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Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus): Disease of the immune system

Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is a disease of the immune system. Normally, the immune system protects the body from infection. However, in lupus, the immune system inappropriately attacks tissues in various parts of the body. This abnormal activity of the immune system leads to tissue damage and illness.To know more visit here: www.lazoi.com<br><br>

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Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus): Disease of the immune system

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  1. SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (LUPUS) CAUSES | SYMPTOMS | DIAGNOSIS | TREATMENTS

  2. WHAT IS SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS? • An autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies (autoantibodies) to cells and tissues within the body; leading to inflammation and tissue damage. • Joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and bloodvessels are most often affected.

  3. CAUSES OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS The exact cause of SLE isn’t known, but several factors have been associated with the disease. 1) Genetics The disease isn’t linked to a certain gene, but people with lupus often have family members with other autoimmune conditions. 2) Environment Environmental triggers can include: • ultraviolet rays • certain medications • viruses • physical or emotional stress • trauma

  4. CAUSES CONTINUE… 3) Sex and hormones SLE affects women more than men. Women also may experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy and with their menstrual periods. Both of these observations have led some medical professionals to believe that the femalehormoneestrogen may play a role in causing SLE. However, more research is still needed to prove this theory.

  5. SYMPTOMS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS The most common signs and symptoms include: • Fatigue and fever • Joint pain, stiffness and swelling • Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of thenose • Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure (photosensitivity) • Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods (Reynaud’s phenomenon) • Shortness of breath • Chest pain • Dry eyes • Headaches, confusion and memory loss

  6. DIAGNOSIS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS Diagnosing lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms vary considerably from person to person. Signs and symptoms of lupus may vary over time and overlap with those of many other disorders. No one test can diagnose lupus. The combination of blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and physical examination findings leads to the diagnosis. Laboratory and imaging tests include: • Complete blood count • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate • Kidney and liver assessment • Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test • Chest X-ray • Echocardiogram • Urinalysis

  7. TREATMENTS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), may be used to treat pain, swelling and fever associated with lupus. Stronger NSAIDs are available by prescription. Side effects of NSAIDs include stomach bleeding, kidney problems and an increased risk of heart problems. Antimalarial drugs: Medications commonly used to treat malaria, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), also can help control lupus. Side effects can include stomach upset and, very rarely, damage to the retina of the eye.

  8. TREATMENTS CONTINUE… Corticosteroids: Prednisone and other types of corticosteroids can counter the inflammation of lupus but often produce long-term side effects - including weight gain, easy bruising, thinning bones (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, diabetes and increased risk of infection. The risk of side effects increases with higher doses and longer term therapy. Immunosuppressant: Drugs that suppress the immune system may be helpful in serious cases of lupus. Examples include azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), mycophenolate (CellCept), leflunomide (Arava) and methotrexate (Trexall).

  9. PREVENTIONS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS There is currently no way to prevent lupus. But people who smoke may be more likely to get lupus. Avoiding smoking and perhaps other tobacco products may decrease your risk.

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