Definition

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. It inflames:

• Joints
• Tendons
• Skin
• Other connective tissue and organs

It causes the immune system to make antibodies that attack the body's healthy cells and tissue.

Causes

The cause of lupus is unknown. Researchers believe it may be a combination of:

• Genetic factors
• Environmental factors, which may include:
  • Sunlight (UV rays)
  • Stress
• Viral or other type of infection
• Drug-induced ( methyldopa , procainamide , hydralazine , isoniazid , chlorpromazine , TNF-blocking drugs)

Risk Factors

These risk factors increase your chance of developing lupus. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

• Sex: female to male ratio: 10:1
• Age: childbearing age (20-45 years)
• Race: African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic

Symptoms

Symptoms can be mild or very severe. For some people, only part of the body (eg, skin) is affected. For others, many parts are affected. Though symptoms can be chronic, they can flare up and get better on and off.

Common symptoms:

• Swollen and/or painful joints
• Fever
• Skin rashes over areas exposed to sunlight (especially on the nose and cheeks)
• Extreme fatigue

Common Lupus Rash Sites

Facial butterfly rash is hallmark of Lupus.

© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Other symptoms may include:

• Hair loss
• Chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
• Kidney inflammation
• High blood pressure
• Anemia or other blood disorders
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Ulcers in nose or mouth
• Swollen glands
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Inflamed heart, heart vessels, or membrane surrounding the heart
• Blood clots

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical and family history, and perform a physical exam. The diagnosis is based on symptoms, especially for young women. No single test can determine if you have lupus. But, a number of blood tests for specific antibodies can confirm diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends on symptoms.

Prevention

You cannot prevent lupus because the cause is unknown.

To prevent flare-ups of symptoms:

• Schedule regular check-ups.
• Treat any and all infections quickly and vigorously.
• Avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors .
• Eat a healthful diet, one that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains , fruits, and vegetables .
• Limit emotional stress .
• Get adequate rest .
• Exercise moderately (as much as your condition allows) with your doctor's permission.
• Call your doctor if you think you will have a flare-up.
• Avoid oral contraceptives, especially if you have had a blood clot.