LUPUS

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disorder of the immune system. The body harms its own healthy cells and tissues causing inflammation and damage. Many parts of the body can be affected, including joints, skin, brain, kidneys, heart and lungs. Women of childbearing age most often get lupus, but anyone of either sex, or any age can get it. Lupus affects women who are African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American more often than women of other races. The cause is not known, but it is not contagious, infectious, malignant or HIV/AIDS.

There are several types of lupus with SLE being the most common. Certain drugs cause drug-related lupus. The symptoms of drug-related lupus are usually mild and will go away when the drugs are stopped. Discoid lupus erythematosus is a skin disorder with a red, raised rash. The raised areas may become thick and cause scarring. The rash may last for days or years. A very rare form of lupus called neonatal lupus affects newborn babies of some women who have lupus.

The most common symptoms of lupus are pain in the joints, fever, and a rash. The rash is not always present, but when it is, it may be butterfly shaped on the face. Other symptoms may include being very tired, being very sensitive to the sun, weight loss, anemia, hair loss, sores in the mouth, muscle aches, and loss of appetite. Sometimes there may be chest pain, trouble breathing or headaches.

The symptoms of lupus vary from time to time, and from person to person. For one person, lupus may start with very mild symptoms, while for another person it may start with very serious symptoms. Sometimes all the symptoms may go away for a while, only to come back later. Being in the sun may cause a rash on the skin. When the symptoms get worse, it is call a "flair-up." Occasionally, lupus may go away altogether.

Lupus can be very hard to diagnose because it is similar to many other diseases. It may take the healthcare provider several years to diagnose lupus. There are several tests the provider may do to help diagnose lupus. One of the tests used most often for diagnosis is called the antinuclear antibody test, or ANA. Most people with lupus have a positive ANA test, but other diseases also cause a positive test. Sometimes a biopsy of the skin can help with the diagnosis.

There is no cure for lupus, but the most serious problems of lupus can be controlled with medications. There are many drugs that can be used to treat the symptoms. Sometimes the healthcare provider will suggest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for arthritis type pain. NSAIDs should only be taken under the supervision of the provider. Taking NSAIDs may cause other symptoms. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should be avoided by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

At times steroid drugs may be needed. A steroid ointment may be needed when there is a rash. Drugs that prevent malaria are also used for symptoms of the skin or joints. There are other medicines the provider can give a person with lupus. All medicines for lupus should be taken exactly as the provider orders them and only for the length of time ordered.

Sometimes lupus may start during pregnancy, or a woman with lupus will have a flare-up when she is pregnant. A pregnant woman may have to see several healthcare providers that are specialists. Sometimes a woman with lupus may lose the baby.

It is important for a person with lupus to visit their healthcare provider regularly. The provider can do tests to keep track of the lupus. Other ways a person with lupus can help prevent flare-ups include getting plenty of rest, seeing the provider for any infections, taking medications as ordered, avoiding sunlight, and using sunscreen with at least SPF 15. It is important to stay well and keep stress low. This can be done with exercise, relaxation, meditation, and setting priorities. The provider should be seen whenever there is a flare-up, or a new symptom.

It is important to have pneumonia and flu shots, to prevent an infection. People with lupus must see their provider on a regular basis. A person who has had lupus for two years usually has a normal life expectancy.

For more information, contact the Lupus Foundation of America at 800-558-0121 or visit their website at www.lupus.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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