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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Several different body systems are affected by the inflammation caused by lupus, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. Lupus generally manifests as a rash that looks like butterfly wings spread across both cheeks. Lupus may not always manifest this way.
Luposis is a disease that can be triggered by infections, certain drugs, or even sunlight in certain people. While there’s no cure for lupus, treatments can help control symptoms.
What Causes Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
- Hormones. Hormones regulate many of the body’s functions. Researchers have examined the relationship between estrogen and lupus since nine out of 10 cases of lupus occur in females. While men and women both produce estrogen, its production is much greater in females. Premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy can cause more lupus symptoms in women.
- Genetics. Researchers have now identified more than 50 genes that they associate with lupus. But, lupus can develop in people with no family history of it, but there are likely to be other autoimmune diseases in some family members. Lupus is more common in specific ethnic groups, possibly due to genes they share.
- Environment. Virus chemicals and other environmental agents may also trigger the disease. However, the hypothesis remains plausible despite the lack of an identifiable environmental agent. Biological causes of this syndrome are not known, but ultraviolet light infections and silica dust exposure in agricultural or industrial settings are suspected.
Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Fatigue and fever
- Stiffness, joint pain, and stiffness
- A butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and the bridge of the nose
- Skin lesions that worsen during sun exposure
- Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure
- Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold
- Shortness of breath and chest pain
- Dry eyes, headaches, and memory loss
How to Diagnose Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
- Laboratory tests. This includes blood and urine test to determine the diagnosis.
- Imaging test. If your doctor suspects that lupus is affecting your lungs or heart, he or she may suggest a chest Xray or Echocardiogram
- Biopsy. Lupus can harm your kidneys in many different ways, and treatments can vary, depending on the type of damage that occurs. In some cases, it’s necessary to test a small sample of kidney tissue to determine what the best treatment might be.
Treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Treatment for lupus depends on your signs and symptoms. The medications most commonly used to control lupus include NSAIDs, antimalarial drugs, corticosteroids, and biologics. Immunosuppressants are also recommended for Lupus treatment. You can take:
- Tacrolimus
- Tacroz .03% for symptoms affecting the skin
- Pangraf 5mg
