What happens when lupus is inside your body?
When lupus is inside your body, it causes inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues. Here's what happens:
Immune System Dysregulation:
- In lupus, the immune system, which normally defends the body against infections, malfunctions.
- It produces autoantibodies that mistakenly attack the body's own tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
Joint Inflammation (Arthritis):
- Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness are common symptoms of lupus.
- Inflammation affects the synovium, the lining of the joints, causing synovitis.
- Over time, chronic inflammation can lead to joint damage and deformities.
Skin Rashes:
- The "butterfly rash" across the bridge of the nose and cheeks is a characteristic feature of lupus.
- Other skin rashes can include discoid lesions, photosensitivity, and vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels).
Kidney Involvement (Lupus Nephritis):
- Lupus can affect the kidneys, causing inflammation and damage to the filtering units (glomeruli).
- This can lead to protein and blood in the urine, decreased kidney function, and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
Neurological Manifestations:
- Lupus can affect the nervous system, leading to a variety of symptoms such as headaches, seizures, cognitive difficulties ("lupus fog"), and mood disorders.
Cardiovascular Issues:
- Inflammation can affect the heart, blood vessels, and lungs.
- It can lead to conditions like pericarditis (inflammation of the heart sac), myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), and vasculitis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Lung Problems:
- Lupus can cause inflammation in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.
- Pleuritis (inflammation of the lining of the lungs) and interstitial lung disease (scarring of lung tissue) may occur.
Blood Abnormalities:
- Anemia (low red blood cell count) is common in lupus.
- White blood cell and platelet counts may also be affected, affecting the body's ability to fight infections and control bleeding.
Fatigue and Weakness:
- Extreme fatigue and generalized weakness are often experienced by people with lupus.
- This can significantly impact their daily activities and quality of life.
Symptoms and severity of lupus can vary widely from person to person, and some individuals may experience additional or different manifestations of the disease. Early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and appropriate treatment can help manage lupus and minimize the risk of complications.