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lupus, often called SLE for systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic rheumatic disease in which connective tissue throughout the body becomes inflamed. It is an autoimmune disease in which inflammation is caused by antibodies that attack normal body tissue as if it were outside intruder. The exact cause is unknown, but researchers believe that certain people inherit a genetic predisposition for the disease, which is then triggered by a virus or other unknown environmental factor. The disease affects women about 10-times as often as men. It can at any age but is most common in young adults. The symptoms range from mild so that SLE goes undetected over a long time off, even life threatening.

Lupus is often called the great Pretender diseases because it is such a variety of symptoms, the most common are fatigue and joint pain. But other symptoms can also be a chronic low fever, hair loss, weakness, weight loss, dry eyes and mouth, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, nausea, and mouth ulcers. About half of patients develop a butterfly-shaped rash over the nose and cheeks. Depending on the affected organs, SLE can also cause severe headaches, anemia, inflammation of the lining of the heart or the lungs, kidney failure and mental illness. A variant of Discoid lupus erythematosus mainly affects the skin. A rash may not only face but also on the neck, scalp, and in other areas. It ranges from a mild scaliness to a widespread blistery eruption. As in many other rheumatic diseases, symptoms come and go unpredictably. Sun or stress is often a flare-up. During pregnancy, the symptoms can worsen and miscarriages.

Diagnostic tests and procedures

Any unexplained joint pain and stiffness with other vague symptoms justify a rheumatologist tested for lupus. The workup should be blood tests to determine whether the body produces substances called anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), in particular antibodies against its own DNA. If lupus seems likely, further testing is done to assess the kidneys, lungs and other organs, often the target of the disease.

Medical Treatments

You and your doctor can experiment with various drugs investigated over a period of months and find the right one for you. Possibilities are: Aspirin and other non-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin and others), naproxen (Anaprox and Naprosyn), indomethacin, sulindac, tolmetin (Tolectin), Piroxicam and you are the first line of treatment and may all who is necessary to relatively mild forms. NSAID pain simply by interfering with the body of the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that are in the inflammatory process. But they can cause stomach irritation and ulcers, and should always be taken with food and perhaps antacids. Even if you are none of these drugs for pain, your doctor may recommend that a baby aspirin daily to reduce the risk of blood clots, because lupus can also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine. These help lupus by suppressing the immune system. They are particularly useful in the prevention of skin rashes and joint pain. However, it may be two to six months before the benefits, especially the disappearance of a nocturnal low fever. Because these drugs cause eye damage in a small percentage of patients, all with them in the long term needs an eye examination every three to six months. Oral corticosteriods as prednisone and methylprednisolone, synthetic versions of cortisone (which is an endogenous steroid hormones).

They reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system. Steroids are often a mainstay of treatment for people with lupus-related kidney, blood and neurological disorders, but they are undesirable side effects, including weight gain and lowered resistance to infections. Therefore they should be for a limited period only at the lowest possible dose, and preferably every other day. Since steroids in the long term increase the risk of osteoporosis, daily calcium supplements are recommended. If on steroids, the dosage should be reduced slowly over a period of several weeks to months, as abrupt cessation can cause a lupus flare-up or life threatening adrenal failure. Topical steroids, such as hydro-cortisone creams and ointments, the fewer side effects than oral steroids and may be useful in the treatment of lupus rashes. Continuous use should be limited to no more than two weeks. Cytotoxic drugs such as azathioprine (I and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan or NEOSAR), were developed to suppress the immune system in patients who have organ transplants. Then, doctors discovered that they are also useful for the treatment of severe lupus. You can take the prescribed or in addition to steroids. but because of their potentially serious side effects, including possible damage to the liver and a slightly increased risk for cancer, frequent blood and urine tests are needed to detect such problems early.

Alternative Therapies

Herbal Medicine

Feverfew, which is available in capsule form and as a tea, has been shown that an anti-inflammatory effect, and some studies have advantages in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, joint pain.

Hydrotherapy

Contrast baths can alleviate severe generalized pain. Sit in a bath that is as hot as you can for 5 to 10 minutes, then a cold shower for 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. minutes. If pain is only in one or two joints, an ice pack may be enough, or use a plastic bag filled with frozen peas or corn, which are the common parts. Wrap the pack in cloth before using it on the skin.

Meditation and self hypnosis

These and other relaxation techniques are helpful in controlling the stress that can aggravate lupus.

Nutritional Therapy

Nutritionists recommend a diet low in protein, and starches, fresh fruits and vegetables. Alfalfa sprouts and seeds, which can be a flare-up should be avoided. Some people find that milk, beef, vegetables and some may even intensify symptoms. It may be advisable that a food diary and the removal of your diet all foods that causes problems. Antioxidant vitamins, especially beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A) and vitamins C and E, were for the relief of lupus. Vitamin E applied directly to the skin can help mitigate a lupus rash. Studies suggest that gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and omega-3-fatty acids reduce the inflammatory response. Good sources, and recommended dosages are evening primrose oil capsules (1000 mg twice daily) or black currant oil (500 mg twice daily). Other good sources of omega-3-fatty acids are flaxseed oil and cold-water fish such as salmon and sardines. In general, lupus patients should avoid, multi-unsaturated oils such as corn, safflower, sunflower and soybean, the high in arachidonic acid, a fatty acid to the inflammation. Annotative better, oils and other simple.

Self-treatment

As a starting point, try to identify factors that worsen the condition. Keep a daily diary of symptoms and the evening temperature (at higher, it can be an early sign of an impending flareup. At the first signs of an increase in the symptoms you will find aggressive treatment with drugs head to them in May, to reduce fatigue, at least nine hours sleep at night and by day, the half-hour breaks between periods of activity. Reorganize your home and workplace to unnecessary energy consumption. Energy permit the exercise, but a jarring movements of the joints. hiking, swimming and movements seem to be if the disease is active, a less demanding schedule and the plans can not be canceled because you never know, do you feel from one day to the next. If you are planning a vacation, purchasing trip cancellation insurance. If your symptoms are from the sun, try to avoid exposure to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. clock and always wear sunscreen and since estrogen may be in the development of lupus, women with the disease are often advised not to use the birth of the contraceptive pill. After menopause, estrogen replacement therapy is not recommended for these women.

Certain medications, including antibiotics and sulfa drugs, may provoke a lupus flare-up. In general, no medication without first with your rheumatologist. If your medication regime also NSAIDs andJor steroids, after eating two antacids, calcium and stomach to reduce the irritation of osteoporosis. If you have dry mouth, sip water or sugarless soda throughout the day. Try sugarless gum, to the production of saliva. Or nonprescription use a saliva substitute. Note also that dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Brush and floss regularly see a dentist at least every six months and ask for antibacterial fluoride dental treatments and products. Find out more about lupus support groups in your area. Meet with others that the disease can alleviate feelings of isolation and offer information to improve your life.

Other causes of symptoms such as lupus

Chronic fatigue syndrome and Lyme disease and other rheumatic diseases may cause symptoms like those of lupus.

Read more on symptoms of lymphedema. Check out products for wound care and Lymphedema bandages.