Living with LUPUS

By in Rheumatology

May 10, 2018

SLE [Systemic Lupus Erythematosus] is an autoimmune disease involving multiple body organs; Lupus is about nine times as common in women as in men. It generally affects women during their childbearing age. Lupus rarely affects children. The exact cause of this disease is still unknown. Our immune system normally protects us from various types of infections, but in case of lupus the body’s own tissues gets affected. This is probably caused by a combination of environmental, hormonal and genetic factors. The effect of the disease totally depends on the area of the body which has been impacted by the disorder such as – joints, skin, kidneys, brain etc.  

Lupus is not a contagious disease and is not directly inherited from the parents, though some of   the genes inherited from parent may contribute to the development of the disease.

What happens in Lupus?

Tiredness, pain in the joints and skin rashes are the common symptoms of lupus though it can affect many other parts of the body, and when the internal organs are involved then the symptoms gets more serious. There are chances that you might have rashes over the parts of the body that are exposed to the sun.  

A butterfly-shaped rash over the cheeks and the bridge of the nose is especially common. You can also have mouth ulcers, hair loss and joint pain. You may also develop problems in other internal organs like Kidneys (protein in urine, high blood pressure etc.), Brain (abnormal behavior, depression, fits, stroke), Heart, Lungs, Blood (anemia low platelets, abnormal bleeding, or clotting), and other systems.  

Are there any long-term risks in lupus?

Lupus is a variable and unpredictable condition and can be life-threatening for minority of patients whose vital organs like kidneys, brain, heart blood etc. are affected. However, with modern treatments and careful monitoring of the condition the disease can be brought under control in most patients.

Anything more that I should know?

Keep out of the sun: use a sun-blocking cream, factor 25 or greater. Seek doctor’s advice for contraception, vaccinations & infections. Tiredness can also be a significant problem. Regular exercise as advice by doctor can improve fitness without putting too much strain on the joints.

For appointments and more information, Call: +919910492867 or email: metro@metrohospitals.com