What Exactly Is Lupus?
Lupus is a condition that affects the body’s immune system. When individuals refer to “lupus,” they are often referring to the systemic lupus erythematosus kind, which is the most prevalent form (SLE).
The immune system defends the body against infection. Lupus, on the other hand, causes the immune system to target the individual’s own tissues. This results in harm to the tissues as well as disease.
Lupus Signs and Symptoms
When it comes to lupus, symptoms might be different for everyone. Although some individuals may have just a few signs, others may experience a wide range.
The autoimmune disease, lupus may attack any organ system. Symptoms that are quite common include:
- Painful aches and pains in the muscles and ligaments (arthralgia)
- Increased core body temperature by more than 100 degrees
- Painful, swollen, and tender joints (arthritis)
- Weakness that persists or is extreme
- Acne rash Swelling in the ankles
- The discomfort of deep breathing in the chest (pleurisy)
- Rash that spreads over your cheeks and nose in the form of a butterfly (malar rash)
- Thin hair
- A sensitivity to light, especially sunlight
- Seizures
- Canker sores of the oral cavity or nasal passages
- Raynaud’s phenomenon is characterized by cold or stress-induced symptoms of discoloration of the extremities.
Complications of Lupus
Many persons with active lupus have overall malaise. They develop a fever, are losing weight, and are exhausted. When their immune system assaults a particular organ or portion of the body, individuals may experience more specific symptoms. Lupus may affect the following bodily parts:
Skin
Lupus often causes skin issues. Hair loss and mouth sores are other symptoms. Discoid lupus causes huge, red, circular rashes that may scar. Sunlight often causes skin rashes. Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a frequent lupus rash that becomes worse after being exposed to sunlight. It might be on your arms, legs, or body. Bullous lupus rash is an uncommon but deadly kind of lupus rash that generates huge blisters.
Joints
Lupus patients often develop arthritis. It may induce discomfort as well as edema. In the morning, stiffness and discomfort may be severe. Arthritis might be an issue for a few days or weeks, or it can be persistent. It is seldom severe.
Kidneys
Up to half of persons with lupus have renal issues. They may be hazardous. These complications are more probable if you have other lupus symptoms such as tiredness, arthritis, rash, fever, and weight loss. They may, however, occur when you have no other symptoms.
Blood
Lupus patients may have critically low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets (particles that help your blood clot)
Blood count changes may result in tiredness (due to a low red cell count, often known as anemia), dangerous infections (because to a low white cell count), or easy bruising or bleeding (with a low platelet count). However, many individuals may not experience symptoms of low blood levels. It is critical to have frequent blood testing to detect these issues.
Blood clots are more likely in lupus patients. They often occur in your legs (called deep venous thrombosis or DVT), your lungs (called pulmonary embolism or PE), and sometimes in your brain (stroke). These clots may be related to how your body produces antiphospholipid (APL) antibodies. These are unique proteins that may increase the likelihood of your blood clotting.
The Brain and Spinal Cord
Lupus may sometimes cause neurological issues. You may have disorientation, sadness, or seizures. Lupus may produce numbness and paralysis when it affects your spinal cord (transverse myelitis).
Heart and Lungs.
Inflammation of the tissue protecting your heart (pericardium) and lungs is a common cause of heart and lung disorders (pleura). When they become inflamed, you may have chest discomfort, an irregular heartbeat, and fluid accumulation around your lungs and heart (pleuritis or pleurisy) (pericarditis). Shortness of breath may be caused by damage to your heart valves and the lung itself.
Lupus Symptoms
Doctors are unsure what causes lupus. However, they believe that something – or a combination of factors – causes your immune system to assault your body. As a result, most therapies try to suppress your immune system. The causes of this defective immune response are unknown, however, experts believe they include:
Genes
There is no evidence that certain genes cause lupus, although several genes seem to increase an individual’s chance of developing the condition. People of specific ethnicities, such as Hispanics, Native Americans, Africans, Asians, and Pacific Islanders, are more susceptible to develop lupus, probably owing to common DNA.
Still, it seems that genes alone are insufficient to produce the illness. Even with identical twins (who have identical DNA), if one twin has lupus, the second twin is only around 30% more likely to have the illness than the other.
Hormones (maybe)
Lupus affects women significantly more often than males. Furthermore, lupus symptoms seem to worsen before monthly periods and during pregnancy, when estrogen levels are greater.
However, estrogen-containing drugs such as birth control pills and hormone replacement treatment do not seem to increase the risk of lupus. Scientists are attempting to determine whether or not there is a link between hormones and lupus, as well as why women seem to be more susceptible to the condition.
Environment
It might be difficult to determine which factors in your environment contribute to lupus. However, several aspects raise serious concerns among experts. These are some examples:
Tobacco smoke
Silica is a common mineral found in the earth’s crust that may be found in sand, stone, concrete, and mortar.
Mercury
Epstein-Barr virus, herpes zoster virus, and CMV are examples of viruses.
Ultraviolet light
Stress
Medications. Prescription drugs such as hydralazine and procainamide have been linked to lupus. When you stop using the medication, your symptoms should improve.
Other potential dangers. Other factors that may increase your risk of developing lupus include:
- Sex: Women account for 90% of those diagnosed with the condition.
- Age: Women aged 14 to 45 are the most often afflicted.
- A Family Tree: Lupus may strike more than one member of a family. However, only approximately 10% of lupus patients have a close family who has the condition.
Types Of Lupus
Lupus has three primary types:
- Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). This is the most prevalent kind of lupus, in which inflammation caused by a defective immune system inflames many organs or organ systems.
- Lupus nephropathy. This is kidney inflammation caused by SLE.
- Lupus of the skin. In this case, your defective immune reaction results in skin rashes or lesions.
- Synthetic drug-induced lupus. This kind of lupus is caused by medication. When the medicine is stopped, the symptoms may disappear.
- Neonatal lupus is a kind of lupus that affects newborns whose moms have SLE.
Diagnosis of Lupus
Based on your symptoms and blood tests, The doctor will check for important markers of the condition.
The American College of Rheumatology has developed a checklist to assist clinicians in diagnosing lupus. You most likely have lupus if you meet at least four of the following 11 criteria, either concurrently or sequentially:
- A malar rash, sometimes known as a “butterfly” rash on your cheeks.
- A discoid rash with red, scaly skin spots that scar.
- A skin response or sensitivity to sunlight is known as photosensitivity.
- Oral ulcers, mouth sores.
- Arthritis, joint discomfort, inflammation, or edema
- Kidney disorders, such as an increase in red blood cells or an increase in protein in your urine (proteinuria).
- Problems with the nervous system, seizures, or psychosis
- Pleuritis is an inflammation of the tissue around your lungs or your heart (pericarditis).
- A blood condition characterized by a low red blood cell count (anemia), a low white blood cell count (leukopenia), fewer lymphocytes (lymphopenia), or a low platelet count (platelet count) (thrombocytopenia).
- An immunologic condition involving certain cells or proteins, or a false-positive syphilis test.
- Unusual blood tests, including a positive test for antinuclear antibodies (ANA).
Antinuclear Antibody Screening
In reaction to intruders such as bacteria and viruses, your body produces proteins known as antibodies. ANAs specifically target the nucleus of a cell. When your immune system is attacking your own tissues, you have a lot of them.
An ANA test is a sensitive method for detecting autoimmune disorders such as lupus. It calculates how many times your blood needs be diluted to get an antibody-free sample.
Is a positive ANA test indicative of Lupus?
No, not always. The ANA test is positive in the majority of lupus patients, but it may also be positive in many persons who have another autoimmune illness or do not have any disorders. A positive ANA test is insufficient for your doctor to diagnose lupus. You’d also need to meet at least three of the other requirements.
Lupus Treatment
Many factors, including an individual’s age, general health, medical history, the afflicted body part(s), and the severity of lupus, will determine the course of therapy that is most suited for you.
Because lupus may alter over time, it’s important to see a doctor on a frequent basis, such as a rheumatologist.
Some persons with minor instances might not need therapy. Those with more severe symptoms, such as renal difficulties, may need stronger drugs. Lupus medications include:
Benlysta (belimumab) : This medication is a biologic, which means it replicates naturally occurring proteins. It suppresses your immune system by targeting a protein that may be involved in lupus.
CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil): More physicians are using this medicine to treat severe lupus symptoms, particularly in those who have previously received Cytoxan. It has an effect on your immune system.
Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide): This chemotherapy treatment damages your immune system as well. It is used to treat severe types of lupus, such as those that harm your kidneys or brain.
Imuran (azathioprine): This medication is used to treat severe lupus symptoms. It was first used to prevent rejection after an organ transplant.
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine): This medication aids in the management of minor lupus-related symptoms such as skin and joint disorders. It may also help to avoid symptom flare-ups.
Rheumatrex (methotrexate): Another chemotherapy medication that depletes your immune system. More physicians are prescribing it for skin disease, arthritis, and other illnesses that do not improve with hydroxychloroquine or modest dosages of the steroid prednisone.
Rituxan (rituximab): A biologic that is used to treat lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have severe symptoms that do not improve with previous therapies, you may consider taking it.
Saphnelo (anifrolumab-fnia): This newer injectable immunosuppressant is intended for adult patients with moderate to severe (SLE) who are receiving conventional therapy.
Steroids: Steroid creams may be used directly on rashes. They are often both safe and effective, particularly for minor rashes. Low-dose steroid creams or tablets may alleviate mild to severe lupus symptoms. If your lupus is damaging your internal organs, you may also take steroids in greater amounts. However, excessive dosages are more likely to cause negative effects.
Alternative Lupus Treatments
Some individuals utilize complementary or alternative therapy to alleviate the symptoms of lupus. However, there is no evidence that any of these treat or cure the condition. Some herbal supplements may potentially interfere with prescription medications or worsen your symptoms. Before beginning any therapies, consult with your doctor.
Certain therapies, according to research, have certain advantages, including:
- Supplements and vitamins Vitamins C and D, as well as antioxidants, may aid alleviate symptoms and improve general health. Fish oil’s omega-3 fatty acids may also be beneficial.
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): This hormone may reduce symptom flare-ups, but it may also cause acne or hair growth.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture has been shown in small trials to reduce pain and tiredness.
- Mind-body medicine: Meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy have the potential to alleviate pain as well as mental health disorders such as sadness and anxiety.
Changes in Lifestyle
Some simple everyday modifications may help alleviate symptoms and enhance your quality of life:
- Exercise.
- Low-impact workouts such as walking, swimming, and bicycling may help you maintain muscle mass and reduce your risk of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).
- It may also improve your mood.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Take your time. Times of activity should be followed by periods of relaxation.
- Eat healthily.
- Get a nutritious, well-balanced diet.
- Stay away from alcohol.
- Alcohol may induce stomach or intestinal issues, including ulcers, when used with drugs.
- You should not smoke.
- Smoking might reduce blood flow and aggravate lupus symptoms.
- Tobacco smoke is also dangerous to your heart, lungs, and stomach.
- In the sun, be cautious.
- Limit your time in the sun, particularly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. When going outside, use sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
- Fever should be treated.
- Take care of excessive temperatures as soon as possible. A fever may indicate an infection or a flare-up of Lupus.
