Definition of LUPUS

Definition of LUPUS

  

Definition of LUPUS

      Lupus: A chronic inflammatory disease that is caused by autoimmunity. Patients with lupus have in their blood unusual antibodies that are targeted against their own body tissues. Lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous system. The first symptom is a red (or dark), scaly rash on the nose and cheeks, often called a butterfly rash because of its distinctive shape. As inflammation continues, scar tissue may form, including keloid scarring in patients prone to keloid formation. The cause of lupus is unknown, although heredity, viruses, ultraviolet light, and drugs may all play a role. Lupus is more common in women than in men, and although it occurs in all ethnic groups, it is most common in people of African descent. Diagnosis is made through observation of symptoms, and through testing of the blood for signs of autoimmune activity. Early treatment is essential to prevent progression of the disease. A rheumatologist can provide treatment for lupus, and this treatment has two objectives: treating the difficult symptoms of the disease and treating the underlying autoimmune activity. It may include use of steroids and other anti-inflammatory agents, antidepressants and/or mood stabilizers, intravenous immunoglobulin, and, in cases in which lupus involves the internal organs, chemotherapy. See also lupus, discoed; lupus erythematosis, systemic.

Causes of LUPUS 

The correct reason for lupus isn't known. Specialists trust that a few people are conceived with specific qualities that influence how the resistant framework functions. These individuals will probably get lupus. At that point various different things can trigger lupus assaults. 

These incorporate certain meds, certain synthetic substances, tobacco smoke, certain diseases, and daylight. In spite of the fact that these things can trigger lupus, they may influence one individual yet not someone else. 

a portion of the methods for causes are beneath: 

Hereditary qualities 

Analysts have now recognized in excess of 50 qualities which they connect with lupus. These qualities are more generally found in individuals with lupus than in those without the illness, and keeping in mind that a large portion of these qualities have not been appeared to straightforwardly cause lupus, they are accepted to add to it. 

As a rule, qualities are insufficient. This is particularly obvious with twins who are brought up in a similar domain and have the same acquired highlights yet just a single creates lupus. Despite the fact that, when one of two indistinguishable twins has lupus, there is an expanded shot that the other twin will likewise build up the sickness (30% percent chance for indistinguishable twins; 5-10% percent chance for friendly twins). 

Hormones 

Hormones are the body's dispatchers. They manage a considerable lot of the body's capacities. Since nine of each 10 events of lupus are in females, specialists have taken a gander at the connection amongst estrogen and lupus. 

While people both create estrogen, its generation is substantially more prominent in females. Numerous ladies have more lupus side effects previously menstrual periods or potentially amid pregnancy when estrogen generation is high. This may show that estrogen some way or another directs the seriousness of lupus. 

Condition 

Most specialists today believe that an ecological operator, for example, an infection or perhaps a compound, haphazardly experienced by a hereditarily vulnerable individual, acts to trigger the malady. Specialists have not recognized a particular natural operator so far but rather the speculation stays likely. 


While the ecological components that can trigger lupus and cause flares aren't completely known, the most generally refered to are bright light (UVA and UVB); contaminations (counting the impacts of the Epstein-Barr infection), and introduction to silica tidy in agrarian or modern settings.

Signs and Symptoms of LUPUS

    The symptoms you have depend on what areas of your body the lupus is affecting. But the most common ones include:

• Intense fatigue
• Fever
• Severe joint pain and muscle aches
• Skin rash on the face or body
• Extreme sun sensitivity
• Weight loss
• Chest pain on taking a deep breath
• Nose, mouth, or throat sores
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Poor circulation in fingers and toes
• Bald patches and hair loss

        SOME   Early symptoms

        Because early symptoms are similar to those of other conditions, having them doesn’t necessarily mean you have lupus. Early symptoms can include:

• fatigue
• fever
• hair loss
• rash
• pulmonary problems
• kidney problems
• swollen joints
• gastrointestinal problems
• thyroid problems
• dry mouth and eyes

Lupus treatments and prevention

 You may need specialist doctors to treat the many symptoms of lupus. Your health care team may include:

   Once lupus has been diagnosed, the doctor or rheumatologist will develop a treatment plan based on the patient's age, sex, health, symptoms and lifestyle. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual's needs and may change over time. In developing a treatment plan, the doctor will aim to:A family doctor

• Rheumatologists - doctors who treat arthritis and other diseases that cause swelling in the joints
• Clinical immunologists - doctors who treat immune system disorders
• Nephrologists - doctors who treat kidney disease
• Hematologists - doctors who treat blood disorders
• Dermatologists - doctors who treat skin diseases
• Neurologists - doctors who treat problems with the nervous system
• Cardiologists - doctors who treat heart and blood vessel problems
• Endocrinologists - doctors who treat problems related to the glands and hormones
• Dietitians
• Occupational therapists
• Nurses
• Psychologists
• Social workers.

• Prevent flares
• Treat flares when they occur
• Reduce organ damage and other problems.

Lupus treatments may include drugs to:

• Reduce swelling and pain
• Prevent or reduce flares
• Help the immune system
• Reduce or prevent damage to joints
• Balance the hormones.

Types of medications used in the treatment of lupus include:

• NSAIDs
• Antimalarials
• Corticosteroids
• Immunosuppressives
• BLyS-specific inhibitors
• Hormonal therapies such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
• Intravenous immunoglobulin (proteins derived from human blood).