All About Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakesthe body's connective tissue for a foreign invader and attcks it. The two most common forms of Lupus are, D.L.E.(Discoid lupus erythomotosis and S.L.S.(Systemic lupus erythomatosis. Discoic lupus is onlt affected by the sunlight which can leave a butterfly like rash and possibly scaring from sunburn.
Systemic lupus is more serious and can be life threatining, In whhich it can affect any vital organs  Lupus can affect anyone at any time and is hard to diagnose. To many people, Lupus is perceived as a womans disease as it effects 9 out of 10 patients.

Causes

No single agent has been identified as causing Lupus, although some research suggests that a combination of genetic, hormonal and immunologic factors may be behind it. A predisposition to devoloping this disease does appear to be an inhertited trait. Enviromental elements, bacterial infections, severe emotional stress to over exposer to sunlight are factors in triggering the disease

Diagnostic and Test Procedures

Diagnosing Lupus can be difficult because symptoms often mimic other diseases and vary from patient to patient. Your doctor will first attempt to rule out chronic fatigue syndrome, Mononucleosis, and autoimmune disorders other than Lupus itself. Tests that might be done include a blood count, platelet count and serum electrophoresis to indicate the levels of white blood cells and plasma proteins.
The most certain way to identify Lupus is anti-DNA antibodies - which shows whether you have antibodies to the normal genetic material in certain cells

Treatment

Due to it's unpreditable nature, Lupus is a difficult disease to control, But close self-monitering and proper treatment can help in most cases

Conventional Treatment

For Milder cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as asprin can be used to relieve joint pain. Stubborn rashes and more severe joint pain may respond to antimalarial medications such as hydroxychloroquine. A short course of corticosteriods reduces inflammation and fever and is recommended for flareups.Anti-depressants and mild antianxiety drugs can help with sleeping problems that frequently come with the disease. Cyclophosphamides, which subdue the immune system, may be used for severe cases of Lupus. involving renal damage

Alternative choices

Although they should never be substituted for prescribed medicines, A number of alternitive therapies may help you control your symptoms. In addition to the remedies mentioned below, you might want to consider acupuncture, chinese herbs and various forms of body work. Consult a specialist for guidance in using these therapies.

At home remedies

Avoid sun exposure by wearing protective clothing such as sun glasses, hats, long sleeves and pants. Also use sun screen from spf 15 - spf45.

Pace yourself throughout the day to conserve energy, and get plenty of rest.

Call your doctor if:

Symptoms

Profound fatigue,low grade fever, and severe muscle aches and joint pain

You have several of the symptoms and suspect if you have lupus. This disease is potentially fatal and requires profesional medical care. Prognosis improves with early detection and rigorous treatment

Extreme sun sensitivity

Skin rash on face or body

Weight loss, mental confusion, and chest pain on taking a deep breath

You have a family history of lupus, especially if your mother, father, aunt or uncle

Nose, mouth and throat sores

enlarged lymph nodes

Poor circlulation in fingers and toes

Discolored urine, or frequent blocked urination

This information is provided from doctors and Universities, and from Time Life inc. and should not be seen as a substitute for seaking real help with a physician,