Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), otherwise known as lupus, is a chronic condition that results from a malfunctioning immune system. People with lupus are at increased risk of developing infections. The most common infections for people with lupus include those of the respiratory tract, skin and urinary system.>
First, lupus itself can make infections occur more often. Lupus affects the immune system, which can sometimes limit the body's ability to fight bacteria, viruses and other microbes that can cause illness.
Almost everyone with lupus has joint pain and swelling, but depending on what part of your body the lupus is attacking, you could have other symptoms too. If it's your skin, you might have a rash on your face and body. If lupus attacks your digestive tract, you might feel sick to your stomach.
If you have lupus, you may experience periods of illness (flares) and periods of wellness (remission). Lupus flares can be mild to serious,and they are unpredictable. However, with treatment, many people with lupus can manage the disease.
People with lupus may be more likely to catch the flu, and more likely to have serious health problems if they catch the flu. That's because: Having lupus means that the body's immune system doesn't work correctly to protect you from illnesses like the flu.
For those living with lupus, the cold winter months can increase the incidence and severity of the condition. Lupus winter flare-ups result from cold-induced spasms in small blood vessels, which restrict blood flow.
Many lupus patients aren't able to do intensive physical work, like waitressing or working in a grocery store. Jobs that involve standing for long periods, like working a cash register, greeting customers, or being a hostess at a restaurant, can be physically tiring as well as rough on the joints.
If you have lupus, you may have times of more symptoms (flares) and times of feeling better (remission). Lupus flares can be mild to serious, and they do not follow a pattern. However, with treatment, many people with lupus can manage the disease.
Having lupus can make everyday life challenging. When your lupus is active, symptoms like joint stiffness, pain, fatigue, confusion, or depression can make simple tasks difficult — and sometimes impossible. Since these symptoms aren't visible, the people around you may have trouble understanding how you feel.
Lupus is a lifelong disease that can affect many parts of your life. But, many people with lupus live long, healthy lives. You can take steps to control your symptoms, prevent lupus flares, and cope with the challenges of lupus.
With age, symptom activity with lupus often declines, but symptoms you already have may grow more severe. The accumulation of damage over years may result in the need for joint replacements or other treatments.
The vast majority of people diagnosed with the condition will have a normal or near-normal life expectancy. However, some people with SLE are still at risk of life-threatening complications as a result of damage to internal organs and tissues, such as heart attack or stroke.
Chilblain lupus is a symptom of lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder (when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells). People with chilblain lupus get painful red or purple sores and discolored patches of skin. These small sores (chilblains) form or worsen after exposure to cold temperatures.
Stress, joint pain, and fatigue are common lupus symptoms. While rest is essential, moving your body regularly releases “feel good” hormones called endorphins. This can boost your mood and keep your stressors in check. Physical exercise can also lessen joint pain and prevent stiffness in the body.
Most people with lupus develop the disease between the ages of 15-44. People with lupus can experience significant symptoms, such as pain, extreme fatigue, hair loss, cognitive issues, and physical impairments that affect every facet of their lives.
Lupus has no cure and contributes to an earlier death. However, the cause of lupus continues to evade clinical researchers. "Our study suggests that the increase in the incidence of lupus is associated with an increase in the racial and ethnic diversity in the community," continues Dr.
Lupus can cause serious kidney damage, and kidney failure is one of the leading causes of death among people with lupus. Brain and central nervous system. If your brain is affected by lupus, you may experience headaches, dizziness, behavior changes, vision problems, and even strokes or seizures.
People with lupus are more likely to experience infection and infection-related complications. This is because their immune system is weakened by both the disease and the medication used to treat it. The most common infections for people with lupus include those of the respiratory tract, skin and urinary system.
Lupus nephritis tends to develop within 5 years of the appearance of initial lupus symptoms. The condition affects about 40% of people who have SLE and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in 22% of patients over a period of 15 years.
You'll want to make sure you share details of your lupus symptoms and treatment with your family — keeping them informed can lessen their concerns. It'll also help them understand why you may sometimes say “no” to activities.
While you do not have to stop drinking altogether, limiting alcoholic beverages will ensure that your medications work as they should. Alcohol interferes with some medications, including popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like ibuprofen and naproxen.
The sun is the main source of ultraviolet light and is enemy no. 1 for patients with lupus, because it can trigger the disease or trigger flares at any time in its development.
Gender: Even though anyone can get lupus, it most often affects women. They're nine to ten times more likely than men to develop it. Age: Lupus can occur at any age, but most are diagnosed in their 20s and 30s. Race: Lupus is two to three times more common in African-American women than in Caucasian women.