Charlotte, NC
Himal Bikram Bhattarai, MD
Jwala KC, MD
Bibhusan Basnet, MD
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disease. This means that your immune system cannot distinguish between healthy tissue and foreign invaders and attacks healthy cells and tissues by mistake. The inflammation may affect the skin, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys, circulating blood cells, brain, and other organs and, in some cases, permanent tissue damage.
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Almost every organ in your body is at risk for lupus. SLE symptoms typically vary, so you don’t always experience them. Symptoms may come and go. When you are having worsening symptoms, it is called a flare. Flares can range from mild to severe and are unpredictable.
Symptoms of lupus:
Joint and muscle discomfort: You might feel stiffness and soreness together with or without swelling. Most lupus sufferers are affected by this. The neck, legs, shoulders, and upper arms are typical locations for muscular soreness and swelling.
Fever: Many people with lupus experience a temperature above 100 F. Fever is frequently brought on by illness or inflammation. Fever can be managed and prevented with SLE medication.
Rash: Any area of your body exposed to the sun, such as your face, arms, and hands, is susceptible to developing rashes. A crimson, butterfly-shaped rash that covers the nose and cheeks is one typical lupus symptom.
Sensitive to the sun or light: Most lupus sufferers experience photosensitivity or sensitivity to light. Some people with lupus may get rashes, a fever, extreme exhaustion, or joint discomfort after sunlight exposure.
Pain in the chest: Lung lining irritation may result from SLE. When inhaling deeply, this results in chest discomfort.
Hair loss: Bald or patchy areas are typical. Some medications or infections might also result in hair loss.
Kidney problems: Lupus nephritis affects the kidneys and affects 50% of people with lupus. Symptoms include weight gain, swollen ankles, elevated blood pressure, and impaired renal function.
Mouth sores: These sores, also known as ulcers, typically develop on the mouth’s roof but can also develop on the gums, inside the cheeks, and on the lips. You might have discomfort or dry mouth, or they could be painless.
Weariness: Even when you get adequate sleep, you can feel worn out or tired. Another indicator of an impending lupus flare is fatigue.
Anemia: Anemia, a disorder that occurs when your body lacks red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout your body, might cause fatigue.
Memory issues: Some people with SLE claim to have memory loss or cognitive problems.
Blood Clots: Your risk of blood clotting may be more significant. Blood clots increase the risk of a heart attack, a stroke, or recurrent miscarriages.
Eye disease: You could get eyelid rashes, dry eyes, and irritation.
It is uncertain what causes lupus, and scientists are actively looking at potential risk factors. It is caused by a complicated autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system targets the patient’s tissues and organs. Research studies have shown that specific genes contribute to the onset of SLE, but it still is to be known or determined. Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) may be brought on by exposure to specific environmental variables, including virus infections, sunshine, some drugs, and smoking.
People of all ages, including children, are susceptible to SLE. However, the most significant risk of getting SLE. is among women of reproductive age (15 to 44). Women are affected more than males (9:1), regardless of age. Compared to white women, SLE affects African American women two to three times more frequently. Additionally, it affects Hispanic, Asian, and Native American women more frequently. African American or Hispanic women are more likely to have severe SLE.
As a result of its many irregular symptoms and ability to resemble those of other diseases or disorders, SLE can be challenging to diagnose. A single blood test cannot currently diagnose lupus. Before SLE is identified, your doctor may need to rule out other potential reasons causing the symptoms.
Lupus has no cure, but medicines and lifestyle changes can help control it. Managing symptoms is the aim of therapy.
People with SLE often need a primary care doctor and a rheumatologist (a doctor specializing in joint and muscle diseases). You should see other specialists depending on how lupus affects your body. For example, you would see a cardiologist if lupus damages your heart or blood vessels or a nephrologist if you have lupus nephritis.
Your primary care doctor will make a personalized treatment plan for you. You and your doctor should review the plan frequently to ensure it is effective. New symptoms should be immediately reported to your doctor so that, if necessary, modify the treatment plan.
Treatment with drugs
You might also need medications for lupus-related conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or infections. Treatments not part of routine care are referred to as alternative treatments. Currently, no evidence supports the use of alternative medicine to treat SLE. Some supplementary or alternative methods will help you manage or even lessen some of the stress that comes with a chronic condition. It is best to consult your doctor before attempting alternative therapies.
Firstly, Identify the symptoms of a flare-up. Spotting the warning signs of a flare can help you prevent the flare or make the symptoms less severe. You and your doctor can take steps to lessen or avoid it.
SLE can affect a person’s short- and long-term life. SLE can affect one’s physical, mental, and social functioning. Active illness, organ failure (such as kidney failure), infection, or cardiovascular disease from accelerated atherosclerosis are the primary causes of early mortality linked to SLE.
The devastating consequences of SLE may be worsened by lack of access to care, delayed diagnosis, ineffective medications, and poor adherence to prescribed treatment plans, leading to additional problems and an increased risk of death. Early detection and successful treatment can lessen the adverse effects of SLE and increase the likelihood of improved function and quality of life.
Most women who have it can give birth to healthy babies If their lupus is under control. Consult your doctor if you consider getting pregnant to ensure you are as healthy as possible before giving birth. In particular, close monitoring during pregnancy is imperative if you have low platelets, antiphospholipid antibodies, anti-SSA/Ro antibodies, high blood pressure, or lung, heart, or renal issues.
Finding an obstetrician with experience treating lupus-suffering women and managing high-risk pregnancies is crucial.
Certain lupus drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy. To ensure that all of your SLE drugs are safe during pregnancy, discussing them with your doctors before becoming pregnant is crucial. Birth control pills do not increase the incidence of severe flares among SLE patients; however, estrogen-containing drugs are not advised for those with antiphospholipid antibodies. Before beginning oral contraceptives, discuss your antibody test results with your doctor.
