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.
