Lupus is known to attack the healthy cells and tissues of the body. It affects Immune System. The Immune system with Lupus which is otherwise known to attack foreign substances in the body impairs by causing damage to the skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and brain.
Types
- Systematic Lupus Erythematosus: It’s the most common and attacks the most parts of the body.
- Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: It causes rashes on the skin.
- Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: It causes sores on the body parts that come in contact with the sunlight.
- Drug-Induced Lupus: Complications due to medications.
- NeonatalLupus: It affects infants.
Lupus is most commonly seen in women of American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American origin and visibly less in Caucasian women.
The causes of Lupus are debatable. Although there are others reasons that can cause Lupus, Research studies opine that genes could also be one of the reasons.
Symptoms :
The symptoms enlisted here are the most common symptoms of Lupus.
- Rashes on the face
- Chest pain when inhaled for a deep breath
- Loss of hair
- Muscle pain
- Fever without any specific reason
- Sunlight sensitive
- Tiredness
- Swelling in the joints
- Mouth ulcers and swelling in the glands.
- Pale fingers or toes
A few less common symptoms of Lupus :
- Mood Swings
- Anaemia
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Confusion
The symptoms when they show up are called as flares which could either be mild or severe.
Diagnosis :
The diagnosis of Lupus is bizarre as it can take a long very time. The factors that may determine Lupus are from the patients’ medical history, complete examination of the body,blood tests, biopsies of the skin and kidney.
Treatment :
The doctor will need a medical team to address various symptoms caused by Lupus and a treatment plan accompanied by it. The patient should report if the plan is helping or incase he develops any new symptoms despite being treated so that he can change accordingly. It should include :
- Nurses, Psychologists and social workers
- A family doctor and a Rheumatologists
- Nephrologists and Cardiologists
- Dermatologists and Endocrinologists
- Haematologists and Clinical Immunologists
The treatment is provided to the patient to ensure the flares are prevented or treated when they show up and also to check any damages caused to vital organs of the body.
The medications thereby are given to :
- Balance hormones
- Improve immune system
- Avoid swelling and pain in the joints
- Prevent flares
- Prevent damage caused to the joints
After diagnosed with Lupus :
The treatment plan that is unique to the type of lupus you have developed will also require you to have a thorough knowledge on the disease and its impact on your body.Make sure you have a follow up periodically irrespective of the persistence of flares, symptoms or not. These visits shall help you and your doctor to :
- Note changes on any new developments of symptoms
- Work towards predicting and prevention of flares
- Change the treatment plan accordingly
- Detect any side effects caused due to the treatment procedure
Patients who are informed about the disease patterns and their impact on the lives tend to set their lives better which enables them to lead a normal life. The changes that you may notice when you decide to fight it are-
- The foremost being it reduces pain automatically
- Avoids frequent visits to the clinic
- A feel good factor about yourself and a ray of positivity
- An active person you become gradually
Pregnancy and contraception of women with Lupus :
Women with lupus who are expecting or who plan for a baby soon can deliver healthy babies if they ensure the following things-
- Pregnancy counselling and planning will help in checking the symptoms and possibilities of adverse effects of the disease either on your baby or on yourself.
- Pregnancy with lupus is considered as threatening but with regular follow ups with your doctor you can deliver healthy babies.