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Lupus

Lupus is a disease in which the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues by mistake, damaging the joints, skin, blood vessels, and organs.

October 31st, 2007

Many Unanswered Questions Surround Lupus Diagnosis and Treatment

Health News posted 4 years ago by The Healia Team

Although there are 1.4 million people in the United States affected by lupus - many unanswered questions remain about this disease. The exact cause or causes of lupus are unknown. Lupus is often difficult to diagnose and is sometimes mistaken for other diseases because there is no consistent set of symptoms for the disease. There is also limited knowledge about the triggers of lupus.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system inappropriately attacks the body’s healthy cells. Lupus can involve the heart, blood vessels, brain, joints, kidneys, lungs, and skin.

There are several forms of lupus with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) being the most common type. A physical exam and a blood test can help detect lupus. Signs and symptoms of lupus may vary for each individual. Some symptoms of lupus include:

skin rash
swollen or painful joints
weight loss
muscle pain
headaches
fever
depression
hair loss
blood clots
fatigue
seizures

There is no cure for lupus, but various treatments are available depending on the type of lupus. Treatments can help reduce symptoms and pain, and prevent serious complications. Treatments include aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, change in diet, anti-malarial drugs, skin and sun protection, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants.

About 9 out of 10 people who have lupus are women. Lupus is more common among women of African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American heritage. For more information about lupus, please visit healia.com.

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