SLE is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This results in inflammation, which can affect various parts of the body including the joints, skin, heart and blood vessels, kidneys, lungs and even the brain. Exact causes of lupus is not known but genetic, environmental and hormonal factors interact to in a complex manner to initiate disease.
Signs and symptoms
Lupus more commonly affect female in younger age group, in males it is not uncommon
Severity of disease is differs from person to person, few will have mild disease other will have sever disease
Most common symptoms are - Joint pain and swelling , skin rashes , hair loss , oral ulcer ,fever , loss of weight and loss of appetite
Oral sores
Diagnosis
- There is no single test to diagnose lupus, diagnosis based on combination of clinical symptoms and signs along with blood tests
- Lab tests include routine blood tests along with anti nuclear antibodies , other tests like imaging (X ray , CT scan or MRI scans) may require depending on clinical scenario
Treating Lupus
- The goals of lupus treatment are to:
- Stop inflammation.
- Relieve symptoms.
- Prevent flares (periods when pain, rashes and fatigue worsen).
- Prevent organ damage and long-term complications.
- Improve physical function and overall well-being.
- Once treatment starts, regular doctor’s visits and lab tests are needed to determine how well treatment is working and to monitor side effects. Advanced cases may require immunosuppressive drugs to prevent organ damage. Once treatment starts, regular doctor’s visits and lab tests are required to monitor side effects
There is no known cure for lupus, but symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Medicines to treat lupus have two functions: to provide pain relief and/or to slow or stop disease progression. These include antimalarials, corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
General measures
- Sun protection and applications of sun screen lotion (SF > 20)
- Exercises – aerobic to maintain normal body weight
- Normal healthy diet
- Stop smoking and Alcohol
- Vaccination
- Monitor for new symptoms and compliance to medications, regular follow up
Does lupus affect chances of having children ?
Lupus disease per se may not affect chances of having kid but untreated /uncontrolled disease would affect chances pregnancy outcome .
Does lupus pass on to kids ?
Lupus is not hereditary disease but only children are at risk of developing lupus or any autoimmune disease even though the risk is very low