How to Understand Lupus

Lupus is also known as Systemic Lupus Erythemastosus or SLE. In short, it is normally called lupus. It is a disease that is classified as autoimmune and it is deadly. An autoimmune disease is a type of disease that attacks the cells and tissues of the body. The cells and tissues are then inflamed. Lupus can attack any parts of the body including the nervous system, and if this happens, the results can be fatal.

One needs top understand lupus and how it should be diagnosed. It is essential that proper care is given t patients to ensure survival. It is also necessary that knowledge in diagnosis of the disease is present so early signs and symptoms can be easily spotted and lead to cure early than having to deal with the disease once it is full blown.

The steps below are provided to guide you in understanding lupus and how to diagnose it.

STEP 1: Be aware of what lupus is. It is an autoimmune disease that makes the body attack itself. This means that the body’s natural immune system is killing its own cells that are meant to protect it. With this, the cells and tissues of the immune system become very active and are then inflamed.

STEP 2: Awareness of risk factors is necessary. Other than pregnancy, there are certainly factors that may contribute to the likelihood of a person getting lupus. This includes historical background of the family, race, and gender. It should also be noted that lupus may be caused by several environmental factors. These include infections, extreme stress, antibiotics, and ultraviolet rays. Also, take note that women are 10-15 times more at risk than men. Researchers are studying if there is a connection between lupus and estrogen, a hormone found dominant in women.

STEP 3: Look for symptoms. Lupus symptoms are manifested physically. First symptom is the so-called butterfly rash. This may be seen early in the stages of lupus on the bridge of the nose or under the eyes. The rash may also be present or found on the cheeks.

Lupus may also manifest through the following:

Dermatological manifestations. This includes the butterfly rash and other red and scaly patches found in the skin. Most of these patches are thick.
Musculoskeletal manifestations. These are joint pains felt by patients. Normally, the small joints in the hands and wrists are complained about.
Blood Manifestations. This is commonly seen as anemia. Another symptom is iron deficiency.
Cardiac manifestations. There are inflammations seen in the heart if someone is likely to have lupus.
Pulmonary and Kidney manifestations. Just like the heart, the lungs are inflamed.

STEP 4: Know the types of lupus. There are only three classifications of lupus. The first is cutaneous lupus. This affects the skin only. Another type is the systemic lupus. This has something to do with the liver, kidney, joints, and other internal organs and tissues. And the last type is called drug-induced lupus. This type of lupus is caused by drugs taken in by the patient.

STEP 5: Take note of any symptoms of lupus and immediately see the doctor. As a possible lupus patient, there should be blood tests. There should be a complete blood test and there should also be tests done to check the immune system.