Lupus Fact

There are over 2 million Americans diagnosed with Lupus and it is estimated 16,000 Americans develop Lupus each year.

What is Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder. This means that immune system, our body's defense system doesn't recognize it own body therefore unable to tell the differences between foreign bodies and it own body thus attacks it own cells and body parts. There are different levels of severity of Lupus but there are commonly known for 3 types of these conditions: Discoid Lupus which involves mainly skin and connective tissues and it is less severe, Systemic Lupus which effects major organs of body like brain, heart, lung and kidney and Lastly Drug-Induced Lupus which can caused by certain drugs and it produces similar symptoms to Lupus. Lupus occurs mostly in young female during child-bearing age. About 10% of all Lupus occurs in men.

What are the causes?

The exact cause is unknown. Genetic might contributes a great deal to the cause but there isn't a clear proof.

What are some of the common symptoms?

The most common symptoms include fatique, joints pain (rheumatoid arthritis), swollen knees, butterfly rashes on the cheeks, cold hands and feet (hands usually turn into red, white and blue colors which is know as Raynaud's Phenomenon), weigh loss. Lupus can mimic number of disorders and it is quite easy for doctor to miss diagnose Lupus.

How do I know if I have Lupus for sure?

If you have symptoms mentioned above and you are not sure whether you have Lupus. You can ask your doctor to get a simple blood test for anti-DS-DNA antibody(anti-double strain DNA) test and Complementary (C3)Test.

What is the treatment for Lupus?

Usually treat with Anti-malaria Drug (no one knows why it works) and immunosuppressive such as prednisone and other anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofin and Dapro which are commonly used for treatment of arthritis. In a severe condition, it may require chemotherapy. Lupus is incurable, but it is treatable. You can live pretty comfortable life with the right treatments and proper life styles management such as healthy diet, exercise and relaxation.

How can I minimize the flare up of Lupus?

Get plenty of rest when you feel tired, don't over work. Avoid direct sun exposure if as much as possible. Wear sun-screen, hat and long sleeve tops and long pants when going out door. Sun light can really aggravate Lupus to flare up and it can worsen rashes on your face as well. Take medications as directed by doctor and keep up your doctor appointment!

These are just some of the main highlights of Lupus that I think most people should be aware of. To learn more about Lupus conditions and find the right Lupus management, join Lupus forum and at Lupus Foundation or visit my website at: http://www.lupusandme.page.tl to read my personal Lupus story.