Lupus can manifest itself in several ways, and treatment helps relieve the main symptoms.
Summary
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects different areas of the body, but it can be treated to relieve symptoms.
THE lupus It is a disease that can affect different areas of the body, causing a series of symptoms that can reduce the quality of life or even lead to death if there is no medical monitoring and adequate treatment to address the disease.
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Although it is an autoimmune disease with no cure, there are several treatments that can help relieve symptoms. As a result, the effects of the disease, such as inflammation of cells throughout the body, can greatly diminish.
What is lupus?
Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of cells in various tissues and organs.
It can mainly affect the skin, joints, kidneys and brain area, and progression of the affected areas can take weeks or months.
The condition occurs when the immune system, which exists to protect the body from disease, ends up attacking the body’s healthy cells.
It is estimated that there are more than 80 diseases of this type, of which lupus is one of the most serious and affects around 65 thousand people in Brazil, according to the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology.
The body says that although the disease affects anyone, the prevalence is higher in women, people between 20 and 45 and people of colour.
Lupus is not considered a contagious disease, as the causes are linked to each organism and there is no risk of transmission between people.
What are the types of lupus?
Lupus can manifest itself in several ways, which vary depending on the cause of the condition. Almost everyone records inflammation in different tissues.
Discoid Lupus
Discoid lupus is linked to inflammation of the skin, with the presence of reddish lesions of different sizes and shapes in different areas, such as the face, the back of the neck, the scalp and other areas of the body frequently exposed to the sun. The condition can worsen and progress to systemic lupus.
Systemic lupus
Systemic lupus is considered the most common type, and the condition can be mild or severe. In this case, inflammation occurs throughout the body, in areas beyond the skin, such as the kidneys, lungs, heart, and joints.
Drug-induced lupus
Drug-induced lupus is caused by drugs and medications that cause inflammation, both in specific areas of the skin and throughout the body. Although it is similar to systemic lupus, the inflammation tends to go away when treatment is stopped.
Neonatal lupus
Neonatal lupus is considered rare and only affects newborns of women with lupus. In this situation, the baby has skin rashes and liver problems at birth. The symptoms tend to disappear naturally after a few months, but there is a risk that the child will develop heart problems.
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What are the symptoms of lupus?
Lupus can present a variety of symptoms that help define the type of disease and speed diagnosis and treatment. The most common signs of lupus are:
- Skin lesions, which worsen with exposure to the sun, especially in the area of ​​the cheekbones, nose and mouth;
- Sensitivity to sunlight;
- Fever;
- Fatigue and general malaise;
- Swelling and stiffness of the muscles;
- Chest pain when breathing or difficulty breathing, due to inflammation of the lung membranes;
- Joint pain, especially in the joints of the hands and feet;
- Inflammation of the kidneys and, in more serious cases, reduction in the amount of urine;
- Swelling of the lymph nodes.
What can cause lupus?
The causes of lupus are not fully known to science, but one of them is believed to be a genetic factor. Therefore, there are people who may, from birth, be more likely to develop the disease.
Another factor that can trigger lupus is hormonal imbalance, especially when this condition causes changes in the production of antibodies that begin to attack the body’s healthy cells.
Environmental factors, such as infections caused by viruses and microorganisms or high exposure to solar radiation, are another reason for the onset of lupus or for the disease to return mildly or severely.
Additionally, the use of antibiotics, seizure control medications, or even high blood pressure medications can also cause imbalances that lead to the onset of the disease.
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Is it possible to prevent lupus?
To date, there are no analyzes that indicate risk factors that can lead to lupus, especially in genetic cases. However, it is possible to avoid situations that could favor the onset of the disease.
Avoiding direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation and sunlight is one of the ways to avoid the disease and prevent lupus from getting worse. It is also important to monitor your use of medications and discontinue use, with your doctor’s advice, if drug-induced lupus is suspected.
How is lupus diagnosed and treated?
In general, the diagnosis of lupus is made by medical specialists, such as a rheumatologist, based on observation of symptoms, analysis of blood tests for abnormalities, and also urinalysis.
Additionally, antibody tests, complete blood count, chest x-rays, and kidney biopsy are some of the tests that help build a diagnosis of the disease. There are still no specific tests and examinations to diagnose lupus.
Treatment of the disease may involve the use of drugs such as anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or even antimalarials. Medication can help relieve symptoms, such as fever, pain, sensitivity to light, or, in more severe cases, changes in the central nervous system.
Furthermore, the treatment may also require precautions, such as the use of sunscreens with a high protection factor, clothing with UV protection and accessories such as hats, caps and glasses, as well as avoiding exposure to the sun at times of greatest intensity.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
