SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

This posting descries the desease of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and its symptoms and treatment. Most people are referring to say "LUPUS" for Systemic Lupus Erithematosus.

DEFINITION
Lupus is one of many disorders of autoimmune diseases in which leads to inflammation and damage to various body tissues. There is no cure for lupus at present, but it can be effectively treated with drugs, and most people with the desease can lead active and healthy live. It is more common in women than men and three times more common in African American women than Caucasian women and is also more common in women of Hispanic, Asian, and Native American.

CATEGORIES OF LUPUS
There are several kinds of lupus as described here :

1. Systemic lupus erithematosus (SLE). The "systemic" means the disease can affect many parts of body.
2. Discoid Lupus Eruthematosus. A Chronic skin disorder in wich a red, raised rash appears on the face, scalp, or elsewhere. The raised areas may become thick and cause scarring.
3. Subacut Cutaneous Lupus Eruthematosus. It refers to skin lesions that appear on parts of the body exposed to sun. This lesions do not cause scarring.
4. Drug-induce Lupus. A form of lupus caused by medication.
5. Neonatal Lupus. It is a rare disease than can occur in newborn babies of women with SLE.

CAUSES OF LUPUS
A healthy immune system produces antibodies and lymphocytes that help fight and destroy viruses, bacteria, and other foreign body that invade the body. In lupus, the immune system produces autoantibodies (antibodies against the body's healthy cells and tissues) that contribute to the inflammation of various part of the body and can cause damage to organs and tissues.

SYMPTOMS OF LUPUS
Symptoms can range form mild to severa and may come and go over time.
Commont symptoms of lupus are :

• Paintfull or swollen joint and muscle pain
• Red rashes (most on face)
• Unexplained fever
• Chest pain
• Unusual loss of hair
• sensitivity to the sun
• pale or purple fingers or toes
• swelling in legs or around eyes
• Swollen glands
• Extreme fatigue
• Mouth ulcers

HOW TO DIAGNOSE LUPUS
It can be difficult how to diagnose lupus. It may take months or even years for doctors to piece together the symptoms to accurately diagnose this complex disease.
There is no single test can determine whether a person has lupus. The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is commonly used to identify autoantivodies present in the blood. Most people with lupus test positive for ANA (there are a number of other causes of a positive ANA beside lupus). There are blood test that more specific including of anti-DNA, anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anti-Ro (SSA), and anti-La (SSB).
Some times the doctor may order a biopsy of the skin or kidnesy if those body systems are affected.

TREATMENT OF LUPUS

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are often used for people with joint or chest pain that can decrease inflammation. Some of NSAIDs are available over the counter (ex. ibuprofen and naproxen).
• Antimalarials. These drugs were originally used to treat malaria, but doctors have found that they also are useful for lupus.
• Corticosteroids. These drugs are related to cortisol which is a natural anti-inflammatory hormone and work suppressing inflammation rapidly. Corticosteroids can be given by mouth, in creams applied to the skin, or by injection. It is dangerous to stop taking corticosteroid suddenly, so the doctor and patien should work together in changing the dose.
• Immunosuppressive. These drugs can restrain the overactive immune system by blocking the production of immune cells.

HOW TO INCREASE QUALITY OF LIFE IN PEOPLE HAS LUPUS?

One key to managing lupus is to understand the disease and its impact. Learning to recognize the warning signs of a flare can help the patient take steps toward it off or reduce its intensity. Developing strategies to prevent flares can also be helpful such as learnign to recognize your warning signals and maintaining good communication with your doctor.

Regular health care is important for people with lupus. The treatment plan can be adjusted accordingly. If new symptoms are identified early, the may be more effective.

WARNING SIGNS OF A FLARE
Abdominal Discomfort
Incresed Fatigue
Headache
Dizzines
Fever
Rash
Pain

PREVENTING A FLARE
Learn to recognize your warning signals
Maintain good communication with doctor

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR
Seek health care provider who is familiar with SLE and who will listen your concern
Provide complete and accurate medical infomation
Be honest and share your point of view
Ask for clarification or further infomatin if needed
Make a list of your question
Talk to other member of the health care team such as nurse
Do not hesitate to discuss sensitive subjects
Discuss any treatment change with doctor