Lupus is a complex condition that can affect people in a wide variety of ways. People can have a lot of questions about lupus because of its complexity. Therefore, we answer some of the common questions you can have about this chronic health condition:
What Is Lupus?
Lupus is a form of an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system malfunctions. The immune system attacks the body’s own healthy cells instead of foreign substances. This causes the destruction of healthy cells in the body which results in a large number of problems including pain, inflammation, skin problems, etc.
Lupus can affect different parts of your body including joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, brain, etc. The parts affected by this condition can vary between people, and so is the lupus symptoms.
What Causes Lupus?
The exact causes for the development of autoimmune disorders including lupus are still unknown to health experts. But they suggest that a combination of several factors can contribute to the development of this condition. Some of them include a family history of having this condition, stress, sunlight, environmental factors, some medications, etc. These factors can trigger lupus symptoms in people.
What Are The Symptoms Of Lupus?
One of the most distinct symptoms of this condition is the lupus rash that spreads across your nose and cheeks in the shape of a butterfly. This rash is also known as the butterfly rash because of its specific shape. Some other symptoms of lupus are:
- Fever
- Pain and swelling in joints
- Swollen glands
- Chest pain when you breathe
- Sensitivity to the sun
- Severe fatigue
- Unusual hair loss
- Low blood count
- Memory problems, trouble thinking, and depression
What Are The Treatment Options For Lupus?
Even though lupus cannot be cured, its symptoms can be controlled. Your doctor can prescribe different medications based on your symptoms. Aspirin or similar medications can be recommended by your doctor to control the fever and swollen joints. Creams can be used for relieving the rashes. But if the problems are severe, stronger medicines like corticosteroids, chemotherapy drugs, and antimalarial drugs can also be prescribed.
As lupus symptoms can greatly vary, they can overlap with the symptoms of some other health condition thereby making it difficult for you to detect the presence of this condition. But if you experience four or more symptoms listed above, then it can be lupus. In such a case, make sure to get expert help and verify if you are suffering from this condition.
