What is Lupus?

Lupus is a long-lasting autoimmune disease, in which a person’s immune system attacks their own tissues and organs and can cause inflammation. Your skin, blood cells, brain cells, lungs, joints, heart, and kidneys can all be affected from this disease. Lupus manifests differently in every patient and it is extremely erratic in its pattern, but there is an abundance of knowledge on how you can manage this chronic disease.  

Data suggests that anyone can develop lupus. However, studies suggest that some groups are at greater risk of developing this disease. These are: 

Females – females are 9 times as likely to develop lupus as males are.  

Age- People within the age bracket of 15 to 44 years have the highest probability of any age group of developing lupus. 

Ethnicity- lupus is more dominant in certain races like African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American and Pacific Islanders. 

Genetic History- If there is a family history of autoimmune disease, or specifically lupus, then people in later generations of that family have a higher probability of developing lupus.  

The exact cause of lupus is, as of yet, unknown. However, it appears that some people have a disposition for lupus, and they develop the disease when they come into contact with something in the environment that can trigger lupus.  

Some potential triggers may include: 

Exposure to sunlight - In some cases, being out in the sun has been linked with bringing on lupus skin lesions or even trigger an internal response in susceptible people. 

Infections - Certain types of infections such as Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr can initiate lupus or cause a relapse in some people. 

Medications - Certain types of blood pressure medications, anti-seizure medications and antibiotics can trigger lupus in some people. People who experience drug-induced lupus usually start feeling better when they stop taking the medication that caused the symptoms. In rare cases the symptoms might persist even after the drug is stopped. 

Environment - Stress, smoking or exposure to silica (quartz, sand, etc.). 

Genetics - Familial history. 

Hormones - increased estrogen levels. 

Medication - hydralazine, procainamide, quinidine, TNF blocker rarely, tetracyclines, like minocycline. 

There are cases where lupus developed, and the patient didn’t fall into any of the above categories at all.  

Lupus can affect various parts of the body, including joints, skin, heart, blood, lungs, brain, or kidneys. Symptoms of lupus are varied, sometimes they can be permanent, other times they tend to disappear suddenly, and then there are cases where the symptoms subside for a while but flare up occasionally. Most common symptoms include: 

High fever. 

Fatigue. 

Body aches. 

Butterfly rash on face, rashes on body. 

Shortness of breath. 

Dry mouth or dry eyes- also called Sjogren’s syndrome. 

Headaches. 

Confusion. 

Memory Loss. 

Pericarditis or pleuritis. 

Skin lesions. 

Lupus photosensitivity can lead to rash, fatigue, joint pain, or internal swelling. 

Hair loss- also called alopecia areata. 

Problems with lungs, kidneys, thyroid, or GI. 

Note: Please understand that having any one of those symptoms could mean any number of things, do not self-diagnose, and seek medical help if you are suspicious.  

Lupus is usually categorized into four different kinds depending on what caused it, and/or where it originated. These types are: 

SLE, Systemic lupus erythematosus is the inflammation of multiple organs or organ systems. In common language SLE is the kind of lupus people usually refer to. 

CLE, Cutaneous or discoid lupus is the inflammation of skin. It varies from rashes at a single area of skin or widespread throughout the skin. 

Drug induced lupus, a disease caused as a reaction to prescription drugs. This is usually common in men and stops within six months of withdrawing the drugs. 

Neonatal lupus, this disease is in neonates transferred from lupus mothers, however, it usually disappears within first six months. 

Diagnosing lupus is considered difficult as its symptoms vary from person to person. Presently, there are no tests that can help diagnose lupus. It is traditionally diagnosed with a combination of complete blood and urine examination, physical test, biopsy (kidney or skin) and most importantly analysis of patient’s symptoms and complete medical and family history. Because of such stringent measures, it is a complicated disease to identify, but it can be treated.

As far as medical science has come, the cure for lupus still eludes us. However, doctors try treatment by three different strategies, mainly: 

Symptomatic treatment. 

Prevention of lupus flares. 

Reducing the damage to organs especially kidneys and joints. 

Lupus is known to responds well to a number of drugs: 

Corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation. 

NSAIDs to treat fever and pains. 

Immunosuppressants- taken only in extreme cases of lupus to decrease immunity of the body so it stops attacking itself.  

Antimalarial drugs for treating joint pain, fatigue, rashes and inflammation of the lungs. 

Note: Again, please never self-medicate, please consult with a doctor about what is best for you and your body.  

There are alternative healing methods like acupuncture, and supplementary diets, however, there isn’t enough research that shows a notable effect of these habits on the disease itself, so while they may help improve one’s outlook on life, they should not be used as replacement for actual treatment. 

Lifestyle changes 

Lupus is a body consuming disease so to manage its symptoms certain lifestyle changes are required which can enhance the quality of life of a patient. 

Healthy diet. 

Exercise. 

Avoid UV rays. 

Supplements with Vitamin D, E, and calcium.