmune diseases may also affect specific organs and structures such as the eye, liver, etc.
Symptoms
There are no two cases of lupus that look alike. Sometimes, the signs and symptoms of lupus may come on unexpectedly or develop slowly, may be mild or intense, and may be temporary or permanent.
Most people with lupus have mild disease characterised by flares.
According to an online health portal, Mayo Clinic, the signs and symptoms of lupus that you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease.
The portal lists the most common signs and symptoms of the condition to include:
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
• A butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose or rashes elsewhere on the body
• Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure
• Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dry eyes
• Headaches, confusion, and memory loss
Risk factors
Black or Hispanic race
Family history- female children likely to inherit from lupus mothers. Identical twins and to a lesser extent, female siblings of lupus patients.
Female gender
Use of contraceptives
Excessive sunlight
Certain drugs such as Procainamide, Isoniazid, Methyldopa, etc
Certain cosmetics
Complications
Complications of lupus include kidney damage, brain damage, heart diseases, lung diseases, recurrent pregnancy losses, and infections
Is there a cure for lupus?
There is no cure for lupus for now, but many researchers are working towards finding a cure. However, it can be well managed if diagnosis and presentation are made early and if the affected person takes her/his drugs and attends the clinic regularly.
Other management measures
It is better to avoid alternate medicines, avoid the sun, exercise and eat a balanced diet.
Also, ensure you see your rheumatologist to monitor, and do certain blood tests, among others.
