LVRN
Lupus: A Comprehensive Guide
Description:
Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and tissues. It occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Lupus can affect people of all ages, ethnicities, and genders, but it primarily affects women of childbearing age.
Associated Diseases:
Lupus can be associated with a wide range of clinical conditions, including:
- Skin disorders: Lupus can cause rashes, blisters, and sores on the skin. The most common type of skin rash associated with lupus is a butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks.
- Joint pain and swelling: Lupus often causes inflammation and pain in the joints, particularly in the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles.
- Kidney problems: Lupus can affect the kidneys, causing inflammation and damage. This can lead to proteinuria (protein in the urine) and kidney failure in severe cases.
- Blood disorders: Lupus can affect blood cells, causing anemia, low white blood cell counts, and thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts).
- Heart and lung problems: Lupus can cause inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) and the lining of the lungs (pleuritis).
- Neurological disorders: Lupus can affect the brain and nervous system, causing headaches, seizures, and cognitive impairment.
Did you Know ?
Approximately 1.5 million people worldwide have lupus, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 1,000. Women are nine times more likely to develop lupus than men.
