Lupus affects body systems like skin, joints, blood, kidney, heart and lungs. It is an autoimmune condition. The immune system of our body mistakes its own cells and tissues as foreign bodies. The Latin word lupus means ‘a wolf’. The inflammations on the skin resembled a wolf-bite. Doctors thought so.

 

There are three main types of lupus. They are:

 

Systemic lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus and

Drug-Induced lupus

 

Causes of Lupus

 

SLE can be the result of several independent factors

 

The different environmental factors that can trigger autoimmune reactions are:

 

The activity of certain viruses

Ultraviolet-B rays from the sun and

Certain chemicals

 

Other factors that contribute to the condition include:
Genetics of the person

The influence of genetics varies from person to person. The same factors and conditions can have different responses in different persons.

 

Use of certain medicines

Certain medicines can trigger autoimmune reaction. This condition is also called drug-induced lupus.

 

Common signs of lupus

 

Symptoms of lupus can appear all of a sudden or over many years

 

Butterfly rash

Also called malar rash, this is the most common skin problem associated with SLE. The rashes will appear in face parts like cheeks and nose bridge. Some people develop lesions in their skin. The rashes and inflammations appear in different shapes.

 

Some symptoms associated with Lupus are:

 

Arthritis

Kidney problems

Photosensitivity – the affected parts get stronger reaction when exposed to sunlight

Problems to central nervous system – dizziness, facing away from the society etc are common symptoms

Heart and lung problems – inflammations occur in the lining of internal organs like heart and lungs

Mucosal ulcers – painless mouth ulcer

Blood vessel disorders

Unexplainable fatigue

Fever

Hair loss

Swellings around the eyes

 

Diagnosis for Lupus

 

There is no simple laboratory test for lupus. Doctors check the medical history of patients. This will give the doctor a clear idea about the conditions of the patient.

 

Doctors once believed that it pregnancy and lupus as a dangerous combination. Women with lupus disorders can bear children and are capable of delivering normal babies. If lupus has affected her organ systems like heart or lungs, close monitoring by her lupus doctor is necessary during pregnancy and for a few weeks after delivery.

 

Some conditions that resemble or accompany SLE are as follows:

 

Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (SCLE)

It is an intermediate condition of discoid lupus erthematosus and systemic lupus erthematosus. This condition is characterized by the presence of disc-shaped plaques around the neck and around the trunk. Subacute cutaneous lupus usually heals without scarring.

 

Lupus Arthritis

Majority of persons with lupus (SLE) develop joint pain, swelling and stiffness at joints of knee, elbow, ankles, toes, fingers, hands and wrists. The conditions worsen during flare. The pain is not permanent. The joints also are not deformed. Lupus arthritis is not the sole reason for joint pain. There can be other medical conditions for joint pain. Lupus arthritis does not affect spine or neck.

 

Scleroderma

It is a skin problem noted for the hardening of skin. Over production of collagen hardens the skin. Multiple sclerosis characterized by fatigue, dizziness or drowsiness also sometimes resembles the symptoms of SLE. Many cases of lupus are mistaken as arthritis. Lupus affects the smaller joints of your body. It can affect fingers, hands, wrists and knees. In some mild cases of lupus, joint pain can be only a symptom. Monitoring of the signs and symptoms, physical examination, and lab tests are necessary to diagnose a case of lupus.

 

The mental trauma is more severe than the physical conditions. Malar rash or butterfly rash that appears in the face is a serious problem for women. This rash is sensitive to sunlight. The condition worsens when exposed to sunlight. Discoid rash associated with discoid lupus affects skin surface only. The rashes are still a problem for them. The rashes prevent them from confidently intermingling with people. Ulcers in the mouth are usually painless.

 

Inflammation in the lining of heart or lungs also causes severe conditions

 

Lupus also cause blood related problems like:

Anemia – low red blood cell count

Leukopenia – low white blood cell count

Thrombocytopenia – low platelet count

This all causes problems to immune system also.

 

Lupus patients suffer from four or more of the above symptoms.

 

 

 

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