What is lupus in a nutshell?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is the most common type of lupus. SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs. It can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels.

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What is lupus in simple terms?

Lupus occurs when the immune system, which normally helps protect the body from infection and disease, attacks its own tissues. This attack causes inflammation, and in some cases permanent tissue damage, which can be widespread – affecting the skin, joints, heart, lung, kidneys, circulating blood cells, and brain.

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What is the main cause of lupus?

It's likely that lupus results from a combination of your genetics and your environment. It appears that people with an inherited predisposition for lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with something in the environment that can trigger lupus. The cause of lupus in most cases, however, is unknown.

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What is lupus and how serious is it?

Lupus is a chronic (lifelong) autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body. With autoimmune diseases, the body's immune (defense) system cannot tell the difference between viruses, bacteria, and other germs and the body's healthy cells, tissues, or organs.

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What is the life expectancy of a person with lupus?

With close follow-up and treatment, 80-90% of people with lupus can expect to live a normal life span. It is true that medical science has not yet developed a method for curing lupus, and some people do die from the disease. However, for the majority of people living with the disease today, it will not be fatal.

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What is lupus?

23 related questions found

Is having lupus serious?

The seriousness of SLE can range from mild to life-threatening. The disease should be treated by a doctor or a team of doctors who specialize in care of SLE patients. People with lupus that get proper medical care, preventive care, and education can significantly improve function and quality of life.

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Does lupus get worse with age?

With age, symptom activity with lupus often declines, but symptoms you already have may grow more severe. The accumulation of damage over years may result in the need for joint replacements or other treatments.

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What not to say to someone with lupus?

Here are 10 things to never say to someone with lupus or any other chronic disease.
  • But you look so good. ...
  • You are too young to have lupus. ...
  • I'm sure things will get better. ...
  • Do you really need to take all these meds? ...
  • Have you tried this diet? ...
  • Have you tried lupus meditation? ...
  • You need to get more exercise.

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What organ does lupus affect first?

Kidneys About one half of people with lupus experience kidney involvement, and the kidney has become the most extensively studied organ affected by lupus. Lungs About 50% of people with SLE will experience lung involvement during the course of their disease.

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What should you not do if you have lupus?

5 Things to Avoid if You Have Lupus
  1. (1) Sunlight. People with lupus should avoid the sun, since sunlight can cause rashes and flares. ...
  2. (2) Bactrim and Septra (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) Bactrim and Septra are antibiotics that contain sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. ...
  3. (3) Garlic. ...
  4. (4) Alfalfa Sprouts. ...
  5. (5) Echinacea.

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Who is prone to lupus?

Age: Lupus can occur at any age, but most are diagnosed in their 20s and 30s. Race: Lupus is two to three times more common in African-American women than in Caucasian women. It's also more common in Hispanic, Asian, and Native American women.

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What is the sister disease to lupus?

Sjogren's syndrome is a relatively common disease, although often under-diagnosed. Sjogren's syndrome can occur alone or in association with other autoimmune diseases, most commonly lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

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Does lupus make you gain weight?

Weight changes — Lupus can sometimes cause weight loss or weight gain. Weight loss may be unintentional and due to decreased appetite or problems with the digestive system (see 'Digestive system' below).

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What were your first signs of lupus?

The most common lupus symptoms (which are the same for men and women) are:
  • Extreme fatigue (feeling tired all the time)
  • Pain or swelling in the joints.
  • Swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes.
  • Headaches.
  • Low fevers.
  • Sensitivity to sunlight or fluorescent light.
  • Chest pain when breathing deeply.

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What does lupus pain feel like?

Your joints might feel tender and warm. You also might have pain in the joint itself. Lupus-related arthritis can be similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but your symptoms likely won't be as severe, with less swelling and stiffness in the morning. You're also less likely to have permanent joint damage.

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What are the four signs of lupus?

Lupus symptoms include: 1,2
  • Muscle and joint pain. You may experience pain and stiffness, with or without swelling. ...
  • Fever. A fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit affects many people with lupus. ...
  • Rashes. ...
  • Chest pain. ...
  • Hair loss. ...
  • Sun or light sensitivity. ...
  • Kidney problems. ...
  • Mouth sores.

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What foods make lupus worse?

Saturated Fat and Trans Fat

Foods that contain saturated fat or trans fat also contain steroids that can contribute to weight gain because they increase your appetite. It is best to limit both as much as possible since being overweight or obese could worsen your lupus symptoms.

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How is lupus diagnosed?

Blood and urine tests.

The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test can show if your immune system is more likely to make the autoantibodies of lupus. Most people with lupus test positive for ANA. But, a positive ANA does not always mean you have lupus.

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What lifestyle changes for lupus?

Eat an autoimmune-friendly diet

Because lupus is an inflammatory disease, focus on eating an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet or the DASH Diet. Providing your body with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients will help it fight back against flare-ups.

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Is living with lupus hard?

Living with lupus can be hard, but a positive outlook is important. You can do several things to help you live with lupus. A good place to start managing your lupus is to work with your doctor and take your medications as directed. At times, you may feel sadness and anger.

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Is lupus considered a disability?

Lupus is a long-term, autoimmune disease affecting major organs and body systems. Symptoms can affect day-to-day life and make usual activities more difficult. Lupus is on the list of disabilities under the SSA, so those with the condition may qualify for disability benefits if their experiences meet the requirements.

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Does lupus show up on blood work?

Antibody blood tests

The test you will hear about most is called the antinuclear antibodies test (the ANA test). 97% of people with lupus will test positive for ANA.

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What does lupus do to eyes?

The effects lupus may have in and around the eyes include: changes in the skin around the eyelids, dry eyes, inflammation of the white outer layer of the eyeball, blood vessel changes in the retina, and damage to nerves controlling eye movement and affecting vision.

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How long can you have lupus without knowing?

Lupus is known as "the great imitator" because its symptoms mimic many other illnesses. Lupus symptoms can also be unclear, can come and go, and can change. On average, it takes nearly six years for people with lupus to be diagnosed, from the time they first notice their lupus symptoms.

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