What is lupus?

lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects different parts of the body, including joints, skin, blood and kidneys. It is a condition in which the immune system of the body attacks its own cells and tissues, resulting in pain, inflammation and damage to the organ. For many people, the disease is mild and symptoms can be managed, but some patients may develop serious symptoms and life -threatening complications.

Causes

doctors do not know the exact cause of the disease. Some evidence suggests that having a relative blood close to the disease can increase the risk factor for lupus development, but the exact genetic bond has not yet been discovered. Even those who are genetically susceptible to this disease can never develop it. In some cases, other factors, such as excessive exposure to sunlight or long -term use of certain drugs, may cause the condition. The disease is much more common in women than in men, although no explanation is known for T.

Symptoms are causedSystem. The immune system usually protects the body by detecting harmful foreign substances called antigens. In response to antigen attack, the body creates proteins known as antibodies that destroy antigens and help the body build immunity for further attacks.

When a man has lupus, his immune system cannot recognize the difference between antigens and normal cells and tissues in the body. The immune system confused, produces antibodies that attack healthy cells, organs and tissues, which he considers to be foreign contaminants. These special antibodies, known as automatic antibodies, are connected to the cells and tissues that attack and create the immune complex molecules. As the automatic non -bodies continue to attack healthy body tissues, the immune complex molecules accumulate at the attack site and cause pain, burn and damage throughout the body.

types

Discoid lupus is characterized by a rash that appears onface, neck or scalp. The rash is usually red and scaly and can cause discomfort and hair loss around irritated areas. When it appears on the face, it is sometimes called the "rash of butterflies" because it resembles the wing of the butterfly. Some patients may have a rash only a few days at a time, while others may suffer from rashes that last months or even years. This type of disease also causes ulcers of the mouth and nose and sensitivity to sunlight. In some cases, this may proceed to systematic disease.

The best known type of condition is systemic lupus. While the disease can cause rashes common in the discoid variety, it can also affect the skin, blood, nervous system, kidneys, heart, joints and lungs. Some individuals with this disease have only one or two organs or tissues affected, while others may have many affected organs, systems or tissues.

Symptoms of systematic lupus include fever, fatigue, joint pain and reduced organ function. This form of illnessUsually includes a period of remission and a period of activity. The activity period is often referred to as a flare. Fragmes may take days or weeks and may come and leave without any explanation.

Lupus caused by a drug is a rare type of disease caused by long -term use of certain drugs. Symptoms are similar to symptoms found in discoid and systematic form. Many drugs are associated with this type of disease, including tuberculosis drugs, high blood pressure, schizophrenia and Crohn's disease. This condition develops only a very small number of people taking these drugs and symptoms generally disappear when drug interruptions.

neonatal lupus is another rare form of illness. The condition occurs when women with systematic lupus transmit some of their auto-interplay to their child during TON birth. In many cases, this condition is temporary and the symptoms will disappear within a few months. The disease rarely leads the disease to heart defects, skin problems or reduced liver function.

diagnosis

Diagnosis of this condition can be quite complex because there is no definitive disease test. Blood tests help identify the symptoms of inflammation and can show how well the organs work. In some cases, organ biopsy may be performed for kidney or liver control, whether there are no signs of damage. A complete medical history is often an important diagnostic tool because it can reveal a family history of the disease or any medication that could cause disease.

Treatment

Although there is no remedy for disease, symptoms and flares sometimes respond to treatment. Medicines such as non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to treat fever, joint pain and discomfort. In some cases, immune drugs help slow the production of auto-antibodia, ie mitigating symptoms. Corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed to reduce inflammation in the body. Since many immune suppression and steroids have serious side effects, they are usually used only in the short term.

Lifestyles are sometimes recommended for those who suffer from this disease. Eating non -inflammatory diet, enough rest and avoiding sunlight exposure can help reduce symptoms. Because lupus can be a frustrating and difficult condition to be driven, some people benefit from the connection of support groups or participation in therapy. Talking with other people with illness or expressing the concerns of a supportive physician or therapist can help reduce stress and negative emotions associated with chronic condition.