Define Lupus Disease

Systemic lupus erythematosus, or Lupus Disease, affects more than 1.5 million Americans. Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system goes into overdrive and attacks the body leaving it vulnerable to other illnesses.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Lupus can be very similar to those in other diseases making it difficult to diagnose. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, headaches, painful or swollen joints, fever, anemia, edema in the extremities, pain in chest on deep breathing, butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose, sun- or light-sensitivity, hair loss, abnormal blood clotting, Raynaud's phenomenon and/or mouth or nose ulcers.

Causes

• While no specific genes have been found to indicate Lupus, having a relative with the disease or another autoimmune disease increases the chances that you may develop it. Scientists are also researching environmental factors which may trigger Lupus.

Tests

• Lupus is largely diagnosed by ruling out other diseases. However, there are tests doctors use to find clues to the severity and progress. These are blood tests that include a complete blood count, Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) profile and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or "sed" rate). Doctors may also monitor urine samples and do biopsies of areas suspected damaged, particularly the skin.

Treatment

• Lupus is treated mainly through drug therapy. These include Anti-Inflammatories, Corticosteroids, Antimalarials, Immunosuppressives and Anticoagulants. What combination the doctors prescribe depends on the symptoms being presented.

Alternative Treatment

• Patients with Lupus also find it beneficial to exercise, have massages, practice yoga and take part in biofeedback.

Prognosis

• The majority of people living with Lupus live a normal lifespan according to the Lupus Foundation of America. When people do die of the disease it is often due to kidney failure or extreme infection. Heart disease may also be a factor.