Lupus: 5 Types, Cuase, Symptoms, Risk & Treatment
An autoimmune disease, lupus, is a condition in which your immune system attacks your own organs and tissues. Lupus-caused inflammation can affect a wide range of body systems, including the kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs, skin, joints, and skin. Due to the fact that its signs and symptoms frequently resemble those of other illnesses, lupus can be challenging to diagnose.
In many, but not all, cases of lupus, the most distinctive symptom is a facial rash that looks like butterfly wings unfolding across both cheeks. Lupus can be brought on by infections, certain medications, or even sunlight, and some people are predisposed to the condition from birth. Lupus cannot be cured, but treatments can help manage symptoms.
Lupus types
- Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: lupus confined to the skin.
- Lupus caused by drugs: As a side effect, some drugs cause lupus symptoms. Most of the time, it only lasts for a short time and may go away if you stop taking the medication that caused it.
- Lupus in the womb: Lupus can affect newborns. Although there is no guarantee that their offspring will be affected by lupus, there is a possibility that they will be at an increased risk.
Symptoms of Lupus:
The signs and symptoms of lupus vary from person to person. Some people only exhibit a few symptoms, while others exhibit a multitude. Some typical signs include:
- Joint pain (arthralgia)
- A fever above 100 degrees F
- Joint swelling due to arthritis
- Persistent or severe exhaustion
- A skin rash
- Pain in the ankle
- Pleurisy, chest pain when you breathe deeply
- Malar rash, a rash that looks like a butterfly and covers your nose, cheeks, and forehead. It can be dark purple or dark brown on dark skin, but it can be red or pink on light skin.
- Thin hair
- Sensitivity to light or the sun
- Headaches
- Sores on the nose or mouth
- Fingers or toes that are pale or purple when you are cold or stressed
Causes:
Lupus is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. Lupus is probably brought on by a combination of your genes and your environment. It appears that when they come into contact with something in the environment that can cause lupus, people who have an inherited predisposition to the disease may develop the disease. However, the majority of the time, the cause of lupus is unknown. Among the potential causes are: Sunrise: Sunlight may cause lupus skin lesions or elicit an internal response in those who are susceptible. Illnesses: In some people, getting an infection can either start lupus or make it worse Medikaments: Antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and other medications can all contribute to lupus. When a person with drug-induced lupus stops taking the medication, they usually feel better. Rarely, symptoms may persist after stopping the medication.
Risk elements:
Lupus can happen to anyone, but certain groups of people are more likely to get it: • Female at birth (AFAB) individuals, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 44.
- Black folks
- People who are Hispanic.
- Asian individuals
- People of Native American, Alaskan, and First Nations descent.
- Native Hawaiians
- Individuals whose biological parents have lupus.
Effects on Health:
Lupus is accompanied by the following additional conditions and symptoms:
- Kidney inflammation, which affects up to 60% of adults with lupus (and 2/3 of children) It can result in leg swelling, blood in the urine, frothy urine, and high blood pressure.
- Raynaud’s disease, in which the cold causes the fingers and/or toes to turn blue or white.
- Sjogren’s, which makes the eyes, mouth, and genital area dry.
- Swelling around the eyes, hands, or feet.
- Loss of hair that can be brought on by lupus itself or by medications that are used to treat it.
- Issues with the blood include anemia, which is characterized by a low red blood cell count, a low platelet count, a low white blood cell count, and blood clots
- Miscommunication or memory issues
What are the lupus complications?
Lupus patients may develop:
- Lethargy.
- Blood clots or high blood pressure.
- Inflammation of the heart or lung lining.
- kidney issues.
- Anxiety and sadness.
- Epileptic fits or trouble seeing.
- Osteopenia.
What is the treatment for lupus?
The best way to control your symptoms, feel better, and prevent your lupus from getting worse is to get treatment. Treatment for lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is contingent on the severity of your symptoms. You may benefit from treatment:
- Reduce symptoms
- Reduce inflammation
- Reduce and prevent flare-ups
- Avoid harm to organs and other health issues
Medications for inflammation:
Joint pain and swelling, particularly in the fingers, wrists, or knees, may be symptoms of lupus. You may occasionally have a fever. In most cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can alleviate these issues. They are available without a prescription. Among the over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications are:
- Phentermine
- NSAIDs
- Aspirin
- Nephron
- Malaria medications
- Lupus can be treated with some malaria medications like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. They might alleviate joint pain, mouth sores, and skin rashes. Additionally, they may reduce the risk of blood clots, which are a concern for some lupus patients.
Anti-inflammatory drugs:
These medications suppress your immune system, alleviate symptoms, and aid in preventing organ damage over time. Lupus is commonly treated with immunosuppressive drugs like:
- Imuran azathioprine
- Cyclophosphamide Cytoxan:
- Methotrexate, or Rheumatrex
- Lupkynis voclosporin
Taking care of oneself:
- Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats like extra-virgin olive oil and avocado should all be a part of a balanced diet. Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation.
- It is essential to rest in order to reduce fatigue and inflammation when the disease is active and the joints are painful, swollen, or stiff. Regular exercise can ease pain and stress when disease activity is low. Muscle-strengthening and flexibility exercises are included in a program that is balanced with low-impact aerobic exercise.
- A flare or skin rash can be caused by ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or fluorescent lights. Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every hour or after swimming, sweating, or changing clothes. Avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 5 pm.
- Be extra vigilant when taking medications that make you more sensitive to light and don’t forget to wear hats and protective clothing. Pacing yourself is essential to avoiding excessive exhaustion taking over your day. Sleeping soundly will aid in reducing tiredness.
- For emotional support in managing the ups and downs of a chronic disease, build strong, positive relationships. Reduce stress by practicing yoga, deep breathing, or other forms of relaxation. To maintain a positive attitude, stay connected to activities you enjoy.
- Smoking is bad for the body and can make lupus worse. Get professional assistance if quitting on your own is difficult.