Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Lupus: When the Body Attacks
Cassandra E. Gilles
Fortis College (Miami, FL)
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus also known as Lupus or SLE for short is a long-term chronic inflammation autoimmune disease. The cause is unknown but research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors are involved. Predispositions such as race, gender and age increase the likeliness of being diagnosed with lupus. Lupus is difficult to diagnose because the common signs and symptoms seem to mimic other common diseases resulting in doctors frequently misdiagnosing the patient. Common symptoms associated with lupus are joint pain or swelling, skin rash and malaise or fatigue. Once successfully diagnosed the plan of care is created specifically for the patient by a team of health care professionals. The treatment is patient specific because many symptoms affect different people. The goal is to treat according to symptoms and organs involved. With a combination of management with medication and preventing environmental triggers, those with Lupus will have the opportunity to live a long healthy life. Keywords: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, autoimmune, autoantibodies
Lupus: When the Body Attacks
“Lupus” is Latin for the word wolf. The name was created in the 13th century by a physician who began to notice a distinctive erosive facial lesion that would appear on his patient’s face, which resembled a bite of a wolf. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that has no known cure. With the help of a professional health care team, a plan of care will be designed catered to the specific signs and symptoms of the patient. It is important that when faced with living with this long term disease that knowledge, understanding and awareness of lupus is essential. There is importance in taking control of the disease and to not allow the disease to take control of those diagnosed. With those tools in place those with lupus will be able to lead a long, healthy and
Cassandra E. Gilles
Fortis College (Miami, FL)
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus also known as Lupus or SLE for short is a long-term chronic inflammation autoimmune disease. The cause is unknown but research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors are involved. Predispositions such as race, gender and age increase the likeliness of being diagnosed with lupus. Lupus is difficult to diagnose because the common signs and symptoms seem to mimic other common diseases resulting in doctors frequently misdiagnosing the patient. Common symptoms associated with lupus are joint pain or swelling, skin rash and malaise or fatigue. Once successfully diagnosed the plan of care is created specifically for the patient by a team of health care professionals. The treatment is patient specific because many symptoms affect different people. The goal is to treat according to symptoms and organs involved. With a combination of management with medication and preventing environmental triggers, those with Lupus will have the opportunity to live a long healthy life. Keywords: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, autoimmune, autoantibodies
Lupus: When the Body Attacks
“Lupus” is Latin for the word wolf. The name was created in the 13th century by a physician who began to notice a distinctive erosive facial lesion that would appear on his patient’s face, which resembled a bite of a wolf. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that has no known cure. With the help of a professional health care team, a plan of care will be designed catered to the specific signs and symptoms of the patient. It is important that when faced with living with this long term disease that knowledge, understanding and awareness of lupus is essential. There is importance in taking control of the disease and to not allow the disease to take control of those diagnosed. With those tools in place those with lupus will be able to lead a long, healthy and
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