Do you have Lupus Disease?
Lupus erythematosus (Lupus Disease) is an autoimmune disease that affects the connective tissue. Lupus disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus disease can affect many different body systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart, and lungs. Lupus disease occurs nine times more frequently in women than men, although the reasons for this are not known. People from Asian and African American decent are affected more than other races. 4 kinds of lupus exist — systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus and neonatal lupus. Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common and serious form of lupus disease.
The cause of lupus disease is not yet known. It is an autoimmune disease which means that the body’s immune system is not able to differentiate between healthy cells and harmful cells. With an autoimmune disease, the body attacks healthy cells and tissues and can cause chronic inflammation and pain. Most people with systemic lupus erythematosus develop arthritis as a result of the disease’s affect on the joints (specifically, the fingers, hands, wrists and knees).
People with lupus disease will often have some or all of the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headaches
- Sensitivity to light
- Hair Loss
- Unintentional change in weight (weight loss or weight gain)
- Pain or stiffness in the joints (fingers, hands, wrists, knees, ect.)
- Rash on the face that covers both checks and the nose. (This rash is often butterfly shaped).
- Memory loss
- Swollen glands
- Nausea
Although, there is currently no known cure for lupus disease, advancements in medical science has greatly improved the outlook for lupus patients. There are medications that help alleviate some of the symptoms of lupus. Studies suggest that 85% percent of people with lupus disease live ten years or more after diagnosis.
It is common for people with an autoimmune disease such as lupus to suffer from anxiety and depression. It may be helpful to connect to others who share your medical condition. FacetoFace Health offers a secure lupus disease support group where members may anonymously connect to others with lupus. Ask questions about other people’s experiences, symptoms and treatment results or simply share your thoughts and get support from others who know what you are going through. You are not alone in your battle for a healthy, productive life.
Cited References and Additional Resources:
Lupus Foundation of America
Mayo Clinic
Google Health
More Information on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus