World Lupus Day: Living with LUPUS

By Dr. Kiran Seth in Rheumatology

May 10, 2017

What is SLE (Lupus)?

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’s usually affecting women in childbearing age. Lupus also affects children but only rarely. We don’t know exactly why this happens, our immune system normally protects against infections, but in illnesses such as lupus it attacks the body’s own tissues.This is probably caused by a combination of environmental, hormonal and genetic factors. The effects vary depending on which areas of the body are attacked – joints, skin, kidneys, brain etc.

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

What happens in Lupus

Tiredness, joint pains and skin rashes are common symptoms but lupus can affect many parts of the body, and when internal organs are involved the symptoms can be much more serious. You may have a rash over 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 pains. You may also develop problems in other internal organs Like kidneys (protein in urine, high blood pressure etc.) the 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 a 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 an Appointment with Dr. Kiran Seth Call: +91 99104 92867