LOC100996291
Lupus: An Autoimmune Disease That Affects the Body's Tissues
Description
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various tissues and organs in the body. It occurs when the immune system, which normally protects the body from foreign invaders, mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This can lead to inflammation and damage to organs such as the skin, joints, kidneys, and lungs.
Types of Lupus
There are several types of lupus, including:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): This is the most common type of lupus and affects multiple organs and systems in the body.
- Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE): This type primarily affects the skin.
- Drug-induced lupus: This type is caused by certain medications, such as hydralazine and procainamide.
- Neonatal lupus: This rare type affects newborns whose mothers have lupus.
Associated Diseases
Lupus can be associated with other autoimmune diseases, such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjögren's syndrome
- Thyroid disease
- Vasculitis
Did you Know ?
- Lupus affects approximately 1.5 million people in the United States.
- Women are more likely to develop lupus than men, with a ratio of about 9:1.
