#PurpleMay_Lupus
- May 4, 2018
- 2 min read
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that can affect any organ, of the body, such as joints, skin, blood kidneys, heart, lungs etc.( Basically the immune system attacks itself, causing inflammation and pain of healthy tissue).
Typically sufferers of any autoimmune illness have to take anti suppressants which stops the illness from being active, however with the immune system being suppressed, you are more likely to get any infection and being “sick” in general.
Lupus can present itself in a number of ways, by mimicking other diseases. It can be difficult to diagnose unless the GP or specialist is alert to the possibilities. Many a time the patient can be made to feel that it's all in the head!. A patient can look quite well and healthy with rosy cheeks. Every case is different and rarely do two people experience exactly the same symptoms.
Lupus can be triggered by hormones, certain medications, medical trauma to the body (leg/hip/appendix surgery) or a Stressful/toxic environment.
Lupus is characterised by flares when it is more actively attacking the body, and periods of remission when it’s not attacking an organ.
There is no cure for lupus,however Lupus can be managed and controlled with medication and adjustments to your lifestyle. Most patients are able to live a normal lifespan. Research brings new findings and increased hope each year. The majority of patients are in the ongoing care of Rheumatologists and other specialists may also have involvement from time to time.
Common symptoms are
- joint and/or muscle aches and pains
-butterfly shaped rash on the cheeks and/or other rashes
-fatigue and weakness
-recurring flu-like symptoms
-headaches, migraines
-oral and/or nasal ulcers
-dry eyes
-hair loss
-Depression
-seizures, mental and other cerebral problems
-chest and/or abdominal pain
-poor blood circulation (Raynaud's phenomenon")
-blood disorders
-kidney problems
http://www.lupus.org/
Comments