Lupus is an autoimmune disease, a type of illness that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. This attack causes inflammation, and can also damage many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain.
In the case of lupus, this disease is chronic and complex, as it causes widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs.
There are several types of lupus.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus: It is the most common type. It can be mild or severe, and can affect many parts of the body.
- Cutaneous lupus: It affects the skin. It causes a rash or sores, usually after the skin is exposed to sunlight. The two main types of cutaneous lupus are discoid lupus and subacute cutaneous lupus.
- Drug-induced lupus: It is caused by a reaction to certain medicines. Symptoms may begin three to six months after starting the medicine. Symptoms usually disappear when you stop taking the medicine.
- Neonatal lupus: It is not common and affects newborns. It is probably caused by certain antibodies that are passed from the pregnant person to the baby.
While the cause of lupus is unknown, research identifies certain genetic factors, environmental factors (such as viral infections, sunlight, certain medications, and smoking), and problems with the immune system that may cause the disease.
The most serious health risks are cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and stroke. People with lupus are especially at risk for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). In addition, in some people, inflammation can occur in the heart itself (myocarditis and endocarditis) or in the membrane surrounding the heart. Endocarditis can damage heart valves and cause heart murmurs. When the disease affects the kidneys, patients often require intensive treatment with medications to prevent permanent damage. Lupus can also attack the brain or central nervous system, causing seizures or stroke.
Lupus can have a variety of symptoms, some of the most common being:
- Arthritis, which causes joint pain and inflammation and morning stiffness.
- Fever.
- Fatigue or frequent feeling of tiredness.
- Red rashes on the skin, usually on the face and shaped like a butterfly.
- Chest pain when breathing deeply.
- Pain or swelling in the joints.
- Loss of hair.
- Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress (Raynaud’s disease).
- Sensitivity to the sun.
- Swelling in the legs or around the eyes.
- Mouth ulcers.
- Inflammation of glands.
- Headache and dizziness.
- Confusion and memory problems.
Symptoms may come and go, which are called «flares.» Flares can be mild or severe, and new symptoms can appear at any time.
To cope with lupus, it’s important to take an active role in your treatment. Learning about the disease and spotting the warning signs of a flare can help prevent one or make symptoms less severe.
It’s also important to find ways to cope with the stress of having lupus. Exercise and other forms of relaxation can make it easier to cope with the condition. A good support system can help, too.
