Lupus is a systemic disease that affects the entire body and not a particular organ. It develops due to an alteration in the immune system, which attacks healthy cells and tissue, damaging the joints, skin, blood vessels, and organs. Although there are environmental, hereditary, and hormonal factors that can cause this disease, it is not confirmed how they interact for Lupus to develop. At FastlyHeal, we explain everything related to Lupus, its types, symptoms, treatment, and recommendations.
Table of Contents
Types of Lupus
There are four types of Lupus:
- Systemic Lupus is the most common case that can be found of Lupus; its development ranges from mild to severe and sometimes causes kidney problems, alopecia, and sensitivity to light.
- Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: This type of Lupus is more prevalent in African Americans and Asians and causes high sensitivity and inflammation of the blood vessels. This Lupus is subdivided according to the form of the lesions on the skin.
- Drug lupus: it is very similar to cutaneous Lupus; it is caused by an excessive reaction to a drug, generally those used to treat tuberculosis, high blood pressure, and heart disorders.
- Neonatal Lupus: This is not usually common and is because the mother if she has had Lupus, can transfer the antibodies to the fetus. Symptoms typically disappear after six months, but it is common for this to be treated by your doctor before the baby is born.
Symptoms of Lupus
The symptoms that appear in Lupus will depend on the patient; in some, they are usually mild, and in others, they will occur suddenly and with greater severity. It is a chronic disease; a doctor must supervise it.
One of the most common symptoms is joint pain, fatigue, which does not give in to rest, butterfly-shaped skin rashes, alopecia, which can also be caused by the drug being taken, and hypersensitivity to light worsens in long exposures to the sun. Respiratory problems are another of the symptoms of Lupus; it can cause inflammation of the lungs or the pericardium.
Only a third of people with Lupus develop kidney problems generating blood in the urine or hypertension; Painless mouth sores and blood disorders such as anemia are regular. Some people may develop poor concentration and memory problems.
Treatment for Lupus
Because it is a systemic disease, several specialists must decide on the treatment, and a plan will be made, together with the patient, to observe if there is any improvement; the idea is to avoid outbreaks and treat them in time, in addition to preventing the damage to other organs.
Treatment for Lupus will consist of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and pain, anti-rheumatic drugs that will help prevent the disease from spreading, and corticosteroids to control the immune system.
recommendations
Visit your doctor regularly, even when the symptoms are not severe, stay informed about your disease and be active in the recommended treatment; it is shown that these patients have a considerable improvement in reducing pain.
Do some physical activity; it may be more accessible when the Lupus is not very active, but it is recommended that even in the outbreaks, go to a physiotherapist; this will help stiffness and prevent muscle weakness; acupuncture can also be an option to the time to decrease the pain. Finally, a balanced diet where omega 3 is present is essential; in the same way, you should plan a nutritional guide with your doctor to clarify which foods will benefit you the most.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Lupus: types, symptoms, treatment, and recommendations, we recommend entering our Immune System category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.