By: Hello Doctor
By: Hello Doctor
Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disease, that is, the immune system itself attacks its own tissues and organs.
The skin, kidneys, brain, lungs, heart, among other systems and organs can be affected due to the inflammation caused by lupus.
Lupus can be triggered by infections, by some medications for blood pressure or certain medications for seizures, and some antibiotics.
It can also be triggered by sunlight and by having a certain genetic predisposition to suffer from lupus. In some cases the cause is unknown. Proper treatments can help control symptoms.
Each case of lupus is different, some symptoms and signs may appear suddenly or develop slowly.
In some cases they may be mild and in other intense, appear temporarily or permanently. Some people have only occasional “flare-ups” in which signs and symptoms worsen.
– Rash on the face or generalized on the rest of the body.
There is usually a skin rash on the face in the form of butterfly wings on the cheeks and nose.
– Fatigue.
– Joint pain and swelling.
– Fever .
– Shortness of breath.
– Chest pain.
– Headache.
– Blueish fingers and toes to exposure to cold or stress.
In addition to a certain genetic predisposition, it is more frequent in women, among the 15 to 45 year old. It is more common in Hispanic women, American African American and Asian origin.
Lupus and pregnancy, what should you know?
Inflammation caused by lupus can affect various parts of the body, including:
• The kidneys
Lupus can cause kidney failure, which can be serious.
• Lungs
Inflammation may develop in the lining of the chest cavity and make breathing difficult. Bleeding in the lungs and pneumonia are also possible.
• Heart
Inflammation of the heart muscle and arteries may occur. Increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.
• Blood and blood vessels
May decrease the number of healthy red blood cells and develop anemia. Increased risk of bleeding or blood clotting problems or inflammation of the blood vessels.
• The brain and the central nervous system
If lupus affects the brain, headaches, dizziness, problems with the view, among others. In some cases, strokes (embolism) or seizures may occur.
Some people have memory problems and difficulty expressing themselves correctly.
May present other types of complications associated with suffering from Lupus and have a greater propensity to infections, among others.
• Consult your doctor if you have a skin rash with no apparent cause, continuous fever, persistent joint pain or fatigue for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Source: Mayo Clinic