What is Lupus
By: Mark MonteiroTotal Views: 112, Word Count: 680,
Lupus is a type of immune disease. Research has given the answer to the question, what is lupus and the reasons behind it. Normally, the immune system attacks unknown substances in the body. In the case of lupus patients, the immune system starts attacking healthy cells or tissues of the body. This can damage joints, lungs, blood vessels, skin, kidneys, heart, or brain.
Lupus has many symptoms and it varies from patient to patient. Some of the most frequently occurring symptoms are:
- Pain and swelling in joints
- Muscle pain
- Fever
- Swollen glands
- Feeling exhausted
- Red rashes on the face
- Hair loss
- Pale or purple fingers and toes
- Sensitivity to the sun
- Swelling in legs as well as round eyes
- Mouth ulcers
- Chest pain while breathing deeply
Anyone can get lupus, but it happens more in women. The exact cause of lupus is not known, but research tells that it is more often genetic. Lupus is of different types. It is listed as below:
Systemic lupus erythematosus :
This type of lupus affects nearly all parts of the body.
Discoid lupus erythematosus:
This type of lupus can be detected by the presence of skin rash which is permanent.
Subacute coetaneous lupus erythematosus:
This lupus forms skin sores on the specific body part which is exposed to sun.
Drug-induced lupus:
This lupus is caused because of prolong medications.
Neonatal lupus:
It is a rare type of lupus which attacks newborns.
In today’s date, there is not a specific test which can perfectly diagnose lupus. Diagnosis can take months or years for its complete results. Diagnosis of lupus consists of the following factors:
Treatment of Lupus
There is a need for a special team of doctors in the treatment of lupus. Lupus can be treated with the help of:
- Clinical immunologists
- Nephrologists
- Hematologists
- Dermatologists
- Neurologists
- Cardiologists
- Endocrinologists
- A family doctor
- Rheumatologists
- Hormonal Therapy
- Nurses
- Psychologists
- Social workers
Although someone has lupus, it is very important to handle the stress of having lupus. Exercise makes it easier to cope with lupus. A support of family, community groups, friends, and doctors can work positively.
Pregnancy for Women with Lupus
Women with lupus do have healthy babies. But it is very important to keep some points in mind when you are pregnant or thinking to have a baby.
- Pregnant women who have lupus have a high risk of transferring this disease,, but proper precaution makes it possible to take care of the baby.
- Pregnant women with lupus should regularly visit their doctors
- Lupus can flare up during pregnancy and hence, one should always have an eye on it.
- Attend the pregnancy counseling and plan for a safe and healthy child birth
Lupus foundation of America is a well known organization which has been involved in different issues related to lupus patients. This organization gives support to patients, which help a lot in curing lupus.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Monteiro is graduated from the Hazard University and done his MBA from the he University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Currently he is working as general physician at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health. For over 15 years he has been a pioneer in the field of physician health. He has contributed to the treatment of many diseases like- ASTHMA, TUBERCULOSIS, HIV, HEPATITIS AND ITS TREATMENT.
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