Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Its Symptoms and Treatment

You may have once come across someone with a butterfly-shaped facial rash and assumed it was just a birthmark — without realizing that this rash is a hallmark of lupus, an autoimmune disease that can affect the joints, skin, and multiple internal organs.

But when does lupus flare up? What causes it? And how is it treated? You’ll find the answers as you read on.

What is Lupus?

Lupus, also known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system loses its ability to distinguish between the body’s own cells and foreign invaders. It mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation and damage.

Lupus can affect any part of the body, but it commonly targets the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart.

It is more common in women than men, and is especially prevalent among individuals of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent.

What are Symptoms of Lupus?

Lupus symptoms usually appear between the ages of 15 and 44. Early symptoms often resemble those of other conditions, making diagnosis challenging.

Symptoms vary from person to person and tend to follow a cycle of flare-ups and remissions. Common early symptoms include:

1. Hair loss
2. Fatigue
3. Unexplained fever
4. Joint pain and swelling
5. Sensitivity to sunlight

More advanced symptoms may include:

1. A distinctive butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks
2. Muscle pain
3. Mouth ulcers
4. Pale or bluish fingers and toes (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
5. Chest pain while breathing deeply
6. Swelling around the eyes
7. Kidney-related symptoms, such as:
8. Swelling in the legs and feet
9. Blood in the urine or dark-colored urine
10. High blood pressure
11. Frequent nighttime urination
12. Pain on one side of the body

What are Causes of Lupus?

Lupus occurs when the immune system produces antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues. The exact cause is often unknown, but several factors may trigger or increase the risk of lupus, including:

1. Environmental factors: Sunlight (UV exposure), pollutants like tobacco smoke and chemicals
2. Hormonal factors: Especially estrogen, as seen during pregnancy
3. Health conditions: Other autoimmune diseases, infections, stress, or medication use
4. Genetics: A family history of lupus, and a higher prevalence in certain ethnic groups

What are Types of Lupus?

There are several forms of lupus, including:

1. Drug-Induced Lupus: Caused by certain medications; symptoms usually resolve after stopping the drug.
2. Cutaneous Lupus: Affects the skin, leading to rashes.
3. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): The most common type, affecting multiple organs.
4. Neonatal Lupus: Occurs in newborns born to mothers with lupus.
5. Lupus Nephritis: A severe form that affects the kidneys’ filtering ability, posing a serious health risk.

Is Lupus Contagious?

No, lupus is not contagious. It cannot be transmitted through physical contact, blood transfusions, or respiratory droplets, as it results from a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors.

What are Lupus Diagnostic Tests?

Because lupus symptoms mimic many other diseases, diagnosis can be challenging and time-consuming. Doctors rely on a combination of medical history, symptoms, and lab tests, such as:

1. Medical and family history: To check for a lupus diagnosis in relatives
2. Physical examination: To assess symptoms and triggers
3. Blood tests, including:
4. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
5. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
6. Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test
7. C-reactive protein (CRP)
8. Urinalysis: To detect blood or protein in the urine, indicating kidney involvement
9. Biopsy: A tissue sample from an affected area (like the skin or kidney) for microscopic examination
10. Imaging: X-rays or echocardiograms to detect fluid around the lungs or heart

Can Lupus Be Cured?

There is currently no definitive cure for lupus. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, preventing flare-ups, and minimizing organ damage.

What is Lupus Treatment?

Managing lupus involves a combination of medications and lifestyle adjustments, including:

1. Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins (especially D and B) and omega-3 fatty acids
2. Avoiding saturated fats and cholesterol
3. Using sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors
4. Limiting sodium intake
5. Regular exercise and maintaining social interaction to improve mental well-being
6. Avoiding alcohol and smoking

What are the Medications for Lupus?

Doctors prescribe one or more of the following medications based on the severity of the disease:

1. Steroids: To reduce inflammation
2. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): For pain and inflammation
3. Hydroxychloroquine: To manage symptoms and slow disease progression
4. Immunosuppressants: To reduce immune activity, but may increase susceptibility to infections
5. Other medications: Depending on specific symptoms like seizures or mouth ulcers

Treating Lupus Joint Symptoms

Joint pain is one of the most common lupus symptoms. Treatment aims to reduce pain and swelling and prevent joint damage:

1. Steroid injections into affected joints
2. Antimalarials (e.g., hydroxychloroquine) for joint pain relief
3. DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) to reduce inflammation
4. Biologic therapies to inhibit the immune system’s attack on joint tissue

Is Lupus Fatal?

Lupus can become life-threatening if left untreated or poorly managed. Major complications include:

1. Kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis) that can impair waste elimination
2. Joint damage leading to reduced mobility and chronic pain
3. Severe skin rashes, ulcers, and hair loss
4. Low red and white blood cell counts and platelets, increasing the risk of anemia and bleeding
5. Heart and lung complications, such as fluid buildup and irregular heartbeats
6. Neurological symptoms, including depression and seizures

Conclusion

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect nearly every organ in the body. Its symptoms vary widely, but with proper medical care and adherence to treatment, most patients can manage their condition, reduce symptom severity, and avoid complications.

If you still need to consult a doctor regarding this condition, you can easily book an appointment through Vezeeta