Everything you need to know about Lupus disease
BY READERS DIGEST
16th Aug 2023 Health Conditions
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) is a long-term condition that can cause joint pain, skin rashes and fatigue. There is currently no cure, but symptoms can improve or be alleviated if treatment begins early
Lupus is a complex auto-immune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs because it cannot tell the difference between viruses and bacteria and healthy cells.
This attack causes inflammation and can cause permanent tissue damage in some cases, affecting the skin, joints, heart, lung, kidneys, circulating blood cells, and brain.
"Those who contract drug-induced lupus may begin to feel better once they stop taking the medication causing the disease"
Other types of lupus include cutaneous lupus erythematosus which only affects the skin, and neonatal lupus, a rare type of lupus which affects newborn babies. Those who contract drug-induced lupus may begin to feel better once they stop taking the medication causing the disease.
What causes lupus?
Credit: Kateryna Onyshchuk
Lupus can be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Those predisposed to the disease may trigger symptoms through external factors such as stress, sunlight exposure, smoking and taking certain medications.
The disease is most common in women between 15 and 44 years old and in women with an African, Caribbean, Asian or Chinese background rather than a Caucasian background but anyone can be affected by lupus. Women are nine to ten times more likely to develop lupus than men.
What are the symptoms of lupus?
Symptoms to look out for include joint and muscle pain, extreme fatigue and facial rashes that occur after time spent in direct sunlight.
People with this condition may also experience the following symptoms:
- headaches
- mouth ulcers
- a high temperature
- hair loss
- weight loss
- swollen glands (in the neck, armpits or groin)
- depression and anxiety
- chest or stomach pain
- changes in the colour of your fingers and toes when you're cold, anxious or stressed (otherwise known as Raynaud's)
Lupus often flares up (relapses) and symptoms become worse for a few weeks, sometimes longer. Symptoms then settle down (remission). The reason why symptoms flare up or settle down is not known and can range from mild to severe.
Some people do not notice any difference and their symptoms are constant.
How is lupus diagnosed?
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A doctor will normally conduct blood and urine tests as well as inspecting the body for rashes to determine whether something is wrong. An antinuclear antibody (ANA) blood test can show if your immune system is more likely to make the autoantibodies of lupus. Most people with the condition test positive for ANA.
"An antinuclear antibody (ANA) blood test can show if your immune system is more likely to make the autoantibodies of lupus"
You may also be referred for X-rays and scans of your heart, kidneys and other organs if the doctor thinks they could be affected. If you do receive a lupus diagnosis, you will be advised to attend regular checks and tests, such as blood tests to check for anaemia and urine tests to check for kidney problems.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for lupus but symptoms and flare ups can be managed with treatment depending on an individual's specific needs. It's always best to seek medical advice first, before seeking treatment.
Medicine used to treat the condition may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Corticosteroids may also help reduce swelling, tenderness and pain and in high doses they can calm the immune system.
"With close follow-up and treatment, 80-90 per cent of people with lupus can expect to live a normal life span"
With close follow-up and treatment, 80-90 per cent of people with lupus can expect to live a normal life span.
Living with lupus
Credit: maruco
If you do suffer from lupus, it's important that you don't smoke as smoking can make lupus symptoms worse. The NHS also recommends avoiding spending a lot of time in direct sunlight or in rooms with flourescent lights.
It is possible for most poeple to live a relatively normal life with lupus. Try and eat a healthy balanced diet that includes vitamin D and calcium. Try relaxation techniques to manage stress and if possible, try and stay active, even on a bad day.
Banner credit: Aghavni Shahinyan
Read more: An A to Z of living with lupus
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