Most people have heard of lupus, but few people are sure just what it is. Lupus is an autoimmune disease – which means that your own immune system attacks your joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, blood, or skin. The cause is unknown, but it does not appear to be genetic or contagious. It was once a terminal disease, but with modern diagnostic and treatment methods an average lifespan is now the norm.
- There are several kinds of lupus, the most common being Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
- The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that approximately 1.4 million Americans have lupus – the vast majority of them women.
- Lupus develops most commonly in women of childbearing age (15 through 44).
- Lupus is most common in African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American women.
Bite of the Wolf
Historically, lupus was called the "bite of the wolf" because of the bright red rash that often appeared on the faces of victims. That is but one of many common symptoms.
Lupus is difficult to diagnose in its early stages because the symptoms mimic other diseases as well. There are many possible symptoms, but the most common are:
- Achy joints
- Frequent fevers over 100 degrees F
- Swollen joints – common in other types of arthritis as well
- Extreme fatigue
- Skin rashes, most noticeable on the face
- Swollen glands
- Anemia
- Kidney problems
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme sun sensitivity
- Hair loss
- Blood clotting problems
Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be difficult and time consuming. There is no single test to determine whether a person has lupus. Your doctor will probably use a variety of approaches including:
- A review of your entire medical history
- A thorough physical examination
- A battery of laboratory tests that can include a compliment test, sedimentation rate test, urine analysis, chest X-ray, or EKG
Lupus Foundation of America suggests that you talk to your doctor about lupus if you can answer "yes" to at least three of the questions below:
1. Have you ever had a seizure or convulsion or become confused for no known reason?
2. Have you had unexplained fever higher than 100º F / 38º C for more than a few days?
3. Have you felt chest pain while taking deep breaths?
4. Have you ever been told you have protein in your urine?
5. Have you ever had swelling in your legs and ankles on both sides at the same time?
6. Have you ever been told you have anemia, low white cell count, or low platelet count?
7. Do your fingers and/or toes become pale or red or blue and numb or painful in the cold?
8. Have you ever had blood clotting problems or a miscarriage?
9. Have you had sores in your mouth or nose that lasted for more than a week?
10. Have you developed irritation or dryness in your eyes or mouth for more than a few weeks?
11. Have you had unexplained weight loss or abdominal pain that is worse when you breathe?
12. Have you had stiff, tender, and swollen joints that are worse in the morning?
13. Have you felt extremely tired, weak, or achy for days or weeks, even after plenty of sleep?
14. Has your skin ever broken out after being in the sun, but it’s not sunburn?
15. Have you ever had redness or rash across your nose and cheeks in the shape of a butterfly?
16. Has your hair fallen out for no reason?
Treatments
Treatment needs will vary depending on the specific presenting symptoms and seriousness of the condition. Always discuss possible treatments with your doctor and follow recommendations carefully.
- Lifestyle changes are often recommended – regular physical activity, quitting smoking, stress management, and avoiding sun exposure
- Medications such as NSAIDs, acetaminophen, corticosteroids, antimalarials, and immunomodulating drugs are commonly prescribed
- Get all immunizations as recommended by your doctor
- Have regular medical checkups
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