Living with 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 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
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