Lupus

Overview

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues and organs. This can lead to the appearance of a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and organ damage. While the exact cause of lupus is unknown, it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no cure, however, medical treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

What is Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation throughout the body. In this condition, the immune system of an individual damages its own body instead of protecting it. The person experiences symptoms across their body depending on the system or the organ which has been damaged, including the brain, skin, joints, kidneys, blood, lungs and heart.

This condition is often difficult to diagnose, and the most distinctive sign is a facial rash that spreads across the cheek including the bridge of the nose. While some individuals are born with a risk of developing this condition, certain infections, genetic mutations, drugs and even sunlight exposure can trigger the symptoms of lupus.

Types of Lupus

Lupus is often interchangeably called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is one of the most common lupus types, affecting the entire body. Other types of lupus include the following:

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE): It is a skin condition caused by an overactive immune system. It results in rashes, often triggered by sunlight. There are different types of CLE, each with its own pattern of rash.

Neonatal Lupus: This is a rare condition that affects newborns when certain antibodies from the mother pass to the baby during pregnancy, causing problems such as a distinctive skin rash, liver issues, and low blood cell counts. Serious complications can include congenital heart block, affecting the baby's heart rate.

Drug-Induced Lupus: This condition is similar to regular lupus, but not permanent. Certain medications can cause the body to get confused and start attacking itself, which leads to lupus symptoms. Drugs for blood pressure or some antibiotics cause this type of lupus. However, the condition goes away on its own once an individual stops taking the medicine causing the problem.

Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus symptoms cause flare-ups, indicating that an individual can experience serious health problems, affecting their daily routine, while at other times, they may experience mild or no symptoms. The disease is associated with symptoms across the body, based on the systems or organs it affects. While the symptoms develop slowly, one may experience joint pain, headaches, muscle pain, chest pain, mouth sores, hair loss, fever, rashes, fatigue and shortness of breath.

Other common symptoms include confusion, blood clots, swelling in legs, arms and face, and swollen glands. In severe cases, this condition can lead to other health complications, including depression, anaemia, dry eye, photosensitivity, Raynaud’s syndrome, seizures, heart disease, osteoporosis and kidney disease. Lupus may also increase an individual's risk for cancer and other fatal infections that can weaken one's immune system. The condition can also lead to bone tissue death and pregnancy complications such as miscarriage.

Causes of Lupus

The exact causes of lupus are unknown to this date, however, researchers have found certain health or lifestyle factors that can trigger the condition. This includes genetic mutations, hormonal (estrogen) reactions in one's body, poor lifestyle factors such as smoking and stress and environmental factors such as pollution, which can increase the risk of lupus.

Any type of infection can also increase the risk of lupus. Medications for blood pressure, seizures and antibiotics can also trigger lupus. In the case of drug-induced lupus, patients often feel better when they stop taking the medications that have resulted in the development of this condition.

While any individual can develop the condition, its risk increases for black, Asian, Hispanic, Native American and Pacific Islander people. Individuals assigned female at birth and between the ages of 15 and 44 are also at high risk. Additionally, individuals with a biological parent who has a medical history of lupus are also at an increased risk.

Diagnosis of Lupus

A physical examination helps a doctor diagnose lupus. In the process, the doctor asks an individual about the symptoms they have been experiencing. They may also ask about the medical history of the individual, learning about the previously developed conditions and how they have treated or managed them.

This tricky-to-diagnose condition is then confirmed through the differential diagnosis method. The healthcare provider asks the patient to undergo a few tests, helping to undermine the conditions that have been causing the symptoms. These tests may include blood tests, urinalysis, antinuclear antibody (ANA) test and a biopsy.

Treatment for Lupus

Lupus treatment helps manage its symptoms, minimising the damage that the condition causes to the organs or an individual's ability to carry out daily activities. A doctor may suggest a combination of medications to deal with flare-ups, improving the overall well-being of the patient.

The treatment plan may include the use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. For patients in women, lupus causes conditions such as anaemia, high blood pressure or osteoporosis, they may need treatments for those particular conditions to manage these lupus complications.

Prevention of Lupus

An individual cannot prevent lupus since the causes of this condition have not been identified by medical experts. However, it is possible to prevent and reduce the occurrence of flare-ups by limiting certain activities that trigger the symptoms.

An individual needs to limit their sun exposure time. Too much sun exposure can trigger symptoms in some individuals; it is hence advised to wear SPF 50, long sleeve and sun-protective clothing when out between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.

One must also stay active to heal joint pain or improve mobility. A lupus patient must engage in low-intensity physical activities such as yoga, walking, swimming and biking to get their body moving without putting strain on their joints.

Additionally, it is critical to get enough sleep and take good care of one's mental health as living with lupus can be mentally draining. Seven to nine hours of sleep can reduce stress and help prevent flare-ups. People can seek help from a mental health professional to develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Myths and Facts Related to Lupus

Here are some of the myths and facts about Lupus:

Myth 1: Lupus is Contagious
Fact: Lupus is not contagious, it is an autoimmune disease. This implies that the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks its own tissues, considering it as a foreign substance.

Myth 2: Only Women are Affected by Lupus
Fact: While lupus is more common in women, men and children can also develop the condition if they are Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander or black.

Myth 3: Any Diagnostic Test Can Help Diagnose Lupus
Fact: Diagnosing lupus can be complex as symptoms often overlap with other conditions. Doctors often rely on a combination of tests, including blood tests, urinalysis and sometimes a biopsy, to confirm a diagnosis.