Lupus Facts

Lupus is often called a "woman's disease" despite the fact that many men are affected. Lupus can occur at any age, and in either sex, although it occurs 10-15 times more frequently among adult females than among adult males. The symptoms of the disease are the same in men and women. People of African, American Indian, and Asian origin are thought to develop the disease more frequently than Caucasian women, but the studies that led to this result are small and need corroboration.

Symptoms of Lupus

Profound fatigue
Low-grade fever
Severe muscle aches and joint pain
Skin rash on face or body
Extreme sun sensitivity
Weight loss
Mental confusion
Chest pain on taking a deep breath
Nose, mouth or throat ulcers
Enlarged lymph nodes
Poor circulation in fingers and toes
Hair loss and bald patches
Discolored urine, or frequent or blocked urination

CAUSES

No single agent has been identified as causing lupus, although some research suggests that a combination of genetic, hormonal and immunologic factors may be behind it. A predisposition to developing the disease does appear to be an inherited trait.

Environmental elements, ranging from viral and bacterial infections to severe emotional stress or overexposure to sunlight, may play roles in provoking or triggering the disease. Certain drugs such as hydralazine and procainamide may cause lupus like symptoms. High estrogen levels resulting from pregnancy, estrogen replacement therapy and oral contraceptives may aggravate lupus. There may also be a link between lupus and silicone breast implants.

DIAGNOSTIC AND TEST PROCEDURES

Diagnosing lupus can be difficult because symptoms often mimic other diseases and vary from patient to patient. Your doctor will first attempt to rule out other connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections and malignancy. Some of the tests your doctor may perform include a complete blood count, platelet count and serum electrophoresis to indicate the levels of white blood cells and plasma proteins. Blood testing for anti-DNA antibodies, which shows whether you have antibodies to the normal genetic material in certain cells, is the most definitive way to identify lupus.

Because this disease mimics other diseases and conditions, it is very difficult to diagnose. Keeping a record of your symptoms may be a useful tool to aid your physician in diagnosis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may be useful in relieving pain. If ANY of your symptoms worsen, CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY!

Source: Onhealth