What is Lupus?
Updated: Aug 29
What is Lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs.
Who is more at risk?
Women, especially those between the ages of 15 and 44, are more likely to develop lupus. People with a family history of lupus and people from certain racial and ethnic groups, including African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, and Native American populations, also have a higher risk.
What are symptoms and related conditions?
Common symptoms of lupus include fevers, fatigue, joint pain and inflammation, hair loss, sensitivity to sunlight, and skin rashes. One common rash appears across the nose and cheeks in the shape of a butterfly. Lupus can also affect organs such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, skin, and brain.
How is lupus diagnosed?
Lupus can be diagnosed using blood tests, urinalysis, and biopsies of the skin or kidney tissue. Doctors also consider a person’s symptoms and medical history when making a diagnosis. Below is an image of a biopsy under a microscope.
What are possible treatments?
Possible treatments for lupus include anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and immunosuppressants to prevent tissue damage and inflammation. Some people may also benefit from diet changes. In severe cases, kidney transplants or joint and hip replacements may be necessary.
How to prevent lupus flare-ups?
Lupus flare-ups can be reduced by protecting yourself from sunlight, taking medications as prescribed, getting enough sleep and rest, managing stress, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy diet. It is also important to avoid personal triggers that may cause symptoms to worsen.
Here are the sources I used, and all the pictures were taken from these sources as well. If you have any questions or comments, drop them below or in the forum!
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