What´s Lupus?

Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease that affects the immune system. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, an estimated of 1.5 million of the U.S. population has been diagnosed with lupus. Women are around ten times more likely to be affected with lupus in comparison to men. Although this disease is most common for women, it may also affect men and children of all ages. (Eustice, 2012). Being diagnosed with lupus can change a person’s life emotionally, physically, and financially, depending on how the person takes it and how they lived their life before being diagnosed with lupus. (Pratt and Hallegua, 2002)

Pathophysiology

Lupus is a disease of the immune system where it can lead to damaging any part of the body. Usually the immune system protects the body from any type of infection, however with lupus the immune system cannot tell the difference between an unfamiliar invader and the body’s healthy tissues, therefore the immune system attacks its own cells and healthy tissues. Particularly affecting the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs and/or other organs inside the body. (Foundation of America, 2009). There are five types of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE which affects the joints and organs, discoid lupus or DLE where it affects the skin, sub-acute cutaneous lupus which is described by a specific non-scarring skin lesion, drug-induced lupus where it can develop from a drug reaction, and neonatal lupus where it affects newborns. (Eustice, 2012). When the skin is affected by lupus, the skin may have rashes over the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, which is also called malar rash. Sunlight is what usually provokes skin rashes. Lupus can also affect the joints, where arthritis i...

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...hronic illness, having to pay for medications, multiple doctor’s visits, possible hospitalization, insurance, etc. is endless. Low impact exercises, being well rested, having a well-balanced diet, and avoiding alcohol and smoking can help improve the person’s well-being and characteristics in life. (Lupus Health Center, 2009)

Conclusion

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can effect a person’s life physically, emotionally, and financially. Even though lupus has no cure, when it is carefully monitored and is being treated when necessary, some people with lupus can live a close to normal life with limitations. Lupus is difficult to diagnose having that it affects every part of the body. It is advised that if a person’s symptoms involve at least four of the eleven criteria, they should see their doctor for further information. (Foundation of America, n.d.)