Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects different parts of your body. Even though lupus is generally not a lethal disease, it has caused deaths in the past due to kidney failure. But today it is possible to provide a normal lifespan for people with lupus through careful medication.
Lupus impacts different body parts like kidneys, heart, brain, etc. The damage caused by lupus on different body parts will be as follows.
Kidneys
Kidneys are the organs most affected by this disease. Lupus causes long-term inflammation in the kidneys which will result in their damage. If the damages are severe it will begin to lose function. Hence it is important to find out the presence of lupus in the early stages itself for protecting your kidneys from damage.
Heart
Even though it is possible to prevent the occurrence of death because of kidney failure caused by lupus, people with lupus are still at risk of having heart disease. It can result in an increased rate of artery diseases and heart attacks. Even young patients who are in their 20s can develop heart diseases because of lupus. Another symptom associated with it is the chest pain caused by the inflammation of the lining around the heart.
Brain
Inflammation in the brain caused by lupus can result in headaches, poor concentration, memory loss, mental problems, meningitis, seizures or even a coma. Some patients show other symptoms like depression or anxiety.
Blood
People with lupus are at a high risk of developing blood clots or anemia. Another symptom that is found in people who are diagnosed with lupus is the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). This condition increases the risk of clot formation and miscarriages.
Blood clots can occur in any part of your body ranging from lungs to brain.
Lungs
Lupus can cause inflammation in the lining that surrounds the lungs, which is known as pleuritis. A sharp chest pain when you inhale is a symptom of this condition. The inflammation can spread to your lungs causing its damage; hence, the amount of oxygen the bloodstream absorbs will be decreased.
Digestive system
The inflammation as a result of lupus can also spread to the digestive system, affecting organs like the liver and pancreas. This disease can also cause the leakage of protein from the gut, a condition known as protein-losing enteropathy. It can reduce the nutrition absorption and may result in diarrhea.
Joints
People with lupus can also develop inflammatory arthritis. It can cause stiffness, swelling, pain, etc. in joints.
