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Medical Professional Corner
May is observed as Lupus Awareness Month. This month aims to raise awareness and educate the public about the health effects of lupus. Let us fight this invisible illness together and make lupus an international health priority.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that is:
- CHRONIC
- INCURABLE
- UNCOMMON
The immune system attacks the patient’s own tissues, in a process called autoimmunity “loss of self-tolerance”
Lupus is more frequent and severe with higher disease activity and more damage accrual in specific ethnographies
As no two cases of lupus are alike, the diagnosis of lupus remains a challenge
Around 10-15% lupus patients die prematurely due to complications from lupus
At least 50,00,000 people
suffer from LUPUS globally
90% LUPUS patients ARE WOMEN
What are the types of Lupus?
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - Most common form of lupus and can be mild or severe.
- Discoid Lupus Erythematosus - A form of lupus limited to the skin.
- Drug-Induced Lupus Erythematosus - Caused by taking certain prescription drugs.
- Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus - Affects babies of women who have anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies.
Symptoms of lupus
Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
Lung problems such as stabbing chest pain or shortness of breath
Heart problems such as chest pain and an unexplained rapid or irregular heart beat
Kidney disease that leads to weight gain and swelling (edema)
Neurological problems includes headaches and difficulty with memory
Scaly disk-shaped rash. on face, neck, ears, scalp, chest
Sunlight sensitivity of the skin
Blood Problems Such As Anemia or Low White Blood Cell Count
Arthritis such as pain in joints
Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
Lung problems such as stabbing chest pain or shortness of breath
Heart problems such as chest pain and an unexplained rapid or irregular heart beat
Kidney disease that leads to weight gain and swelling (edema)
Neurological problems includes headaches and difficulty with memory
Scaly disk-shaped rash. on face, neck, ears, scalp, chest
Sunlight sensitivity of the skin
Blood Problems Such As Anemia or Low White Blood Cell Count
Arthritis such as pain in joints
Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
Neurological problems includes headaches and difficulty with memory
Lung Problems Such As Stabbing Chest Pain Or Shortness Of Breath
Scaly Disk-Shaped Rash. On Face, Neck, Ears, Scalp, Chest
Heart Problems Such As Chest Pain And An Unexplained Rapid Or Irregular Heart Beat
Sunlight Sensitivity Of The Skin
Kidney Disease That Leads To Weight Gain And Swelling (Edema)
Blood Problems Such As Anemia Or Low White Blood Cell Count
Arthritis Such As Pain In Joints
HOW TO DIAGNOSE LUPUS?
Patient symptoms
Medical history
Blood tests
Urine tests
Biopsies
Imaging tests
Treatment
The treatment goals include:
- Suppressing the overactive immune system
- Treating symptoms and flares
- Preventing organ damage
Common treatment options include:
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressants
- NSAIDS
Living With Lupus
Manage Stress
Manage Pain
Talk with doctor about taking over-the-counter pain medicines.
Use heat or cold packs.
Try relaxation techniques like meditation or breathing exercises.
Ask your doctor about acupuncture or acupressure.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ULTRAVIOLET(UV) LIGHT
Drink a lot of water.
Plan outdoor activities early morning or later in the evening.
Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Use sunglasses that block UV rays.
Wear long sleeves, pants, and wide brimmed hats.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM INFECTIONS
Wash Your Hands Often.
Avoid Coming In Contact With People With Cold Or Other Illnesses.
Clean And Protect Any Cuts Or Wounds.
Talk With Doctor Before Taking Any Antibiotics.
Consult A Doctor If You Have A Fever Over 100 °F.
Protect Yourself From Ultraviolet(UV) Light
Drink a lot of water
Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
Use sunglasses that block UV rays
Plan outdoor activities early morning or later in the evening
Wear long sleeves, pants, and wide brimmed hats
Protect Yourself From Infections
Wash your hands often
Consult a doctor if you have a fever over 100 °F
Clean and protect any cuts or wounds
Talk with doctor before taking any antibiotics
Avoid coming in contact with people with cold or other illnesses
HOW LUPUS AFFECTS KIDNEYS?
A disease involving inflammation of the kidneys caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In lupus nephritis, the kidneys fail to remove waste from the blood and control the amount of fluids in the body.
Managing Lupus Nephritis
Eating right for better kidney health
Stay hydrated
Improve your sleep
Exercise regularly
Practice meditation
Consult Nephrologist regularly
HOW LUPUS AFFECTS KIDNEYS?
A disease involving inflammation of the kidneys caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In lupus nephritis, the kidneys fail to remove waste from the blood and control the amount of fluids in the body.
10%-30% develop kidney failure within
15 years of diagnosis
One study found that after 24 weeks
of treatment, 9 out of 10 people still showed
signs of kidney disease
HOW LUPUS AFFECTS KIDNEYS?
A disease involving inflammation of the kidneys caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In lupus nephritis, the kidneys cannot function properly to remove waste from the blood and control the amount of fluids in the body.
10%-30% develop kidney failure within 15 years of diagnosis
One study found that after 24 weeks of treatment, 9 out of 10 people still showed signs of kidney disease
Who Develops It?
About 50% of people with lupus will go on to develop lupus nephritis
About ONE-THIRD have lupus nephritis at DIAGNOSIS
Signs and Symptoms
High blood pressure
Weight gain
Foamy or frothy urine
Fatigue
Swelling, usually in legs, feet, or ankles
Key Feature of Lupus Nephritis:
Higher than normal levels of PROTEIN IN THE URINE (a condition known as proteinuria)
Care Management
Consult doctor
regularly
Get plenty of rest
Reduce stress
Avoid sunlight
Eat a healthy diet
Learn more about
lupus
CONSULT DOCTOR REGULARLY
GET PLENTY OF REST
REDUCE STRESS
AVOID SUNLIGHT
EAT A HEALTHY DIET
LEARN MORE ABOUT
LUPUS
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Source: www.lupusresearch.org, www.lupus.org, www.niams.nih.gov, www.cdc.gov
