Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or often called lupus, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that happens when your body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because of the signs and symptoms often mimic other diseases. The most distinct sign of lupus is a facial rash that resembles a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks. Unfortunately some people are born with a tendency toward developing lupus. Even though there is no cure, treatments help control symptoms. Signs and symptoms of lupus are never the same in people with the disease. Signs and symptoms may come suddenly or develop slowly and range from mild or severe. Most cases of lupus have mild symptoms characterized by flares, when signs and symptoms get worse for a while then improve or disappear for a time. Most signs and symptoms of lupus that a patient may experience depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. Most common symptoms are fatigue and fever; joint pain, stiffness, and swelling; butterfly shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and the bridge of the nose; 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, or memory loss. Lupus occurs when the body’s immune system attacks health tissue in the body. Lupus leads to long-term chronic inflammation. It can be caused by a combination of genetics and the environment we live. The causes for lupus in most cases are unknown but some potential triggers can be sunlight exposure and medications. Lupus can occur at any age and often in people between the ages 10 and 50. African Americans and Asians seem to be affected more by Lupus. For a doctor to diagnose Lupus, it can be difficult. There is
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or often called lupus, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that happens when your body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because of the signs and symptoms often mimic other diseases. The most distinct sign of lupus is a facial rash that resembles a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks. Unfortunately some people are born with a tendency toward developing lupus. Even though there is no cure, treatments help control symptoms. Signs and symptoms of lupus are never the same in people with the disease. Signs and symptoms may come suddenly or develop slowly and range from mild or severe. Most cases of lupus have mild symptoms characterized by flares, when signs and symptoms get worse for a while then improve or disappear for a time. Most signs and symptoms of lupus that a patient may experience depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. Most common symptoms are fatigue and fever; joint pain, stiffness, and swelling; butterfly shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and the bridge of the nose; 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, or memory loss. Lupus occurs when the body’s immune system attacks health tissue in the body. Lupus leads to long-term chronic inflammation. It can be caused by a combination of genetics and the environment we live. The causes for lupus in most cases are unknown but some potential triggers can be sunlight exposure and medications. Lupus can occur at any age and often in people between the ages 10 and 50. African Americans and Asians seem to be affected more by Lupus. For a doctor to diagnose Lupus, it can be difficult. There is