What is lupus?
There are three types of lupus:
- systemic lupus erythematosus (usually called SLE or lupus),
- discoid lupus erythematosus (usually called DLE or discoid lupus) which mainly affects the skin and
- drug induced lupus (DIL) which goes away when the drug causing the lupus is stopped.
What is Lupus (SLE)?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation. The immune system normally produces antibodies which protect the body from bacteria, viruses and other foreign matter using specialised white blood cells. The products of these cells include antibodies, which bind to foreign materials to help the body eliminate them. In an autoimmune disease, like lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances and some of our own cells and tissues. In lupus, the immune system creates autoantibodies which attack the body's own healthy cells and tissues. This is called “autoimmunity”.
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose. In systemic lupus, the symptoms may come and go and may mimic many other illnesses. Lupus is neither contagious nor infectious.
What causes lupus?
The causes are not fully understood, but it is likely that hormones, genetic and environmental factors are all involved. It can be triggered by ultraviolet light, extreme stress or trauma, certain viruses or certain medications.
Who gets lupus?
About 8 times as many women as men get lupus . It is usually diagnosed in the childbearing years, however children and older people can also be affected. In New Zealand, lupus affects about 1 – 2 people in every 1000 and is 3 – 4 times more prevalent amongst Maori, Pacific Islanders, Asians and other ethnic groups with darker skin.
What are the symptoms?
The first signs of lupus are very vague and are often like having the flu all the time. The symptoms can come and go and mimic other illnesses, making it difficult for doctors to make a diagnosis. The disease is characterised by its unpredictability with flares (when the disease is more active) and periods of remission (when the disease is quiet). Every case is different and rarely do two people have exactly the same symptoms.
Here are some of the more common symptoms:
- recurring flu-like symptoms
- fatigue and weakness
- joint and/or muscle aches and pains
- headaches, migraines
- oral and/or nasal ulcers
- hair loss (alopecia)
- butterfly shaped rash on the cheeks and/or other rashes
- chest and/or abdominal pain
- poor blood circulation
- blood disorders
- kidney problems
- depression
- seizures, mental and other cerebral problems
Although Lupus ranges from mild to life threatening, the majority of cases can be controlled with proper treatment. As lupus can affect any part of the body, specialists are often involved in treating lupus, for example, rheumatologists, dermatologists, haematologists, psychiatrists, cardiologists and renal physicians.
Increased professional awareness and improved diagnostic techniques and evaluation methods are contributing to the early diagnosis and treatment of Lupus. With current methods of therapy, 80 - 90% of people with Lupus can look forward to a normal life span. While medical science has not yet developed a method of curing Lupus, new research brings unexpected findings and increased hope each year.
What can you do to help cope with lupus?
- Learn all you can about your disease.
- Make rest an essential part of your day. Do not feel guilty. The fatigue is not like the tiredness from physical exertion.
- Plan, plan and plan! Prioritise and pace your daily activities. Break down goals into small manageable steps. Do one step at a time. Reward yourself with every success.
- Try to ‘listen' to your pain and then you can begin to control it.
- Pain, stress and depression are all closely linked and each affects the other. Solving any of these problems will reduce the others.
- Many lupus patients are sun sensitive. Protect yourself from sun exposure and ultraviolet light. Wear protective clothing and sun block.
- Seek help when you need it. Accept help when it is offered. Family, friends, health care professionals and Lupus Care and Support Inc. can all help.
We are here to help you.
Legal Disclaimer
Lupus Care & Support has made every effort to ensure all information on this website is accurate:
However, Lupus Care & Support does not accept any liability for any statements or advice contained on, or omissions from, this website.
In all medical matters, we recommend that the user seeks professional advice from a qualified doctor or health professional.