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Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and pain throughout the body. It can be difficult to diagnose and is often misdiagnosed as other chronic illnesses. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can affect any part of the body from the joints and muscles to the kidneys and heart. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms and treatment options of lupus in order to accurately diagnose and treat this debilitating condition. By learning about the different types of lupus, the signs and symptoms to look out for, and the available treatments, you can be better prepared to manage your condition and live a healthy life.
What is Lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This causes a variety of symptoms that can be debilitating and difficult to manage. While lupus is incurable, symptoms can be managed with the right treatment plan. The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but certain risk factors, such as genetics and certain medications, may increase a person's risk of developing the disease. Lupus can affect anyone at any age, though it is most common among women between the ages of 15 and 60. There are different types of lupus, but they all cause inflammation throughout the body. It is important to note that lupus is not contagious. You cannot “catch” lupus from someone else with the disease.
Types of Lupus
There are two main types of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus (also known as lupus erythematosus). Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most severe form of lupus and can affect a person’s organs and joints. Lupus affects the skin and joints but is not as severe. The symptoms of SLE are often more severe than those associated with lupus but can be managed with the right treatment plan. There are some other types of lupus, which include neonatal lupus, drug-induced lupus, and lupus profundus. Neonatal lupus is associated with a mother who has lupus giving birth to a child who has lupus. Drug-induced lupus results from the use of certain medications such as certain chemotherapy drugs, certain antibiotics, and certain seizure medications. Lupus profundus refers to a lupus-like condition that affects the tissue under the skin.
Signs and Symptoms of Lupus
Depending on the severity of lupus, signs and symptoms can vary. The only way to accurately diagnose lupus is through blood tests. However, some symptoms include: Fatigue - Laying in bed for long periods of time is common with lupus. Stress and anxiety can make it worse. Muscle and joint pain - Joint pain is a common symptom of lupus. The joints may feel stiff and achy, but they are not swollen. The joints may be warm to the touch. Rashes and/or sun sensitivity - Some people with lupus have rashes that are not itchy and do not go away. They can be red or purple or look like freckles. Frequent urination - This is often due to inflammation or swelling in the bladder.
Causes of Lupus
The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but some risk factors may increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disease, including genetics, hormones, certain medications, and diet. Genetics: Familial lupus is present in about 10% of people with lupus and is more common in women. If you have lupus, your children have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene that causes lupus. Hormones: Anything that affects the body’s hormone levels is a factor in the development of lupus. This includes pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. Medications: Certain medications may trigger lupus to develop, including certain antibiotics, anti-fungal medications and anti-seizure medications. Diet: A diet high in processed foods and low in fresh fruits and vegetables may increase your risk of developing lupus.
Diagnosing Lupus
Lupus is often misdiagnosed as another health issue. The symptoms can appear like other illnesses, such as heart disease or diabetes, but usually occur together with lupus. This makes lupus very difficult to diagnose. A doctor will usually do blood work and other tests to rule out other diseases. If your doctor suspects lupus, they may order a lupus flare test, which tests for antibodies (proteins that the body makes to fight off infections) associated with lupus. The test results will either clear you of lupus, indicate that it is unlikely that you have lupus, or show that you have the disease. If your blood test shows that you have lupus, you can expect to see a specialist. Your doctor will want to rule out other diseases and confirm a lupus diagnosis. This process can take as long as six months but can take longer.
Treatment Options for Lupus
There is no cure for lupus, but treatment can reduce symptoms, control the disease and prevent complications. Treatment will depend on your individual symptoms and the severity of your lupus. Treatment may include: Medications - Treatment for lupus varies depending on the severity of the disease and the symptoms you are experiencing. Medications that are commonly used to manage lupus include corticosteroids, antimalarials, immunosuppressants and antiseizure drugs. Physiotherapy - Depending on the symptoms of your lupus, physiotherapy can be helpful. A physiotherapist can also assist in managing pain. Diet and nutrition - A diet rich in whole foods and low in processed foods may help with managing lupus.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes for Lupus
If you have been diagnosed with lupus, following a healthy diet and living a healthy lifestyle may help to reduce symptoms and promote overall health and wellness. While there is no specific diet that has been proven to be effective in managing lupus, following a healthy diet can help you stay as healthy as possible with this chronic condition. A healthy diet can include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans also recommends that people with lupus consume fish (especially fatty fish like salmon and tuna), dairy, beans, soy, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils. Additionally, engaging in physical activity can help to reduce symptoms of lupus and promote overall health and wellness.
Benefits of Exercise for Lupus Patients
Exercise is an important part of managing lupus. It can help to reduce symptoms, improve symptoms and promote overall health and wellness. Exercising can help reduce the amount of joint pain and muscle aches that come with lupus. It can also improve sleep, relieve stress and improve overall mental health. Exercising when you have lupus can be difficult because of the pain and fatigue that often come with the disease. However, it is important to keep moving to help manage the symptoms associated with lupus. It is recommended that lupus patients engage in aerobic exercise for about 30 minutes three times a week and strength training two times a week.
Emotional and Mental Health Support for Lupus Patients
Feeling tired and dealing with pain can make it difficult to cope with feelings such as sadness, anxiety and frustration. These feelings are normal, and it is important to have a healthy way to cope with them. It is important to find outlets through which you can express your feelings and talk to others to help process them. You can find support through friends and family, or you can join a support group. It is also helpful to speak with a mental health professional, especially if your emotions are having a negative impact on your quality of life. It is also important to seek out mental health support, especially if your symptoms are severe or if you are having trouble managing your emotions. It can be helpful to speak with a mental health professional to process your emotions and learn healthy ways to cope.
The Risks of Untreated Lupus
If lupus is not treated, it can cause long-term complications. This can lead to disability and even death. Some potential complications include Kidney disease.
