Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the human immune system turns hyperactive, and then it attacks normal tissues, organs and cells. Over 5 million individuals around the world have lupus, and around 90% of the group are women.
Lupus Life Expectancy
A question we often come across from online audience is this: “Is lupus fatal?” With early diagnosis, and as more effective treatment methods are available, clinicians do not regard it as a fatal condition for everyone.
Yes, they can expect to have a usual lifespan, plus fine quality of life. Even so, it is tough to calculate how long lupus-diagnosed people are likely to live because they experience different effects, complications and symptoms.
Those who experience severe flare-ups in lupus are likelier to have life-threatening conditions like tissue damage and internal organ damage. A lupus patient’s life expectancy depends on factors, including the immune reaction to treatment and the gravity of this disease.
Certain treatments can put individuals with lupus more in danger of forming possibly fatal infections. Most of them, however, can expect at least a near-usual life expectancy.
Studies have shown that several individuals diagnosed with the disease live on for a maximum of four decades. As studies progress, scientists expect to single out those at-risk individuals through genetic research. This will enable doctors to start stopping known complications earlier and improve those people’s life expectancy.
Besides, researchers expect to discover the human molecular pathways which lead to lupus to target these for fresh therapies.
Living with the Condition
You may have a usual life expectancy, but it is essential to confirm that you keep a maximum standard of life.
It can be tricky to live with lupus. Taking some medications for lupus can lead to other issues. For a fine quality of life, working with a medical professional and having a balanced dose of medications is essential.
Drugs play a big part in controlling lupus, but you can take alternative steps to deal with your symptoms and make your life expectancy and standard of life better. Some of these steps are as follows.
- Regular workout: This will ease muscle stiffness, prevent osteoporosis, protect the heart and relieve stress.
- Quitting Smoking: Taking this step will reduce the possibility of bronchitis, pneumonia, and coronary heart disease, plus it can help prevent heart attacks and infections.
- Resting: This will relieve fatigue, make flare-ups less likely to happen, and reduce pain sensitivity.
