Hi Hermina Friends Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain and other organs. Lupus occurs when the body's immune system mistakes its own body tissues for a threat and attacks them.
The causes of lupus are not fully understood, but several factors are known to influence the development of this disease. Here are some factors that contribute to a person's risk of developing lupus:
Genetic factors:
There is evidence that genetic factors play an important role in the risk of developing lupus. People who have family members with lupus have a higher risk of developing this disease. Several genes related to the immune system are involved in lupus.
Endocrine Factors:
Lupus is more common in women than men, suggesting a role for hormonal factors in the development of this disease. Estrogen, one of the hormones in a woman's body, is believed to affect the immune system and can influence the body's immune response.
Immune disorders:
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. Damage or disruption to the immune system can trigger an autoimmune response that causes inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues.
Neighborhood proximity:
Several environmental factors are associated with lupus. Excessive sun exposure is known to cause or worsen lupus symptoms in some people. In addition, certain viral and bacterial infections are implicated in the development of lupus in susceptible individuals.
Drugs:
Certain drugs, such as hydralazine, an antihypertensive, and procainamide, an antiarrhythmic, have been linked to the development of lupus in a small number of people. However, it is important to note that lupus caused by this drug tends to be reversible once treatment is stopped.
Lupus signs and symptoms vary from person to person and may develop gradually or suddenly. Common symptoms include extreme tiredness, sun rash, swollen and painful joints, fever, chest pain, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, kidney problems, mental economic confusion and traffic problems.
Diagnosing lupus includes analyzing the patient's symptoms and signs, a physical exam, blood tests to detect antibodies that are specific to lupus, and other tests such as a urinalysis, skin biopsy, or imaging tests such as a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging.
Lupus treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms, stopping attacks, and keeping the affected organs healthy. Treatment includes taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve mild pain and inflammation, corticosteroids to reduce more severe inflammation, and immunosuppressants to control the body's immune response. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by avoiding excessive sun exposure, managing stress and exercising regularly. It is important to see a doctor experienced in treating lupus, such as a rheumatologist, for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can help plan the best approach to managing lupus and minimizing its impact on quality of life.