Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body, including the skin, joints, and organs. The body's immune system attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation and tissue damage.
There is no cure for lupus, but treatments can help control the symptoms and prevent flares.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of lupus can vary from person to person. They may come on slowly or suddenly, and can range from mild to severe.
Common signs and symptoms of lupus include:
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Fatigue
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Fever
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Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
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Rash
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Skin lesions that may be triggered by sunlight
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Shortness of breath
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Chest pain
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Dry eyes
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Headaches
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Memory problems
These are just some of the most common signs and symptoms of lupus. Lupus can also cause other less common symptoms.
Causes
The cause of lupus is still unknown. However, it is thought to be a combination of genetics and environmental factors.
Some environmental factors that may contribute to the development of lupus include:
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Exposure to sunlight
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Certain medications
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Infections
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Stress
It is important to note that not everyone with these risk factors will develop lupus.
Risk factors
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing lupus. These include:
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Being female
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Having a family history of lupus
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Being of African, Asian, or Native American descent
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Having certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disease
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent lupus. However, there are some things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition.
These include:
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Avoiding exposure to sunlight
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Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing
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Avoiding certain medications
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Managing stress
If you have lupus, there are also some things that you can do to prevent flares and manage your symptoms.
Diagnosis
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can vary from person to person and can come and go over time.
There is no one test that can diagnose lupus. Instead, a diagnosis is usually made based on a combination of symptoms, medical history, and lab tests.
If you think you may have lupus, it is important to see a doctor so that the condition can be properly diagnosed and treated.
Treatment
There is no cure for lupus, but there are treatments that can help control the symptoms and prevent flares.
Treatment for lupus often includes:
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Anti-inflammatory medications
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Immunosuppressive medications
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Corticosteroids
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Plasmapheresis
Depending on the severity of the condition, other treatments may also be necessary.
Coping and support
Lupus can be a difficult disease to deal with both physically and emotionally. It is important to find a support system to help you cope with the challenges of living with lupus.
There are a number of support groups and organizations that can provide information and support.
Complications
Lupus can cause a number of complications.
Some of the most common include:
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Heart disease
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Kidney disease
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Lung disease
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Neurological problems
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Cancer
Living with Lupus
Lupus is a chronic disease that can be difficult to deal with both physically and emotionally. However, there are treatments available that can help control the symptoms and prevent flares.
It is important to find a support system to help you cope with the challenges of living with lupus. There are a number of support groups and organizations that can provide information and support.
