LOC100133331
Lupus: An Autoimmune Disease with Many Faces
Description
Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect multiple organs and systems in the body. It occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage.
Lupus is characterized by a wide range of symptoms that can vary from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain and swelling
- Skin rashes, particularly on the face
- Kidney problems
- Anemia
- Neurological issues
- Blood clotting disorders
Associated Diseases
Lupus can be associated with other autoimmune diseases, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjogren's syndrome
- Polymyositis
- Dermatomyositis
- Antiphospholipid syndrome
Did you Know ?
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, approximately 1.5 million Americans have lupus. It primarily affects women of childbearing age, with a ratio of 9 women to 1 man being diagnosed.
