Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy tissues and organs, specifically, the skin and joints, brain, lungs, nervous system, gastrointestinal tracts, renal and circulatory systems.
A survey conducted by an organization which studies the disease found that there are at least five million people worldwide who have a form of lupus. Although most prevalent in women of childbearing age, lupus may also affect children and men between the ages of 15-44.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Lupus is a disease that is hard to diagnose since it mimics symptoms of other diseases. People who have lupus may exhibit symptoms as early as in their teenage years and may extend to adults in their 30s. Common early symptoms may include fatigue or fever, joint pains, skin rashes, thinking and memory problems, even hair loss.
Serious symptoms of lupus are manifested by cognitive disorders, seizures, gastrointestinal, pulmonary and thyroid problems.
Although these are the most common symptoms of lupus in the early and late stages, symptoms can vary from mild to severe depending on the individual. In some cases, there may be no visible symptoms.
What are the causes?
Contrary to popular belief, lupus is not a contagious disease. A person with lupus cannot transfer the disease to someone.
Research infers that there are a lot of factors which contribute to the development of lupus. These may be genetic, hormonal, and environmental. Certain drugs may also cause lupus. Some drugs to combat irregular heartbeat, regulate blood pressure, antibiotics, and anti-depressants are associated with lupus.
How can you treat it?
There is no single treatment for lupus, as there is no cure. When someone has been diagnosed with lupus, symptoms are controlled through appropriate medications.
Lupus can be deadly most especially when due to cardiovascular issues. But with careful monitoring and disease management, many people with lupus can live relatively healthy and normal lives.
