Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by loss of tolerance and lack of control of B lymphocytes that can lead to destruction of all organs. It affects young subjects. Lupus treatment is difficult.

Lupus symptoms

A dark red patch at the top of the cheeks and bridge of the shaped butterfly nose.
A rash of raised red disc-shaped regions on the exposed sun-skin.
A large sun sensitivity, manifested by skin rash during or shortly after exposure.
Ulcers in the mouth or nostrils.
Pain and swelling in joints.
Pain in the chest during deep breathing, and sometimes a cough.
Swelling in the legs.
If the disease affects the heart, it can cause arrhythmia and heart failure.
A depression, difficulty to think clearly and memory problems.
Muscle aches.

Lupus disease evolution

The disease may be mild (cutaneous and articular) or more severe (renal, cardiac, neurological). It is therefore essential to ensure regular monitoring of patients through regular biological examinations.

Two major types of diagnoses are eliminated:

Other causes of inflammatory involvement of multiple joints: rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis ...
Other causes of fever during the course: cancer, bacterial or viral infections (typhoid fever, brucellosis).

Lupus Treatment

In simple cases of cutaneous or arthritis lupus, hydroxychloroquine is prescribed as background therapy (continuous), associated with ophthalmological monitoring. Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed and are often effective. In cases of severe damage (affecting the heart, kidneys, lungs or nervous system), lupus treatment with corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory drugs) is necessary. Methotrexate or cyclophosphamide are traditionally drugs used to treat certain cancers, can be prescribed by the doctor. Side effects of these drugs must be closely monitored. It is essential to provide psychological support the patient suffering from lupus. Oral contraception is recommended in women (the intra-uterine devices are not indicated because of the risk of infections).

Lupus pictures

Lupus diet

According to the research, there is no diet that will reduce the symptoms of lupus and that is proven by clinical studies. Some evidence suggests that through a healthy diet (especially fish, rich in fruits and vegetables), one can achive some relief. Based on studies conducted on animals and some preliminary results in humans, vegetables seem to help the body.

Lupus causes

Systemic erythematosus lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of unknown cause in general. It is possible that some drugs cause the disease (in 10% of cases). There also may be a possible genetic cause. Sun exposure may exacerbate the disease. Sun protection is mandatory. Women which are taking the contraceptive pill (especially high-dose pills) increases to 50% probability of suffering from lupus. Systemic lupus is an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system is supposed to protect the body. Toxic inflammatory processes are activated whitout no reason at different levels: skin, joints, etc.. Autoantibodies are often found in the blood of patients.

Lupus fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome affecting the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system of the body. This syndrome is not a type of arthritis or joint disease. It is a non-articular rheumatic disease. The main symptom of fibromyalgia is a diffuse sensation of pain associated with a reduced threshold pain leading to increased sensitivity of certain musculoskeletal sites, detectable pressure or palpation. These specific places are called "tender points" and are identified by the practitioner. Patients diagnosed for the first time as suffering from fibromyalgia are generally unaware of the existence of these tender points. However, fibromyalgia is not a diagnosis of exclusion and can also occur in patients with many other types of rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or arthritis.

Lupus - affected organs

During the course of the disease, many organs may be affected:

Kidney with presence of protein or blood in urine or renal failure;
Cardiovascular disease: inflammation of the different possible allocations of the heart (endocarditis, myocarditis, pericarditis), arterial or venous thrombosis (blood clots), arterial hypertension;
Lung violations : pleural effusion, pulmonary infiltrates;
Neurological: epilepsy, psychosis, inflammatory vessels, impaired motor function or sensitivity;
Bone necrosis, bone destruction are most often related to treatment (corticosteroids);
Gastrointestinal inflammation (hepatitis, pancreatitis, peritonitis).