You have most certainly heard of celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, and Micheal Jackson. These top celebrities all hold a similarity, they all have a disease known as Lupus (SLE). Lupus is an autoimmune disease that is not limited/restricted to a certain part of the body. So let's dwell deeper into the complexities of Lupus.
Lupus: What exactly is it?
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) also known as Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the whole body. Named for the faulty immune response where antibodies attack healthy cells, it causes inflammation resulting in a wide range of symptoms. It is separated into periods of flare-ups (symptoms worsening) and remission (symptoms improve/disappear). The kidneys, heart, brain, and skin are specifically affected due to inflammation.
Symptoms of Lupus
Due to the excessive inflammation throughout the body, many organ symptoms are affected which lead to adverse effects.
Common symptoms include:
Fevers
Fatigue
Skin Rashes (Butterfly Rash)
Abdominal Pain
Swelling in legs and feet (due to fluid retention)
Alopecia
Arthritis
Headaches and dizziness
Depression
Rarely, seizures
Who is at risk?
Lupus is not limited to a certain demographic, but there is a higher likelihood for certain groups to develop it. Women have a 9x higher chance of getting the disease, and it's common for African Americans, Asians, and Hispanic people to get it. Lupus symptoms first appear through the ages of 15-45 but it is not a death sentence.
Treatments of Lupus
There are many treatment plans to target the symptoms of Lupus, but currently, there is no cure. Many lupus patients can continue with a normal lifestyle and deal with flare-ups of their symptoms. and effectively put it back into remission. Treatments such as :
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Antimalarial drugs - (decrease the risk of flare-ups)
Corticosteroids - (counters inflammation)
Immunosuppressants - (Suppress the immune system)
It is important to discuss treatment with your medical provider and have routine check-ups with a rheumatologist to keep Lupus in check. Swift action and continuous maintenance of this disease prevent permanent organ damage and will lead to a sounder lifestyle.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board