What is Lupus | Definition of Lupus
Types of Lupus
There are only three main types of this condition. They include the following:
- Systemic erythematosus (SLE) is the form of lupus most often referred to as lupus.
- Discoid erythematosus
- Drug-induced
Systemic Lupus
This type’s full name is Systemic Erythematosus (SLE). It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) | Skin Lupus
This is the second type that is a chronic skin condition of sores with inflammation and scarring favoring the face, ears, and scalp and at times on other body areas. These lesions develop as a red, inflamed patch with a scaling and crusty appearance.
Drug-Induced Lupus
This is the third type that refers to a form of lupus caused by the use of certain medications. People tend to be ignorant about the type of medication they’re given at the Hospitals. Be cautious some of them may cause Lupus.
Signs And Symptoms Of Lupus | Lupus Disease Symptoms
The following are some of the common signs and symptoms associated to Lupus:
- Achy joints (arthralgia)
- Unexplained fever (more than 100 F)
- Swollen joints (arthritis)
- Prolonged or extreme fatigue.
- Skin rash.
- Ankle swelling and fluid accumulation.
- Pain in the chest when breathing deeply (pleurisy)
- A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose.
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How Lupus looks like
Lupus Diet
Despite so much research and what people have read, there is no specific or established diet for this condition. However, you should aim to eat a healthy blend of foods just like any other medication ailment. These include eating fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, plant fats, lean proteins, and fish.
Lupus Prognosis
The best Prognosis for Lupus is with close follow-up and treatment, 80-90% of people with lupus can expect to live a normal life span. It is true that medical science has not yet developed a method for curing it, and some people do die from the disease. However, for the majority of people living with the disease today, it will not be fatal.
Lupus Symptoms Men
The symptoms for men include the following:
- Achy joints (arthralgia)
- Unexplained fever (more than 100 F)
- Swollen joints (arthritis)
- Prolonged or extreme fatigue.
- Skin rash.
- Ankle swelling and fluid accumulation.
- Pain in the chest when breathing deeply (pleurisy)
- A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose
Lupus Arthritis
Arthritis is caused by either inflammation or wear and tear of the body’s joints. It is characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling and redness and can limit movements such as in the shoulders or knees. Therefore Lupus arthritis is caused by inflammation.
Systemic Symptoms | Systemic Erythematosus Symptoms
Systemic Lupus symptoms include the following:
- Achy joints (arthralgia)
- Unexplained fever (more than 100 F)
- Swollen joints (arthritis)
- Prolonged or extreme fatigue.
- Skin rash.
- Ankle swelling and fluid accumulation.
- Pain in the chest when breathing deeply (pleurisy)
- A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose.
Lupus Flare
These are autoantibodies that often cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body. When this condition occurs, many people will notice a return of symptoms or an increase in symptom severity. However, some people may also develop new symptoms.
Cutaneous Lupus
This condition refers to a form of the disease in which symptoms are restricted to those that affect the skin. A patient may be diagnosed with cutaneous lupus, but that does not mean that he or she has SLE, which affects multiple parts of the body.
Systemic Erythematosus Treatment
Treatment for lupus depends on your signs and symptoms. Determining whether your signs and symptoms should be treated and what medications to use requires a careful discussion of the benefits and risks with your doctor. The following treatment can be applied to Treat SLE:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), may be used to treat pain, swelling and fever associated with lupus. Stronger NSAIDs are available by prescription. Side effects of NSAIDs include stomach bleeding, kidney problems and an increased risk of heart problems.
- Antimalarial drugs. Medications commonly used to treat malaria, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), affect the immune system and can help decrease the risk of lupus flares. Side effects can include stomach upset and, very rarely, damage to the retina of the eye. Regular eye exams are recommended when taking these medications.
- Corticosteroids. Prednisone and other types of corticosteroids can counter the inflammation of lupus. High doses of steroids such as methylprednisolone (A-Methapred, Medrol) are often used to control serious disease that involves the kidneys and brain. Side effects include weight gain, easy bruising, thinning bones (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, diabetes and increased risk of infection. The risk of side effects increases with higher doses and longer term therapy.
- Immunosuppressants. Drugs that suppress the immune system may be helpful in serious cases of lupus. Examples include azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) and methotrexate (Trexall). Potential side effects may include an increased risk of infection, liver damage, decreased fertility and an increased risk of cancer.
- Biologics. A different type of medication, belimumab (Benlysta) administered intravenously, also reduces lupus symptoms in some people. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea and infections. Rarely, worsening of depression can occur.
- Rituximab (Rituxan) can be beneficial in cases of resistant lupus. Side effects include allergic reaction to the intravenous infusion and infections.
In Children
Diagnosing lupus in children can be difficult at times because of its various features as a disease. Some children have obvious lupus symptoms with fever, rash, and kidney involvement. Others may only complain of not feeling well, or of being tired or achy. Make sure you respond to these signs before they worsen.
Lupus Prevention
The proper to treat Lupus is available but understanding how to execute preventive measures against flares of this disease is very important to improve a person’s overall quality of life. The following are some preventive measures that may reduce the risk of both the onset of lupus, in those who are at risk, and a flare-up.
- Avoid sunlight
Exposure to sunlight can lead to rashes and other symptoms in some people with lupus, including fatigue, and joint pain. According to research published in 2014, photosensitivity is a common factor in cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and the American College of Rheumatology includes it in its diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Not everyone with lupus has this sensitivity, but it is more common in people with lupus than those without the condition. For people who have a sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light, staying out of the sun can help reduce the risk of a flare-up. If this is unavoidable, people should use a high-factor sunscreen of 50+ that protects from both UVA and UVB, and wear clothes that cover the body.
- Avoid some medications
A number of prescription drugs can trigger symptoms, including:
- the sleep aids melatonin and Rozerem, which mimics melatonin
- the antibiotics Bactrim (which combines sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) and Septra (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim)
Genetics Home Reference note that in 10 percent of people with lupus, symptoms result from the use of medications. At least 80 medications can cause symptoms. An individual should always check with their doctor if any new medications are likely to cause a problem.
- Avoid certain foods
For a person with an autoimmune condition, enhancing the immune system can be a problem. Foods such as garlic and alfalfa sprouts and supplements such as echinacea may have this property. People sometimes use such foods and supplements to prevent colds, for example, but people with lupus might find that they make symptoms worse, according to the Johns Hopkins Lupus Center.
- Avoid toxins
Researchers have found that cigarette smoke, alcohol, and some work-related and other chemicals appear to trigger genetic changes that can lead to lupus. People should avoid these as far as possible.
Natural Remedies
The following are considered as the most effective natural remedies against Lupus. They include:
- Turmeric.
- Ginger
- Apple cider vinegar
- Coconut oil. …
- Epsom salt. …
- Tulsi or Holy basil. …
- Flaxseeds. …
- Green tea.