What is Lupus

Lupus Background

Lupus and Erythematosus are both Latin words. Lupis means Wolf and Erythematosus means Red.  

May is the National Lupus awareness month. Awareness and support is often symbolized by wearing a Purple Ribbon.  See other Awarness Ribbons.

Lupus is a chronic unpredictable immune system disorder in which the body’s autoimmune system (the cells in the body that fight infection) incorrectly attacks the body’s own tissues and organs, leading to inflammation and damage. The health effects of Lupus may include heart attack, seizures, strokes as well as organ failure. The autoimmune system protects the body against bacteria, viruses, and foreign substances.

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Most people with lupus have mild disease characterized by episodes — called flares — when signs and symptoms get worse for a while, then improve or even disappear completely for a time.

The disease was once thought to have been caused by the bite of a wolf. The rash is commonly referred to as the Marlar Butterfly rash occurring on the tops of the cheeks, across the bridge of the nose and above the eyes.

Lupus is attributed to the thirteenth century physician Rogerius who used it to describe erosive facial lesions that were reminiscent of a wolf’s bite.[i],[ii]

Presently there is no cure for Lupus.

Lupus Disease Types

•       Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (commonly referred to as the  Discoid “skin” Rash)
•       Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (most common form of Lupus)
•       Drug Induced Lupus (caused by certain prescription drugs)
•       Overlap Syndrome or mixed connective tissue disease

Lupus Diagnosis

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, has been called “The Great Imitator” because its symptoms can mimic other, more common diseases and syndromes which can make diagnosis difficult, misunderstood and misdiagnosed disease in the history of medicine.

Although the Marlar Butterfly Rash  “butterfly” shape is very distinctive and a good indication of Lupus, your doctor, in addition to a complete medical history and physical, will order blood test to measure your red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells to measure the extent of the inflammation and autoimmune activity before an accurate diagnosis.

Lupus Cause

Researchers do not know exactly what causes Lupus.  Lupus is not an infectious disease;  you cannot contract Lupus from coming into contact with someone who has Lupus. Although researchers do not know what exactly causes Lupus many researchers agree that a genetic predisposition, environmental and infectious factors  have been associated with the disease.

Hormonal factors explain why Lupus is 10 times more likely in adult women than adult. About 4000 white males, 41,000 white females 31,000 black males and 163,000 black females in the United States have the disease [iii].

Lupus Patients with Symptons

Lupus Symptoms[iv]

If you have lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or SLE), you may be extremely tired, have skin rashes, or have joint pain. If the disease is more serious, you may have problems with your kidneys, heart, lungs, blood, or nervous system.

Lupus symptoms depend on what body organs are affected and how seriously they are affected.

• Fatigue: Nearly all people with lupus have mild to extreme fatigue. Even mild cases of lupus cause an inability to engage in daily activities and exercise. Increased fatigue is a classic sign that a symptom flare is about to occur.
• Joint and muscle pain: Most people with lupus have joint pain (arthritis) at some time. About 70% of people with lupus report that joint and muscle pain was their first sign of the disease. Joints may be red and warm, and may swell. Morning stiffness may also be felt. Lupus arthritis often occurs on both sides of the body at the same time, particularly in the wrists, small joints of the hands, elbows, knees, and ankles.
• Skin problems: Most people with lupus develop skin rashes. These rashes are often an important clue to the diagnosis. In addition to the butterfly rash over the cheeks and bridge of the nose, other common skin symptoms include skin sores or flaky red spots on the arms, hands, face, neck, or back; mouth or lip sores; and a scaly, red or purple raised rash on the face, neck, scalp, ears, arms, and chest.
• Sensitivity to light: Exposure to ultraviolet light (such as sunlight or tanning parlors) typically worsens the skin rash and can trigger lupus flares. Sensitivity to light affects many of those with lupus, with fair-skinned people with lupus tending to be more sensitive.
• Nervous system symptoms: Some people with lupus develop nervous system problems, most commonly headaches. It is not clear whether these are from the lupus itself or whether they are related to the general stress and fatigue of having a chronic illness. More severe symptoms-such as difficulty with memory or concentration, or numbness or weakness of the arms or legs-are not common.
• Heart problems: People with lupus may develop inflammation of the heart sac (pericarditis), which may cause severe, sudden pain in the center of the left side of the chest that may spread to the neck, back, shoulders, or arms.
• Lung problems: People with lupus may develop inflammation of the sac around the lungs (pleurisy), which can cause a stabbing chest pain and coughing.
• Mental health problems: People with lupus may develop problems such as anxiety and depression. Such problems can be caused by lupus, the medicines used to treat it, or the stress of coping with chronic illness.
• Fever: Most people with lupus will sometimes have a low-grade fever related to the disease. Fever is sometimes a first sign of the disease.
• Changes in weight: Many people with lupus lose weight when their disease is active (flaring).
• Hair loss: People with lupus may experience periods of hair loss, either in patches or spread evenly over the head. This hair loss is usually not permanent.
• Swollen glands: Many people with lupus eventually develop swollen lymph glands during a flare.
• Raynaud’s phenomenon: Some people with lupus have Raynaud’s phenomenon. It affects the small vessels that supply blood to the skin and the soft tissues under the skin of the fingers and toes, causing them to turn white and/or blue or red. The skin affected will feel numb, tingly, and cold to the touch.
• Inflammation of blood vessels in the skin (cutaneous vacuities): Inflammation or bleeding from the blood vessels can lead to small or large blue spots or small reddish spots on the skin or nail beds.
• Swelling of the hands and feet: Some people with lupus have kidney problems, which can prevent extra fluids from being removed from the body tissues. As fluid collects, the hands and feet may swell.
• Anemia: Anemia is a decrease in the amount of the oxygen-carrying substance (hemoglobin) found in red blood cells. Many people with an ongoing disease such as lupus develop anemia because they don’t have enough red blood cells.

Lupus Treatment

As no two cases of Lupus are exactly alike your doctor may adjust and / or change your medications as your signs and symptoms flare and subside.   Although treatment plans will vary as your signs and symptoms flare the primary goal will include reduction of inflammation, suppress your overactive immune system, prevent flares and treat them when they occur, minimize pain and fatigue and minimize damage to organs. A good treatment plan will always include your age, symptoms, general health, and lifestyle. Medications most commonly used to treat Lupus include: 

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Antimalarial drugs
• Corticosteroids
• Immune suppressants

 In addition there is Lifestyle and Home Remedies include: 

• Get adequate rest
• Be sun smart
• Get regular exercise
• Don’t smoke
• Eat a healthy diet

 Alternative medicines include:  (you should always speak with your physician before using alternate medicines)  

• Dehydroepiandrosterone
• Flaxseed
• Fish oil
• Vitamin D