10 Basic Facts About Lupus

Lupus is a complicated disease. 

Whether it has been suggested you may have lupus, or you have a definitive diagnosis, you should know these 10 basic facts about lupus.

1 - Lupus is an autoimmune, rheumatic disease.

In lupus, the immune system of the body attacks its own cells and tissues. Specifically, the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system, and other organs of the body are affected.

2 - There are five types of lupus.

    * Systemic lupus erythematosus - affects joints and organs

    * Discoid lupus - affects the skin

    * Sub-acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus - characterized by a specific, non-scarring skin lesion

    * Drug-induced lupus - develops after a drug reaction

    * Neonatal lupus - affects newborns

3 - Ninety percent of lupus patients are women.

Lupus affects roughly 9/10 times as many women as men. Most often, lupus develops in people 18 to 45 years old. Though lupus is most prevalent among women, it also may affect men and children, as well as people of all ages.

4 - There are 11 American College of Rheumatology criteria for Lupus.

Lupus is differentiated from other connective tissue diseases, based on eleven criteria offered by the American College of Rheumatology for classification purposes.

    * Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose

    * Scaly disk-shaped rash on face, neck, ears, scalp, chest

    * Sunlight sensitivity

    * Mouth sores, tongue sores, inside nose sores

    * Arthritis pain in joints

    * Pain in chest and side when breathing or moving

    * Kidney problems

    * Neurologic problems

    * Blood problems such as anemia, low white cell count

   * Immune system malfunction

   * Antinuclear antibodies

It is recommended that if you have four or more of the eleven criteria, you should consult with a rheumatologist.

5 - Lupus diagnosis may be difficult.

Lupus is considered an unpredictable disease, with no two cases exactly the same. The unique pattern of symptoms associated with lupus has caused some to say that lupus is like a snowflake. No two are alike. There are several symptoms of lupus which mimic other rheumatic diseases (e.g., severe fatigue), making the diagnostic process difficult.

6 - Lupus treatment depends on symptoms and severity of symptoms.

Conservative treatment with NSAIDs (i.e., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen) and plaquenil may be appropriate for lupus patients with non-life threatening symptoms such as joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, and skin rashes. More aggressive treatment which may include high dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs is used when there are severe organ complications. The benefits and risks of treatment must be weighed by each patient and their doctor.

    * Lupus Treatment Options

    * Lupus Poses Many Challenges

    * Lupus Medications - What Are My Options?

7 – More then 1.6 million people across the nation have lupus.

Approximately 70 percent of lupus cases are systemic. In 50 percent of those cases, it is a major organ which is affected.

8 - Certain races have an increased risk of developing lupus.

lupus is two to three times more prevalent among people of color, including African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans.

9 - The majority of lupus patients lead normal lives.

With careful monitoring of lupus, and treatment adjustments as needed, most lupus patients lead normal lives. There may be some limitations and the disease may impose restrictions at times but with good disease management quality of life can be sustained. The worst adversary comes from within, when the patient loses hope, loses will, and gives in to frustration and depression.

10 - A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, including lupus.

Your primary care doctor can refer you to a rheumatologist , or you can get an appointment through self-referral if your health insurance allows it. Evaluation by a rheumatologist is important so that a patient can develop a treatment plan.