Introduction to Lupus

Introduction to Lupus

 Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect almost any part of the body, most frequently the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys.  The body’s immune system normally makes proteins called antibodies to protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials. These foreign materials are called antigens, in an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, the immune system makes antibodies that bid to proteins of a person’s own

Body.  The antibodies, in effect, are targeted against “self.” These antibodies, called autoantibodies, react with the “self” proteins to form immune complexes. The immune complexes build up in the tissues and can cause inflammation, injury to tissues, and pain.

 Treatment

There is no cure for lupus.  However, early diagnosis and proper medical treatment can significantly help to control the disease.  Symptoms often vary from one individual to another and treatment is tailored to the different problems that arise in each person

Regular rest is Important when the disease is active.  At the same time, regular physical activity is encouraged to increase joint flexibility and muscle strength.

Common sense dictates that the juxtaposition of rest and exercise be modified during times of illness and enhanced during times of remission.

Regular use of sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB light help prevent rashes and imitations .  For those who still develop rashes, treatment with

Cortisone creams is sometimes very helpful.

Aspirin or aspirin-like drugs (nonstroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may ease

Achy joints (arthralgia) and arthritis.

The anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is often prescribed for more severe joint or skin involvement.

Cortisone drugs (the most commonly prescribed is prednisone) are often used for more severe organ involvement. Not everyone with lupus needs cortisone. These agents, particularly in higher doses used for longer amounts of time, have potentially hazardous side effects.

If you have a fever (over 100 degrees F), call your doctor.  It is very important to distinguish fevers due to a lupus flare from fevers caused by infections, since the management of each would be very different.

Go to your doctor for regular checkups.  Regular checkups usually include blood and urine tests. Eat a heart-healthy diet and do not smoke. Lupus itself is a risk factor for heart disease, so it is prudent to minimize any other risk factors.  Make sure your doctor checks your lipid panel, blood pressure and homocysteine levels at least once a year.

When in doubt, discuss your concerns with your doctor. Your doctor should ideally keep a two -way line of communication open and work with you as a team to minimize flares and keep your life as normal as possible.

Do not give up your most important goals and dreams. Some plans may have to be modified, but it is important to your overall health for you to find a new path that leads you where you want to go.