Lupus: a complex autoimmune disease. The reason why the immune system targets healthy tissues

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that causes symptoms throughout the body, ranging from mild to life-threatening. The most common type is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but there are other types, depending on which part of the body is affected. Lupus can also be cutaneous, drug-induced, or neonatal. It is often used to refer to a specific type of condition.

Lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a severe form of lupus that affects 70% of cases and can cause inflammation in various organs and systems. It can range from mild to severe and can affect the skin, joints, lungs, kidneys, blood and heart.

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a type of cutaneous lupus that affects only the skin and appears as circular lesions, usually on the scalp and face. These lesions may become red, thick, scaly, or lead to scarring and discoloration of the skin.

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus refers to skin lesions on sun-exposed parts of the body that do not cause scarring but may cause skin discoloration.

Drug-induced lupus (DIL) results from long-term use of certain drugs, with symptoms similar to those of SLE, but often less severe. More than 100 drugs have been identified as potential causes of DIL.

Neonatal lupus can affect newborns if their biological parent passes the lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome antibodies through the placenta during pregnancy. At birth, infants may have skin rashes, liver problems, and low blood cell counts. Skin symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks, but some infants may have congenital heart block, which is a more serious complication and may require a pacemaker.

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symptom

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause various symptoms, including malar eruptions, discoid eruptions, photosensitivity, oral or nasal ulcers, refractory arthritis, pericarditis or pleuritis, kidney disorders, neurological disorders, hematologic disorders, immunologic disorders, and positive ANA. Lupus symptoms usually occur during flares, with periods of remission between flares.

Women may experience symptoms such as hair loss, sensitivity to sunlight, oral thrush, arthritis and malar rash. Men are less likely to have lupus, but may experience more severe symptoms, such as cardiovascular complications, low blood counts, weight loss, kidney complications, and chest pain.

Lupus can also affect other body systems, such as the kidneys, lungs, central nervous system, blood vessels, blood composition, and heart. Kidney disease can lead to swelling of the feet, legs and face, frequent urination and high blood pressure.

Lung diseases such as pleurisy and pneumonia can cause chest pain and shortness of breath. Central nervous system symptoms may include brain fog, headaches, seizures, and strokes. Blood vessels may be affected by vasculitis, while blood may be affected by anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia.

Other complications of lupus include a higher risk of infections due to a weakened immune system, bone tissue death and fractures due to lupus and drug use, and complications during pregnancy. A doctor may recommend delaying pregnancy until the lupus has been under control for at least 6 months.

In short, lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause various symptoms, including malar eruptions, discoid eruptions, photosensitivity, oral or nasal ulcers, lupus nephritis, neurological disorders, blood disorders, and pregnancy complications. It is important that people seek medical attention and treatment if they experience any of these symptoms.

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CAUSE

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation, swelling, pain, and tissue damage when the immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissue. Researchers believe it is caused by several factors, including cell death, genetic factors, and environmental factors.

Cell death occurs when the body is renewing its cells, and because of genetic factors, the body of people with lupus may not properly dispose of dead cells. This can lead to the production of autoantibodies, such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA), which attack the body, causing the symptoms of lupus. Antinuclear antibodies target the nucleus of the body’s cells, which contains the genetic material, according to MedicalNewsToday.

Lupus risk factors include hormonal factors, genetic factors, and environmental factors. Women between the ages of 15 and 44 are nine times more likely to have lupus than men.

Lupus often runs in families, and certain genes are common in lupus patients. Children are also at risk, with 20% of them developing the condition before the age of 20, but rarely before the age of 5. Up to 50% of children with lupus have kidney symptoms.

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Treatment

Lupus treatment varies by type and includes protective clothing, medications, immunosuppressants, biologics, and treatments for complications such as infections, seizures, skin or kidney problems.

Home remedies and lifestyle measures can help protect the body’s systems and manage symptoms. A varied and balanced diet, with the help of a doctor or dietitian to help create a plan, can help manage lupus. Options include taking omega-3 fatty acids, limiting cholesterol and saturated fat, reducing sodium intake, and ensuring adequate vitamin intake.

Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, managing stress, and staying social can also help manage lupus.

That being said, lupus is an autoimmune condition that affects different body systems, with SLE being the most common type. It can cause cycles of flares and remissions, making diagnosis difficult.

Treatment options can help manage symptoms, limit organ damage, and improve a person’s quality of life after diagnosis. Different treatment options can help manage symptoms and limit organ damage.

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