Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Research Paper
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by acute and chronic inflammation of various tissues of the body. Like other autoimmune diseases, lupus occurs when the body' own tissues are attacked by its own immune system.
Symptoms of lupus can vary from one person to another, and may come and go. There is no total cure of lupus. The goal of treatment is geared toward symptoms relief to protect the vital organs of the body. Better see your doctor immediately if you suspect you have symptoms of lupus.
Here are some of the common clinical symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Fatigue
The feeling of tiredness will definitely affect our ability to perform daily task. Being tired all the time with no apparent
reason is something to take noticed of. Sleeping is perhaps the easiest thing to do to fight off fatigue. Some people take afternoon rest to keep their energy level up for the rest of the day. Remember, too much sleeping during day might lead to insomia at night.
Hair Loss
Alopecia is a medical terminology for hair loss. Hair become brittle and thins out slowly as a result of inflammation of the skin and scalp. There can be thinning of eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, and other body hair on some people with lupus.
Skin rash
Butterfly-shaped rash is one of the visible symptom you will see in people with lupus. Rash will appear suddenly upon exposure to sun, or even to artificial lighting.
Photosensitivity
Unusual sensitivity to sunlight.
Dryness of mouth and eyes.
This happens because some patient with lupus develops Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that affect the glands responsible for saliva and tears.
Swollen and Painful Joints.
This usually occur at joints of the fingers, hands, wrists, and knees due to inflammation. The symptoms can come and go, like other symptoms of lupus. There are over-the-counter medications to help you with this symptoms.
Mouth and Nose Ulcers
Small, painful ulcerations at the oral and nasal mucosa.
Raynaud's Phenomenon
This develop from poor circulation. Finger changes in color to white or blue with exposure to cold.
Nephritis
Patient with lupus usually develop inflammation of the kidney. The inflammation will affect kidneys ability to filter toxins and waste from the blood.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
There can be occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, and other gastrointestinal problems. Some over-the-counter medications may give relief, or better see your doctor if none has been helpful. Avoiding caffeinated beverages and cutting down the meal size are just some of the ways to manage the symptoms. Nausea, sometimes with vomiting, and diarrhea are common to lupus patient as well.
Lung and Heart Problems
Pleuritis or pericarditis usually develop as a result of inflammation of the lining tissue around the heart or lungs. Lupus patient experiences chest pain upon breathing.
Cognitive Dysfunction
Patient with lupus might have difficulties with memory and reasoning.
Other symptoms include headache, seizure, and changes in mood.
Symptoms of lupus can vary from one person to another, and may come and go. There is no total cure of lupus. The goal of treatment is geared toward symptoms relief to protect the vital organs of the body. Better see your doctor immediately if you suspect you have symptoms of lupus.
Here are some of the common clinical symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Fatigue
The feeling of tiredness will definitely affect our ability to perform daily task. Being tired all the time with no apparent
reason is something to take noticed of. Sleeping is perhaps the easiest thing to do to fight off fatigue. Some people take afternoon rest to keep their energy level up for the rest of the day. Remember, too much sleeping during day might lead to insomia at night.
Hair Loss
Alopecia is a medical terminology for hair loss. Hair become brittle and thins out slowly as a result of inflammation of the skin and scalp. There can be thinning of eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, and other body hair on some people with lupus.
Skin rash
Butterfly-shaped rash is one of the visible symptom you will see in people with lupus. Rash will appear suddenly upon exposure to sun, or even to artificial lighting.
Photosensitivity
Unusual sensitivity to sunlight.
Dryness of mouth and eyes.
This happens because some patient with lupus develops Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that affect the glands responsible for saliva and tears.
Swollen and Painful Joints.
This usually occur at joints of the fingers, hands, wrists, and knees due to inflammation. The symptoms can come and go, like other symptoms of lupus. There are over-the-counter medications to help you with this symptoms.
Mouth and Nose Ulcers
Small, painful ulcerations at the oral and nasal mucosa.
Raynaud's Phenomenon
This develop from poor circulation. Finger changes in color to white or blue with exposure to cold.
Nephritis
Patient with lupus usually develop inflammation of the kidney. The inflammation will affect kidneys ability to filter toxins and waste from the blood.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
There can be occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, and other gastrointestinal problems. Some over-the-counter medications may give relief, or better see your doctor if none has been helpful. Avoiding caffeinated beverages and cutting down the meal size are just some of the ways to manage the symptoms. Nausea, sometimes with vomiting, and diarrhea are common to lupus patient as well.
Lung and Heart Problems
Pleuritis or pericarditis usually develop as a result of inflammation of the lining tissue around the heart or lungs. Lupus patient experiences chest pain upon breathing.
Cognitive Dysfunction
Patient with lupus might have difficulties with memory and reasoning.
Other symptoms include headache, seizure, and changes in mood.