Lupus or lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in several parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys and brain. Lupus can be experienced by anyone, but it is more common in women.
Under normal conditions, the immune system will protect the body from infection or injury. However, when a person has an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, the immune system attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs.
Lupus has several types, namely SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), cutaneous lupus (lupus on the skin) drug-induced lupus (drug-induced lupus), and neonatal lupus.
Causes of Lupus
The exact cause of lupus is not known. A combination of genetic and environmental factors is often associated with the development of lupus. Some triggers for the appearance of lupus symptoms are sun exposure, infectious diseases, or certain medications.
The risk of developing lupus also increases if a person is female, aged 15–45 years, and has a family member with lupus. Keep in mind, lupus is not a contagious disease.
Lupus Symptoms
Lupus can cause inflammation in various organs and parts of the body. This causes the symptoms of lupus can be very diverse and different from one patient to another. However, there are a number of common things that can happen, namely:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Rash on the skin, often on the cheeks and nose
- Unexplained fatigue
- Skin is more sensitive to sunlight
- Weight loss
- Fever for no apparent reason
- Paleness of fingers or toes
- Ulcer
Lupus Diagnosis
Lupus is a difficult disease to diagnose. The doctor will conduct questions and answers, a physical examination to see the signs and symptoms that arise, as well as carry out supporting examinations, to diagnose this disease.
Some of the investigations that will be done to confirm lupus are lab tests (blood tests, urine tests, biopsies), and scans, such as X-rays. Blood tests are also performed to confirm the presence of ANA antibodies (antinuclear antibodies) which increases in value in patients with autoimmune diseases.
Lupus Treatment
Lupus cannot be cured. Treatment aims to relieve complaints, prevent symptoms, and inhibit the development of the disease.
Treatment will be carried out in several ways, including the provision of drugs, the application of a healthy lifestyle, and managing stress in a positive way.
Lupus Prevention
Lupus cannot be prevented. However, there are several things that can be done to reduce the risk of developing lupus or prevent the recurrence of complaints and symptoms, for example by adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding lupus triggers, and having regular health check-ups with the doctor.