WHAT IS LUPUS ?

There is no cure for Lupus. The cause is unknown. Nine out of ten people who have Lupus are women in their child-bearing years. Lupus is a chronic, unpredictable, potentially disabling and lifethreatening autoimmune disease, subject to flares and remissions, which can attack any organ of the body in a pattern that differs greatly person to person.

In healthy people the immune system protects the body from bacteria, viruses, and foreign substances. However, in people with Lupus the immune system directs an attack against itself.. The result of this attack is inflammation of organs and systems that give rise to a variety of symptoms, ranging from a raised rash on the face to kidney failure. Despite the enormous scientivic advances made in the management of Lupus and its treatments, the fact remains that this disease is still claiming lives every year. Lupus is part of a spectrum of rheumatic or connective tissue diseases which includes rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma. It also is part of the larger continuum of autoimmune diseases that includes such illnesses as juvenile onset diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Symptoms

Pain, stiffness, or swelling in the joints
Excessive and profound fatigue or weakness
Prolonged flu like symptoms
Red rash over the cheeks and the bridge of the nose
Colour changes in the hand and feet when exposed to cold
Unusual hair loss
Sudden and dramatic weight loss
Abnormal reaction to sunlight
Ulcers in mouth, nose, and throat
Pain in the chest; especially when breathing deeply
Feelings of forgetfulness or confusion, perhaps accompanied by headaches and seizures

Diagnosis

Lupus is unique to each individual and imitates many other ilnesses. Diagnosis is difficult and requires time and patience from the individual and physician. There is no one diagnostic test that can be done to confirm Lupus. Diagnosis of Lupus is made based on observation over a period of time, a complete medical history, extensive lab testing related to the immune system, and the presence of four criteria out of eleven as classified by The American Rheumatism Association. The illness can flare and go into remission which adds to the challenge of diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments are tailored to the individual based on the type of Lupus and the severity of the sypmtoms. Sunscreens, cortisone creams and medications such as anti-inflammatories, antimalarials, steroids, and immunosuppressives may be used singly or in combination. These drugs with long term use can cause significant side effect making management of Lupus even more complicated.