Since May is Lupus Awareness Month, we celebrating by providing information about the risks and symptoms of the disease to help educate those who may be affected by it. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (commonly referred to simply as Lupus) is a chronic disease in which the autoimmune system has difficulty telling the difference between the body’s healthy tissue and ‘foreign invaders’, like bacteria and viruses. Our bodies use antibodies to fight off ‘foreign invaders’ (like the flu); but with Lupus the body creates antibodies that actually attack and destroy healthy tissue. This causes pain, inflammation, and damage to various parts of the body.
Potential Risks that Might Cause Lupus
Lupus is not contagious, but it is far more common in women during the child-bearing years between the ages of 15 and 44. At this time scientists are not certain exactly what causes Lupus, but they do know that certain factors lead to an increased risk of developing the disease. These risk factors include:
- Exposure to ultraviolet rays (from the sun or light bulbs)
- Certain medications
- Infection, exhaustion, injury, and emotional stress.
Symptoms of Lupus
Symptoms of Lupus vary from person to person, but may include:
- Damage to the kidneys.
- Inflammation in the nervous system and brain – leading to memory problems, confusion, headaches, and stroke.
- Inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain – leading to high fevers, seizures, and changes in behavior.
- Hardening of the arteries – which may lead to a heart attack.
- Skin rashes and lesions – the most common rash is referred to as a butterfly rash because of the shape of the reddened area covering both cheeks and crossing the bridge of the nose.
- Tiredness, painful and swollen joints, hair loss, sun-sensitivity, and pain with breathing.
It is important to be patient and supportive of Lupus patients, understanding that they will have ‘good days’ and ‘bad days.’ It is also important to be alert for worsening symptoms that may need to be reported to the physician.
For more information about Lupus and other ways to celebrate May, visit the Lupus Foundation website.