Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs by mistake. Lupus can lead to inflammation anywhere in your body; your joints, skin, kidneys, blood, brain, heart and lungs can all suffer from the disease.
Diagnosing lupus isn’t always easy, because it has a wide range of symptoms that resemble other conditions. There is one particular symptom that is specific to lupus: a butterfly-shaped rash on the face. However, not all lupus patients have this symptom.
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Predisposition to lupus can be hereditary, but it’s not the only factor. Lupus triggers include infections, certain medications, and sunlight. Lupus is a lifelong disease, but there are treatments available to relieve the symptoms of the condition.
Symptoms of lupus vary greatly. They can be sudden or appear slowly, have a different degree of severity, and can be temporary or permanent. Most cases of lupus are mild; patients may experience flares (= symptoms worsening), but then the symptoms subside or go away completely.
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Here’s the list of most common lupus symptoms:
* joints hurt, and become stiff and swollen;
* fatigue;
* fever;
* rash on the nose and cheeks in the shape of a butterfly;
* photosensitivity;
* Raynaud’s phenomenon — cold or stress make fingers and toes turn blue or white;
* shortness of breath;
* pain in the chest;
* dry eyes;
* headaches, confusion and memory problems.
* If you have an unexplained rash, fever, constant aching or fatigue, it’s time to go to your doctor.
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Lupus risk factors are the following:
* gender – women are at a higher risk;
* age – people of any age can develop the condition, but the diagnosis is usually made when the patient * is between the ages of 15 and 40;
* race – African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asians are at a higher risk.
If you suffer from lupus, here’s the list of things you can do to better manage the condition:
frequent visits to the doctor are a must;
lupus patients often suffer from extreme fatigue – get all the rest you need, both during daytime and nighttime;
cover up and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 55 when you’re out in the sun;
work out – it can help you in more than one way;
say ‘no’ to cigarettes to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease caused by lupus;
your diet must be nutritious and should include fruits, vegetables and whole grains.