LUPUS the body can be hard on itself

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LUPUSthe body can be hard on itself

People who have lupus are all too familiar with the discomfort it can cause, but medication and smart living can provide some relief. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form of lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects joints, tendons and other connective tissues, and organs. (In an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakes healthy body cells for harmful invaders and attacks them. This leads to inflammation and tissue damage.) SLE frequently causes painfully swollen joints and fever. In severe cases, it can lead to the buildup of fluid around the heart, lungs, and other organs; blood cell disorders such as anemia; and kidney failure. SLE is also linked with atherosclerosis, which can cause chest pain, heart attack, and peripheral vascular disease. Some people have very mild lupus, but for others the condition can be disabling or even fatal. Deaths caused by SLE have risen by 60% over the past 20 years. Who gets lupus?

Lupus affects well over 1 million Americans, mostly women aged 15 to 44 years. The exact cause of the condition is unknown. Some scientists believe that it may be genetically transmitted and triggered by environmental factors, such as infections, antibiotics, sunlight, hormones, or stress. Lupus may appear for the first time during pregnancy. Wide-ranging symptoms Lupus symptoms often resemble those of other conditions, such as arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition to the fever, fatigue, and joint pain and stiffness, other symptoms unique to lupus may develop.

Rash. A red, butterfly-shaped rash may break out across the bridge of the nose and the upper cheeks. Or a scaly, circular rash may erupt on the face, neck, or chest. Sensitivity to sunlight. Very brief exposure to ultraviolet rays may cause skin to become seriously burned. Breathing difficulties. Inflammation of the lining of some organs may cause shortness of breath or chest pains.

Lupus can affect the brain and spinal cord and cause headaches, dizziness, seizures, or other nerve or brain dysfunction, such as memory loss. A diagnostic challenge During the immune system’s attack upon the body, defensive antibodies (protein substances) are produced by specialized cells. An antinuclear antibody (ANA) blood test can detect certain antibodies in the blood of most people who have SLE. Many people with these antibodies, however, do not have SLE. (The ANA test is not specific for the disease.) Therefore, a positive ANA test will most likely be followed by additional testing to confirm SLE. Easing the symptoms There is no known cure for lupus, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. The 3 most commonly used drug treatments can enable most lupus patients to have a good quality of life.

Pain relievers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can help control pain, swelling, and fever. They may have troublesome side effects, however. (A more recently developed class of NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors has fewer side effects.) Corticosteroids. Drugs such as prednisone and cortisone can effectively reduce inflammation and treat lupus-associated complications of the kidneys, blood, heart, or brain. Corticosteroids must be taken in carefully prescribed dosages, however, because their side effects can be serious. For example, corticosteroid use can put a person at risk for osteoporosis. Immunosuppressants. Medications such as hydroxychloroquine (used to treat malaria) work by keeping the immune system from attacking body cells.

Practicing self-care Although symptoms of lupus may be chronic, most people with the condition experience alternating periods in which their symptoms strike abruptly and then suddenly disappear, sometimes for years. Women with lupus usually have no flare-ups after menopause. By recognizing the warning signs of a coming flare-up, individuals can take advance steps to lessen the severity of an episode. Warning signs might be increased fatigue, pain, rashes, fever, stomach problems, headaches, and dizziness. In addition to taking the prescribed medications, individuals with lupus can relieve symptoms by eating healthfully, getting sufficient exercise and sleep, and finding healthy ways to cope with stress.

From American Family Physician, Mayo Clinic, Rheumatology, and HealthNews

Much Love,

Deanna